Benjamini, L., Unit of Vertebrate Pest Control, ARO, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel

The feeding behavior of six chukar coveys was studied during September and October in a 20-ha sugar beet plantation located in an arid area in the northern Negev Desert of Israel. Coveys remained in separate areas of the field, and each covey inhabited repeatedly the same part of the field. Feeding on the sugar beet sprouts began soon after the start of germination, in the early morning and before sunset, each time for 1-2 hours. Analysis of the birds’ feeding behavior and the damage caused by them indicated most intensive feeding along the borders of areas containing sprouts, with a tendency to forage along the sowing rows; considerable locomotion while foraging; a preference for large sugar beet plants over small, germinating ones; and no difference in foraging according to the density of sprouts. The salinity of the water content in the germinating sprouts may have been, a factor in their being eaten. © 1980, Springer Science + Business Media B.V.. All rights reserved.