Presentation Details
| Tests of the Oddity Effect Hypothesis in mixed-species parid flocks Zaharia A.Selman1, 2, Eric K.Frazier1, 2, Colton B.Adams1, 3, 4, Todd M.Freeberg1, 2, 3. 1Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.2Collaborative for Animal Behaviour, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.3Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.4Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA |
Abstract
The Oddity Effect Hypothesis predicts that predators will choose phenotypically rare individuals within groups. In response to their oddity, these prey individuals should behave inconspicuously (e.g., by delaying signaling). Here, we examined the role of rarity in data taken from two different, published field experiments. We measured the latency to call in mixed-species flocks with one versus two or more individuals of Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis), tufted titmice (Baeolophus bicolor), or white-breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) after a predator model was presented. We also tested two alternative hypotheses, the ‘probability of calling’ and ‘recruitment’ hypotheses. In support of the Oddity Effect Hypothesis, we found evidence that single individuals took longer to call: chickadees in the first experiment, using a screech owl (Megascops asio) model, and titmice and nuthatches in the second experiment, using a Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii) model. We found no evidence for our alternative hypotheses. Our results support the Oddity Effect Hypothesis, though we urge caution given our sample sizes.
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