Date of Award:

5-1-1986

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Biology

Department name when degree awarded

Biology Ecology

Committee Chair(s)

Keith L. Dixon

Committee

Keith L. Dixon

Abstract

During 1984 and 1985, a total of 51 Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) nests were observed in northern Utah. Rates of parental provisioning to nestlings and number of young fledged were compared to frequencies of thirteen nestling: nestling interactions. Only the unranked provisioning rates: number fledged comparison was found to have a regression slope significantly different from zero. No significant correlation was found between provisioning rate and any nestling interaction. Significant correlations and regression slopes were found between some nestling interactions and number fledged. Sibling aggression did not appear to be a means to bring about brood reduction. Parental activity had little effect on sibling aggression, whereas number of young per nest appeared to have been the most important factor.

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