Individual variation in avian avoidance behaviours in response to repeated, simulated vehicle approach

We examined individual variation in avoidance behaviours of Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater (Boddaert, 1783)) in response to repeated presentation of a simulated vehicle approach in a video playback scenario. We modeled temporal alert and flight behaviours to determine whether overall behavioural variation resulted primarily from variation within individuals (i.e., intraindividual variation) or between individuals (i.e., interindividual variation). We examined reaction norms (individual × treatment day) and whether birds showed plasticity in responses via habituation or sensitization. Repeatability in the response metrics for individuals was low (∼0.22 for alert and flight), indicating that model variation was due primarily to within-individual variation rather than between-indi vidual variation. We observed sensitization in alert responses over time, but no sensitization or habituation in flight responses. Our results indicate that individuals learned to anticipate the vehicle approach but did not vary their escape behaviour, suggesting that alert and flight behaviours mig ht be affected differently by cues associated with oncoming objects or experience with them. We consider our findings in light of the ongoing development of strategies to reduce animal–vehicle collisions.

Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - November 30, 2017 Category: Zoology Authors: T.L. DeVault T.W. Seamans B.F. Blackwell S.L. Lima E. Fern ández-Juricic Source Type: research