Competition Between Eurasian Collared Doves
and Mourning Doves
Undergraduate Student in Wildlife Biology,
Key Words: competition; behavioral dominance; behavioral
interactions; food competition; exotic species introduction; native species
displacement; Mourning dove, Eurasian Collared dove; Zenaida macroura; Streptopelia
decaoto.
Table of Contents:
Summary
1
Introduction/Background 2
Materials and Methods 3
Expected Results and Benefits 3
Project Timeline 4
Literature Cited 5
Budget 6
Summary:
Exotic species
have plagued
During this study we will attempt to determine whether or not competition between the Eurasian Collared dove and the Mourning dove exists and if so, to what degree. We will try to determine the potential effects of the introduction of the Collared dove to the southeast and whether or not they could potentially displace the native Mourning dove.
I believe that
there will be a level of competition between these two closely related species
and that the larger, exotic Eurasian Collared Doves will be able to physically
out-compete the smaller, native Mourning Dove for limited food resources.
Introduction/Background:
The Mourning dove
is one of the most important game birds in the
The
Eurasian Collared dove is becoming increasingly more common in the
There are many problems associated with the introduction of these invasive, exotic species. At the top of the list is the potential these birds have for completely destroying the native Mourning dove populations as well as the potential of disease introduction (Romagosa 2000).
Materials and Methods:
We will be using
birds that were trapped from areas in the
During the study, selected pairs of Mourning doves and Eurasian Collared doves will be placed in the aviary where they will be allowed to compete for food. The birds will first be fasted for 12 hours, but still allowed access to fresh water. Then a 0.45 m x 0.45 m tray will be placed into the pen containing a mixture of 6 different types of seeds. Observers will be hidden from the birds view and will tabulate data of interactions between the birds.
Expected Results and Benefits:
The expected results of this study are that there will be a significant level of interaction and competition between these two species. I hypothesize that the larger Collared dove will be able to out-compete the smaller Mourning dove when forced to compete for food resources. A benefit of this study will be to determine whether or not the arrival of the Collared dove is a sign that management needs to be assigned to prevent the destruction of a native game animal. This study will also assist state and federal agencies in learning about the bird of which very little is currently known.
Project Timeline:
Competition Between Mourning Doves
and Eurasian Collared Doves |
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Project Timeline |
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DATE |
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ACTIVITY |
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Begin
construction of traps and complete construction of holding pens |
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Survey
areas in mid-state for populations of Collared Doves |
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Begin
trapping of birds |
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Begin
searching in library for sources |
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Select
title for project |
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Select
Article for Peer Review |
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Come up
with Objective Hypothesis |
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Begin
work on website at Tripod.com |
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Begin
research on birds, complete trial #1 |
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Begin to
work on research proposal |
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Develop
data form for tabulation of data from trials |
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Start to
work on Powerpoint Presentation |
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Conducted
trial #2 and recorded data |
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Complete
work on powerpoint presentation and research
proposal |
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Present
Mid-Term Presentation in Powerpoint, submit
Research Proposal |
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Conduct
Trial #3 and record data |
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Work on
and complete Resume and Ethics Statement |
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Begin to
work on correcting research proposal |
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Conduct
Trial #4 and record data |
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Work on
website and hotlink work |
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Begin to
work on Manuscript |
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Begin to
work on Presentation and continue on Manuscript |
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Finish
outline of Presentation |
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Conduct
Trial #5 and record data |
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Develop
Poster |
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Conduct
Trial #6 and record data |
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Continue
work on Manuscript and Presentation |
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Begin to
evaluate and complete research progress report |
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Attend
Graduate Student Seminar and Critique |
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Finish
request for proposal |
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Make
final changes and necessary hotlinks to website |
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Be ready
to Present Final Powerpoint Presentation |
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Make
final changes to Manuscript |
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Have
complete project ready to turn in including paper folder and website |
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Literature Cited:
Hayslette, S.E. and R.E. Mirarchi.
2001. Patterns of Food Preferences in Mourning Doves. Journal of Wildlife Management 65:
816-827.
Romagosa, C.M.
and Labisky, R.F. 2000. Establishment
and Dispersal of the Eurasian Collared-Dove in
Romagosa, C.M. and McEneaney, T.
1999. Eurasian Collared-Dove in
Stedman,
S.J. 1998. Changing Seasons: The Nesting Season. North
American Birds 52 (4): 424-426.
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Budget: |
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Direct Costs: |
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Item |
Cost |
Quantity |
Total |
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Wire for traps |
$99.95 |
3 |
$299.85 |
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Pliers |
$15.95 |
2 |
$31.90 |
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Clips |
$9.95 |
5 |
$49.75 |
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Fence Charger |
$69.95 |
1 |
$69.95 |
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Electric Wire |
$29.95 |
1 |
$29.95 |
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Feed |
$150.00 |
3 |
$450.00 |
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Bowls |
$2.95 |
5 |
$14.75 |
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Camera |
$299.95 |
1 |
$299.95 |
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Trays |
$3.95 |
18 |
$71.10 |
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Total |
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$1,317.20 |
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Indirect Costs: |
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Salary |
$1,200.00 |
1 |
$1,200.00 |
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Total |
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$1,200.00 |
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Total Costs: |
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$2,517.20 |
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