In:
The Auk, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 100, No. 1 ( 1983-01-01), p. 139-148
Abstract:
Four hypotheses for the function of the head-down display performed by Brown-headed Cowbirds were tested with observational data from free-ranging and captive cowbirds. Free-ranging cowbirds performed 284 interspecific and four intraspecific displays during 59.2 daylight hours while roosting in mixed-species flocks adjacent to feeding areas. The most common recipients of displays, female Red-winged Blackbirds and House Sparrows, preened cowbirds during 25 displays. Cowbirds that had just been preened displayed more often than those that had not recently been preened. Captive cowbirds displayed intraspecifically 475 times during 13.3 h, and dominant captive birds displayed more often than their subordinates. The following hypothesis was proposed to explain the display's function: the head-down display of Brown-headed Cowbirds is an appeasing agonistic behavior, the displayor is most often dominant to the recipient, and subsequent displaying is stimulated by interspecific preening. The display may function in: (a) obtaining food, (b) minimizing roosting energetics, and/or (c) establishing flock order.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0004-8038
,
1938-4254
DOI:
10.1093/auk/100.1.139
Language:
English
Publisher:
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publication Date:
1983
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2065970-2
SSG:
12
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