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Morph specific foraging behavior by a polymorphic raptor under variable light conditions.

Gareth J Tate1, Arjun Amar2

  • 1FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, ZA-7701, Rondebosch, South Africa. garethjtate@gmail.com.

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Summary
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In black sparrowhawks, different color morphs forage differently depending on light levels and habitat. This adaptation may maintain color polymorphism through disruptive selection and background-matching.

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Area of Science:

  • * Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • * Behavioral Ecology
  • * Ornithology

Background:

  • * Colour polymorphism can be maintained by disruptive selection, where different morphs are favored under different environmental conditions.
  • * A leading hypothesis suggests that variations in light conditions influence the selective advantage of different morphs through background-matching for crypsis.
  • * The black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) presents a discrete colour polymorphism with dark and white morphs, making it an ideal model for studying this hypothesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To investigate the role of ambient light conditions and habitat selection in maintaining colour polymorphism in the black sparrowhawk.
  • * To test the hypothesis that different morphs of black sparrowhawks are adapted to different light conditions for foraging and crypsis.
  • * To determine if foraging behavior and habitat preferences differ between dark and white morphs of Accipiter melanoleucus.

Main Methods:

  • * Utilized GPS-tracking data to monitor and contrast the foraging behavior and habitat selection of dark and white morphs.
  • * Analyzed the relationship between light levels and foraging activity for each morph.
  • * Quantified and compared habitat selection patterns between the two morphs.

Main Results:

  • * Light levels significantly influenced foraging behavior: dark morphs reduced foraging as light increased, while white morphs showed no such relationship.
  • * Differential habitat selection was observed, with dark morphs preferring more enclosed environments compared to white morphs.
  • * These findings support the hypothesis that morph-specific adaptations to light conditions and habitats play a role in maintaining polymorphism.

Conclusions:

  • * The study provides evidence that black sparrowhawk morphs partition foraging activities based on light conditions and habitat, enhancing prey concealment.
  • * Differential adaptation to varying light environments may be a key mechanism maintaining colour polymorphism in this raptor species.
  • * The observed predominance of dark morphs in regions with lower light levels is consistent with their specialized foraging strategies.