Flocking is an effective anti-predation strategy in redshanks, Tringa totanus

Authors :: Cresswell, Will
Source :: Animal Behaviour. Feb, 1994, Vol. 47 Issue 2, p433, 10 p.
Publication Year :: 1994
Abstract: Wintering redshanks (Tringa totanus) in an estuary in Scotland were examined for anti-predator patterns and an extremely high mortality rate resulting almost exclusively from predation by raptors. The presence of sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus) causes a small flock to fly, but bigger flocks were selectively assaulted.