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Do heterospecific size and demeanour influence visitation behaviour of birds at urban foraging patches?

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Abstract

We compared the feeding behaviour of garden birds in the presence of four heterospecific decoy species at suburban feeding stations to assess the relative importance of body size (large vs. small) and demeanour (high vs. low potential for inter-specific aggression) as cues for threat recognition. We conducted separate trials with live, caged Australian magpie, Cracticus tibicen, and common myna, Acridotheres tristis, large and small species known to chase and harass heterospecifics, and comparably sized species not known for inter-species aggression (i.e. rock dove, Columba livia, and ringneck dove, Streptopelia risoria). Birds of all species arrived at feeding stations sooner and displayed higher-risk activities in the presence of small decoys. The two most common species that visited the feeding stations, silvereye, Zosterops lateralis, and house sparrow, Passer domesticus, were most likely to perform high-risk behaviours (i.e. landing on the stimulus cage and feeding from the station) in the presence of common mynas. The activities were performed least frequently in the presence of Australian magpies. As garden birds likely had the most experience interacting with common mynas, the results suggest that a two-step decision rule, with size and familiarity as important cues, may be used to recognize potential threats.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank: Bruce Patty for endless technical support and assistance; Hamilton land owners for volunteering their gardens and farms and assisting with pre-feeding and bird trapping; David Duganzich for volunteering statistical advice and assistance; and Fulbright New Zealand, the University of Waikato, and the Foundation for Research Science and Technology (contract UOWX0501 “Urban Restoration”) for funding the project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand

    Alyssa Borowske, Dai K. J. Morgan & Joseph R. Waas

  2. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 N. Eagleville Rd, Unit 43, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA

    Alyssa Borowske

Authors
  1. Alyssa Borowske
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  2. Dai K. J. Morgan
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  3. Joseph R. Waas
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Correspondence to Alyssa Borowske.

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Borowske, A., Morgan, D.K.J. & Waas, J.R. Do heterospecific size and demeanour influence visitation behaviour of birds at urban foraging patches?. J Ethol 30, 75–82 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10164-011-0297-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10164-011-0297-6

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