Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Raptor Research
Volume
34
Issue
1
First Page
1
Last Page
7
Publication Date
2000
Abstract
We studied first-year movements of Mexican Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis lucida) during natal dispersal in canyonlands of southern Utah. Thirty-one juvenile Mexican Spotted Owls were captured and radiotracked during 1992-95 to examine behavior and conduct experiments related to the onset of natal dispersal. Juvenile Spotted Owls dispersed from their nest areas during September to October each year, with 85% leaving in September. The onset of movements was sudden and juveniles dispersed in varied directions. The median distance from nest area to last observed location was 25.7 km (range = 1.7-92.3 km). Three of 26 juveniles tracked (11%) were alive after one year, although none were observed with mates. We conducted a feeding experiment, using Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguicuculatus), to test the influence of increased food supply on dispersal onset. The mean dispersal date of five owls that received supplemental food Julian day no. 255 +/- 2.6 SD) was significantly different than a control group (day no. 273 +/- 12.3).
Recommended Citation
Willey, D. W., & van Riper, C. (2000). First-year movements by juvenile Mexican Spotted Owls in the Canyonlands of Utah. Journal of Raptor Research, 34, 1-7.
Comments
Originally published by the Raptor Research Foundation. Also archived online at Searchable Ornithological Research Archive (SORA).