26 | Ten Ey AsU DU BOON 3B Corgi EB vigig 
A PLACE IN THE SUN 
Birds Have Their Territorial Rights — And Habits — Too! 
Are They Any More Puzzling Than Man's? 
by JOSEPH W. GALBREATH 
There seems to have been little detailed study of the behavior of each 
species of birds in the United States. Because of the possible value to man 
in understanding his own survival in his increasingly complex society, it 
could be desirable to make as complete a study of each species as possible. 
“Territorial space” may be only one phase of the successful evolutionary 
requirements for survival of any species. Territories function as a social 
device insuring to each family adequate breeding and feeding space. 
When songbirds in the northern hemisphere migrate from the south 
in spring, the males select and occupy a piece of territory. Perching on 
the tallest vantage point on his claim, each male warns off trespassers 
with his song and his bright colors—if necessary fighting to defend it. 
When the females arrive, each chooses a mate and territory; they feed 
within this territory, and they raise their young. 
Many birds return to the same territory year after year. Yet birds 
do not own territories in the sense that human beings own property. Birds 
defend territories against others of the same or closely-related species. 
There is no attempt to bar animals that occupy totally different ecological 
niches. When the young are grown, territorial boundaries disappear. 
Squirrels, insects, and many other animals occupy territories. Among 
gorillas, monkeys, and certain deer, the territory is often controlled by 
the herd rather than by a family or an individual. “Peck order” helps 
to keep order among the hens in a barnyard. Social ties among wild 
dogs include “crawling order.’ Leaders drag the others along in the hunt. 
The strongest dominate the pack. 
“Stress Syndrome,” that tenacious inner drive or force present in all 
individuals, is the most important factor resulting from crowding within 
a species. An equilibrium in population of a species is the result of the 
mysterious inner-workings of all biological factors in the establishment, 
regulation, and the control or stabilization of populations—one of the 
fundamental laws of survival of a species. 
Food and cover or protection are essential to the varying needs of a 
species. The food must vary to meet the needs in the life cycle of the 
individual. Spring rains provide the available earthworm supply to feed 
the robin nestlings in May. Berries and seeds may be essential to carrying 
the species through the winter. Nesting space and proper cover determine 
the difference between a successful hatch and brood-rearing period and 
failure. Breeding space includes a place in which to build a nest and rear 
its young. Air space provides room for undisturbed flight, song, and a 
necessary neutral zone. 
The male Cardinal selects an appropriate territory early in spring. 
From a desirable vantage point in the top of a tree he proclaims to all 
the world that this is his homestead; all other Cardinal males are intruders 
and are excluded. Any other species which attempts to intrude, threaten 
open space or food supply, is fought off. A wren which feeds mainly on 
insects is no treat to the Cardinal and may be tolerated in the same area. 
