Effects of red imported fire ants on newly-hatched northern bobwhite

The response of pen-raised, six-day old northern bobwhite to red imported fire ants was studied in an experiment in 1993. The animal's behavior in a 30 square meter area where fire ants had been removed and in a similarly- sized area where fire ants are abundant was observed. The activities of the animal were classified as response to fire ants, moving, inactivity, sleeping, and food-pecking. Time spent at responding directly to the ants affected time allotted for daily activities such as moving, sleeping, and food-pecking. Ant activity and chick age affect time alloted to activities.