Reproductive ecology of the burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia floridana, in Dade and Broward Counties, Florida

Authors

Brian Keith Mealey, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Major/Program

Biology

First Advisor's Name

Martin Tracey

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Joel Trexler

Third Advisor's Name

William Robertson

Keywords

Athene cunicularia floridana, Burrowing owl, Florida, Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Birds, Birda

Date of Defense

4-5-1992

Abstract

From 1988 to 1990 a study of the reproductive ecology of the burrowing owl was conducted to determine seasonality and reproductive success in Dade and Broward Counties. Reproductive data for each of the three years (1988- 1990) reveal a higher reproductive success rate (54%) for 1990 than 1989 (40%) and 1988 (40%). Owls using previously used burrows had a higher success in fledging young (63%) than newly excavated burrows (19%). T-tests were conducted on several appendage measurements of male and female owls to determine sexual dimorphic traits. Metatarsus lengths of males and females were different (t=2.36, p=0.02). As of 1990,197 owls had been banded in the study area. In 1989, 75% and in 1990, 83% of the banded adults were found on the same territory. Only 4 of 129 banded nestlings have been reencountered in the study sites.

Identifier

FI15102717

Recommended Citation

Mealey, Brian Keith, "Reproductive ecology of the burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia floridana, in Dade and Broward Counties, Florida" (1992). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3642.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3642