Author(s): Heneberg, P.
Title: Gedanken über die ersten Phasen der Domestikation von Huftieren (Mammalia, Ungulata)
Year: 2004
Volume: 50
Pages: 185-193.
Abstract: The first granulometrical analysis of soil samples from nesting banks of the Eurasian Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is reported. In total 29 samples from 22 banks located in the Czech Republic were analysed using the dry sieve analysis and decantation. Twelve standardized particle size fractions were determined in all groups of samples. Mean particle size of soil samples from banks occupied by Kingfishers averaged 991±1747 µm, the variability of the content of particular soil particle fraction is higher than previously published on Sand Martins and Bee-Eaters. The results suggest that the presence/absence of some particle size fractions in extreme values is decisive for the presence/absence of Kingfishers in each appropriate nesting bank. Among banks unoccupied by Kingfishers were those with soil particles above 40,000 µm, or with the content of particle size fractions 2,346–774 µm below 5%. Kingfishers do not occupy banks with the content of the fraction 9.2–3.0 µm higher than 2.156%, or with the content of the particle size fraction 3.0–1.0 higher than 0.415%, too. Soils composed from grains exceeding any of these values are expected to be unoccupied by the Eurasian Kingfisher.
Keywords: habitat selection, Eurasian Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, soil requirements, granulometry
Journal: Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae
Journal abbreviation:
ISSN: 1217-8837
Publisher: Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest
Editor(s): Matskási, I. & Peregovits, L.
