In order to compare the two species＇ flight performance over the exposed and windy Falsterbo Peninsula, where thermal conditions seldomly are very favorable, we used tracking radar to study flight parameters of sparr...In order to compare the two species＇ flight performance over the exposed and windy Falsterbo Peninsula, where thermal conditions seldomly are very favorable, we used tracking radar to study flight parameters of sparrowhawks Accipiter ni- sus and common buzzards Buteo buteo during autumn migration. The results showed a clear difference between sparrowhawks and common buzzards in their flight altitudes and speeds, and in the wind conditions they encountered. Common buzzards had higher flight altitudes and were more selective of wind. Flight altitude was negatively related to the wind speed, which was most pronounced for common buzzards. Sparrowhawks had higher mean air- and cross-country speeds than common buzzards. Air- speed was negatively related, whereas ground and cross-country speeds were positively related to the tailwind component for both raptors. The differences between sparrowhawks and buzzards could to a large degree be explained by a larger dependence on thermal soaring among the common buzzards; a strategy associated with selectivity for favourable thermal and wind conditions during migratory flight. An additional important explanation for the interspecific differences was the habit of the sparrowhawks to combine migratory flight with hunting for prey, which makes it prone to fly at lower altitudes and use flapping flight to a much larger degree than common buzzards which do not forage during their migratory passage of the Falsterbo Peninsula [Current Zoo- logy 60（5）： 670-679, 2014].展开更多
文摘In order to compare the two species＇ flight performance over the exposed and windy Falsterbo Peninsula, where thermal conditions seldomly are very favorable, we used tracking radar to study flight parameters of sparrowhawks Accipiter ni- sus and common buzzards Buteo buteo during autumn migration. The results showed a clear difference between sparrowhawks and common buzzards in their flight altitudes and speeds, and in the wind conditions they encountered. Common buzzards had higher flight altitudes and were more selective of wind. Flight altitude was negatively related to the wind speed, which was most pronounced for common buzzards. Sparrowhawks had higher mean air- and cross-country speeds than common buzzards. Air- speed was negatively related, whereas ground and cross-country speeds were positively related to the tailwind component for both raptors. The differences between sparrowhawks and buzzards could to a large degree be explained by a larger dependence on thermal soaring among the common buzzards; a strategy associated with selectivity for favourable thermal and wind conditions during migratory flight. An additional important explanation for the interspecific differences was the habit of the sparrowhawks to combine migratory flight with hunting for prey, which makes it prone to fly at lower altitudes and use flapping flight to a much larger degree than common buzzards which do not forage during their migratory passage of the Falsterbo Peninsula [Current Zoo- logy 60（5）： 670-679, 2014].
