Courtship Behavior of Large Falcons in Captivity
Abstract
The courtship behavior of captive Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus), Gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus), Prairie Falcons (Falco mexicanus), and Lanner Falcons (Falco biarmicus) is very similar in basic form and function. No subspecific differences in courtship behavior were apparent in Peregrines. Variations in the vocalizations of a species are common and function to communicate the intensity of motivation. The seasonal ontogeny of Peregrine reproductive behavior is similar in all experienced pairs. Gradual and consistent shifts in yearly development are evident during the first two years of breeding, but usually a pattern appears to stabilize by the third year.
Major interspecific differences were found in the frequency of aggressive and nonaggressive postures in both ritualized and nonritualized displays and in their relative use by the male and female. Evidence from the behavior of captives supports the idea that females are dominant in the pair relationship. The influence of size dimorphism on the development and maintenance of female dominance is reflected both interspecifically and intraspecifically in the relative frequencies of agonistic behavior. We suggest that potentially severe injury resulting from aggressive fighting, combined with a pair relationship dependent on female dominance, has resulted in a repertoire of postures highly efficient in communicating fine changes in motivation and a vocal repertoire that varies continually with the intensity of motivation.
