Food Habits and Breeding Biology of Merlins in Denali National Park, Alaska
Laing KK. 1985. Food Habits and Breeding Biology of Merlins in Denali National Park, Alaska. Journal of Raptor Research. 19(2/3):42-51
Four pairs of the Merlin (Falco columbarius) were studied during the 1983 breeding season in Denali National Park, Alaska. Additional observations were made of a fifth pair and a family discovered after young hatched. Observations began 30 April, during the courtship period, and ended 1 September, when Merlins had dispersed from nesting territories. To determine food habits, prey remains were collected and identified, and prey delivery behavior was recorded. Productivity was determined by checking nests during incubation and after young hatched. Breeding behavior, including sex roles and nest defense, was also documented during 125 hour observation.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Laing, Karen
- Units
- DENA
- Keywords
- Alaska, Breeding Biology, Denali National Park and Preserve, Food Habits, Merlins