FJ4: Field Observation: Social Behavior and Phenology

Location: Essex, VT
Weather: Clear skies, little to no wind, and 58 degrees
Habitat: Backyard bird-feeder/yard

How (specifically) are your birds interacting? What audio and/or visual cues do these birds employ to communicate, and what are they trying to “say?”
Both the Black-capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmouse's were in large groups of at least 6-8 individuals. Each of these two species came to the feeder as soon as food was put in, and stayed near one another. The Black-capped Chickadees in particular were very vocal at the feeder. They could have been communicating about the new food source, location, or the fact that I was present. The Tufted Titmouse however was not nearly as noisy. You could hear them from time to time but it seemed like each bird followed another over. Once one titmouse arrived, many more followed. One cue that I picked up on from a Tufted Titmouse was breeding behavior. From below a large oak tree, I could see and hear a Tufted Titmouse up in the branches rapidly fluttering wings and a high pitched call.

In contrast to these two social species, the White-breasted Nuthatch was on its own. It flew over about thirty minutes after the food was put out and seemed rather weary of me being there. Comparatively, the Black-capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmouse were weary of me, but had no issue coming to the feeder. The Nuthatch circled around, eventually got closer and closer, and when it finally came to the feeder, it took off as soon as it touched down. After this first siting, I did not see this bird again.

When I first started my observations, I could faintly hear a mourning dove. There were points were it got louder, but I never saw one at the feeder nor in the surrounding woods.

Summary: From these observations, I saw a variety of interactions. The Black-Capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmouse seemed comfortable with one another and shared the feeder. However, the Chickadees came in a larger group and stuck close by one another. Furthermore, I did notice breeding behavior from one Tufted Titmouse. The White-breasted Nuthatch however seemed rather weary and didn't stick around for long. Whether this was due to my presence or the large quantity of other birds was unclear.

In regard to communication, I think many were saying "food!". Not five minutes after I put seed out, I had groups of Chickadees and Titmouse appearing. While some may have simply seen me put the food out, im confident that they relayed the message to others. I then assume that other species, like the Nuthatch, picked up on this chatter or also saw me go to the feeder. Another piece that the birds may have been passing back and forth could have been that I was present.

Compare and contrast the plumage of two or more species you observe, considering the evolutionary advantages to the colors and/or patterns that the birds exhibit. Focusing on an individual bird, discuss what it was doing (foraging, resting, etc.), and how that behavior fits in the context of its circadian and/or circannual rhythm.

Black-capped Chickadee and Tufted Titmouse
Both Black-Capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmouse winter in Vermont and therefore, are very well insulated birds. Furthermore, both utilize their plumage in conserving heat. They do this by fluffing their feathers which in turn, creates airspaces which trap heat. Chickadees and Titmouse also have similar coloration (melanins). Both have light grey coloring on their backs and pale breasts. However, Chickadees have their signature black caps and white faces, while Tufted Titmouse have a crest and light brown under their wings. Despite their slight differences, both of these birds plumages allow them to blend in to their habitat. Titmouse and Chickadees prefer thickets, dense forest cover, etc. Having melanin-based coloration enables them to camouflage in to branches, bark, and surrounding vegetation.

Black-capped Chickadee: Foraging.
-Foraging fits in the context of its circadian rhythm because its essential in a normal 24-hour cycle. Birds use this internal clock to measure day length. In turn, they know what "time" to do things and when it will be the most beneficial.

Mini Activity- Spishing: Each time you come across a few chickadees or a small foraging flock, solicit some “pish” calls to attract their attention. Make a repeated “psssh” sound, experimenting with different volumes and timbres. Done correctly, it sometimes attracts small birds, sometimes drives them away, and always makes you feel slightly foolish. Nevertheless, “spishing” is a tried-and-true method for altering bird behavior, so give it a try. The question to reflect on is- why does this work? What about this particular sound is so enticing to small birds?

This works because "psssh" is considered a "scold." Not only that, but spishing is recognized by a variety of species. This is because it indicates alarm/lets other birds know something is up. Typically, birds will make noises similar to this when predators are around. Its enticing to small birds because they relate this noise to danger/alarm.

Julkaistu maaliskuu 22, 2021 04:28 AP. käyttäjältä vbessette