Context-dependent, risk-sensitive foraging preferences in wild rufous hummingbirds
Article Abstract:
Wild rufous hummingbirds, Selasphorus rufus, appear to select flower types based on information integrated across bouts, instead of within bouts, according to research involving testing the risk-sensitive foraging preferences of hummingbirds with three types of artificial flowers. The birds showed intermediate risk preference through their disposition for the low-variance foraging choice over the no-variance and high-variance choices. It appears that hummingbirds may not assign an absolute utility to foraging options on the basis of their variance.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1999
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The twin threshold model: risk-intermediate foraging by rufous hummingbirds, Selasphorus rufus
Article Abstract:
The two versions of the twin threshold model (TTM) to assess risk-sensitive foraging decisions by rufous hummingbirds are developed. The model predicts that risk-intermediate foraging is often the optimal policy, and that risk aversion is favored as the common mean of the distributions approaches the starvation threshold, whereas risk preference is favored as the common mean approaches the reproduction threshold.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 2003
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Territoriality and testosterone in an equatorial population of rufous-collared sparrows, Zonotrichia capensis
Article Abstract:
A challenge hypothesis is tested in an equatorial population of rufous-collared sparrows in Papallacta, Ecuador. An extended breeding period during which males aggressively guard territories is shown by this population.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 2004
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