Presentation Details
| The effects of group density, size, and composition on Carolina chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) behavior Brittany A.Coppinger1, 2. 1Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.2University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA |
Abstract
Climate change and habitat fragmentation can alter the density of animal groups. Group density, composition, and size are hypothesized to impact individual behavior and social group complexity. I explicitly tested the impact of these variables on behavior of Carolina chickadees. I created experimental flocks that varied in their size (2 or 4 birds) and composition (monospecific or mixed-species with tufted titmice). I kept flocks in semi-natural outdoor aviaries for behavioral observation. I manipulated group density by allowing flocks either full (lower density) or partial (higher density) access to the aviary. I recorded the rates of chickadee activity, calling, and affiliative social behavior, measured by close proximity. Birds were least active in low density, mixed-species flocks. Birds called less in large flocks; calling was not influenced by composition or density. Density interacted with group size and composition to influence social behavior. Increases in group density alter key behaviors related to survival and reproduction. Group density is important to consider in studies of social behavior and in environments that are increasingly subject to habitat fragmentation.
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