Outmaneuvering the predator in a turning gambitĮscape by diving away from the predator. In aerialĬombat the available strategy set for the prey consists mainly of threeĪlternatives: (1) escape by outclimbing the predator Survive by reaching a safe site before being seized by the predator. When attacked by a predator the prey bird only has one goal-to In this article we will consider the interaction betweenĪvian predator and prey involved in attack-escape interactions in open air In birds, the predator is typically larger than the prey,Īnd because size has profound effects on aerodynamic performance, we couldĮxpect that the size difference is exploited by the prey when selecting theīest escape strategy. Species, on the other hand, should evolve adaptations that maximize theĬhances of escaping a predator attack, leading to a co-evolutionary arms raceġ982). Predatory species to maximize success in hunting their most common prey. Size, morphology, and hunting strategy have probably coevolved among Literature on escape flight strategies in North American birds when attacked Performance between a predator and its prey when both are already airborne. ThisĪrticle is not, however, concerned with such take-off escape responses when aīird is attacked by a predator, but rather with the relative flight Reduced take-off angle and speed with increasing body mass, represent theĮffect of a chosen strategy or a constraint on flight performance. It remains unclear if the responses observed in such experiments, usually a Line of research has studied escape responses in relation to body mass ofĬaged birds when attacked by a simulated predator (e. ( Gosler et al., 1995 Lilliendahl, 1997 van der Veen, 1999). Under perceived or experienced predation risk Much recent work has focused on fat load management Nisus) or the legendary stoop by the perergine ( Falcoġ950-1951). Hunting technique, such as surprise attacks by the sparrowhawk ( Accipiter Of aerodynamic considerations we discuss escape flight strategies in birds inĭepending on size and morphology predatory birds use one or other preferred Spite of lower terminal diving speed than that of the predator. If closeĮnough to safe cover, a prey might still opt for a vertical dive to escape in High diving speed is favored by large size. This strategy by a predator, the prey should be able to initiate tight turnsĪt high linear speed, which is facilitated by a low wing loading (weight per Most common strategy seen in Eleonora's falcons.

Species that is, the prey will be captured. Minimum turning radii of prey and predator define the escape and danger zones.Īpplied to the Eleonora's falcon and some potential prey species, thisĪnalysis indicates that the falcon usually wins against the example prey Prey we use a Howland diagram, where the relative linear top speeds and To analyze the outcome of the turning gambit between predator and Species with an equal or higher capacity to climb fast, such as the swift Apus apus, usually adopt climbing escape when attacked by Eleonora'sįalcons. However, some predators such as the Eleonora's falcon (Falco elenorae) has a very high rate of climb for its size. Smaller bird will outclimb a larger predator and hence outclimbing should be aĬommon escape strategy. We analyze three idealizedĪttack-escape situations between predatory and prey birds: climbing flightĮscape, horizontal speeding, and turning and escape by diving. Prey, suggesting different flight performances. Predatory birds are typically larger than their

Predator and prey attack-escape performance is likely to be the outcome ofĪn evolutionary arms race.

Predator vs prey for kids