Breeding behaviour of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus: minimal sexual differences in parental activities

Abstract

Monogamous biparental care is expected to occur when opportunities for extra‐pair copulations are rare, and both parents are required to raise the chick. Bearded Vultures Gypaetus barbatus fulfill these conditions. Contributions by male and female Bearded Vulture to nest building, nest defence, incubation, nest attendance and chick feeding were studied over five years in eight pairs from the Pyrenees [Catalonia, northeast Spain). Overall, the sexes show equal investment, although the degree of parental effort developed differs depending on the specific activities. During pre‐laying, males were significantly more active than females in supplying material to the nest and in territorial defence behaviour, which increased (in both sexes) as the season advanced. Incubation was shared equally both by day and by night. During chick‐rearing, the nest was attended by both sexes and the presence of both parents at the nest decreased in parallel with the growth of the chick. Activities related to chick feeding were also equally divided. These results are discussed in the context of female selection of mates and the particular ecology of this species.

Post-fledging Dependence Period and Onset of Natal Dispersal in Bearded Vultures (Gypaetus barbatus): New Insights from GPS Satellite Telemetry

“…No differences were observed in the age at first flight, either between sexes (Mann-Whitney, U 4,5 5 10.00, Z 5 0.00, P 5 0.99) or between wild and released birds (Mann-Whitney, U 6,3 5 2.00, Z 5 1.84, P 5 0.07). Our results were similar to those reported in South Africa (126 6 2 d, n 5 3, Brown 1990) and slightly higher than those reported in the Spanish Pyrenees (119 6 7.4 d, n 5 7, Sunyer 1991; 123 6 6 d, n 5 20, Margalida et al 2003). Fledging took place between late June and early August.…”

Supplementary feeding during the chick-rearing period is ineffective in increasing the breeding success in the bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)

“…In monogamous pairs, both sexes invest equally in rearing the offspring, although males play a more active part in nest building and territorial defence, while tending the nest is more pronounced in females (Margalida and Bertran 2000). Although the species' diet is largely based on the bones of domestic and wild ungulates, they also feed on wild animals such as birds, small carnivores or micro-mammals during the breeding period to feed the nestlings ).…”

Man‐induced activities modify demographic parameters in a long‐lived species: effects of poisoning and health policies

“…Observations began in September-October, coinciding with the start of nest-building and sexual activity Margalida 1999, Margalida andBertran 2000), and ended during fledging (June-August). Nests were observed with the help of 20-603 telescopes and video cameras (Margalida et al 2006).…”