Plover`s Page or Plover`s Parasite? Aggressive behaviour of Golden Plover toward Dunlin

Abstract

The association between Golden Plovers and Dunlins was studied on a middle alpine breeding ground at Hardangervidda, S Norway. Associations were most common in the pre-laying period . Dunlins had greater flushing distances and fewer, and less distinct, alert pauses when feeding in such associations . Golden Plovers in the associations had a lower feeding rate and males spent more time resting than those not in association with Dunlin . Food overlap (a ) between the two species was 0 .64. It is suggested that the association benefits the Dunlins by decreasing the risk of predation and allowing more efficient feeding, whereas it weakens the Golden Plovers' antipredator strategy and decreases their food supply .