Benefits of begging for yellow-headed blackbird nestlings

Article Abstract:

It is generally believed that begging behaviour benefits nestlings as parents are induced to bring more food. Recorded vocalizations were used to enhance begging levels of broods of yellow-headed blackbirds, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, and investigated the parental response. Females and males were found to double their visits to broods in the short term, and nestlings in nests where begging calls were broadcast over a five day period, gained more mass than those without playback.

Birds, Nestlings, Fringillids, Fringillidae

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Relative competitive ability changes with competitor density: evidence from feeding blackbirds

Article Abstract:

The individual variation in the feeding rate of wild wintering blackbirds, Turdus merula, without and in the presence of competitors was investigated. The feeding rate when alone and the decline in the feeding rate due to the presence of competitors were found to vary significantly for each blackbird. Results also suggested that increasing competitor density has no effect on the relative foraging success of blackbirds.

Animal behavior, Animal feeding and feeds

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Filial imprinting in blackbird nestlings, Turdus merula, after only one feeding session

Article Abstract:

A study on filial imprinting of blackbird nestlings after one feeding session was conducted using 16 blackbird nestlings taken from their nests while still blind. Results indicate that imprinting occurs rapidly and that two minutes of imprinting is enough for birds to recall parents 24 hours later. Nestlings also exhibited fear of unfamiliar objects. Imprinting on real and artificial blackbirds occurs equally easily.

Imprinting (Psychology)

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