A DECLARATION OF INTENT IN THE KITTIWAKE GULL (RISSA-TRIDACTYLA)

During the breeding seasons 1979-1982 observations were made of the vocal behavior of the kittiwake gull (Rissa tridactyla). Attention was directed at the vocal behavior emitted immediately preceding a bird''s departure from the nest and partner. The data indicate that the kittiwake consistently makes only one type of vocalization (the Pre-departure Call) prior to departure and that the behavior communicates intention to leave nest and partner. An analysis of the behavioral interactions reveals that the Pre-departure Call given by one bird elicits 5 different categories of response in the other. The data reveal that consequent partner behavior either sanctioned or prevented absence.