Date of Award

Summer 1984

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological Sciences

Program/Concentration

Biology

Committee Director

Robert K. Rose

Committee Member

James Matta

Committee Member

John R. Holsinger

Committee Member

Alan Savitzky

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.B46 C33

Abstract

Using three combinations of two experimental stimuli, I initiated mobbing behavior in various species of birds. The objectives of this research were to test the effects of stimuli on mobbing, the predictions of the hypothesis that mobbing functions to drive a predator away, and the effect of other species and individuals on the mobbing behavior of a bird. Mobbing experiments were conducted in a variety of habitats and locations from January 1983 through February 1984.

Only 6.5% of all trials with the mount-only stimulus were successful in attracting birds. Tape-only and mount-and-tape stimuli were equally effective in attracting birds, but the mount-and-tape was more likely to initiate mobbing behavior. Mobbing and related behaviors occurred in the absence of kin, in single individuals, at all seasons, more intensely in the breeding season, and more intensely in residents than migrants. These observations are consistent with the "move on" hypothesis. The presence of parids and greater numbers of individuals increased mobbing behavior in birds

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

DOI

10.25777/97tw-jw29

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