The biology of the Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris. I. Behaviour: Principal component analyses of organization of activity clusters
Abstract
The functional organization of behaviour of the Alpine Accentors, Prunnella collaris (Scopoli 1769), was studied in a high altitude area in the High and Low Tatra mountains, West Carpathians. We found different behavioural schemes being used in an adaptive way to meet the circumstances of an ecological niche. The presence of a particular external situation elicited and oriented the appropriate behavioural groups. The number of birds in a flock and seasons were the most important factors which modified the qualitative and quantitative structure of clusters of behaviour. Some of the behavioural schemes also differed at different sites in the area and with respect to different weather conditions. In "anthropic" habitats with cottages, refuges, and hotels in the high altitude zone, the signs of "local endemism" in behaviour of accentors were significantly suppressed.
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