Elsevier

Animal Behaviour

Volume 18, Part 4, November 1970, Pages 762-767
Animal Behaviour

Some factors affecting the flock behaviour of red avadavats (Amandava amandava) with particular reference to clumping

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Abstract

  • 1.

    1. Clumping behaviour and activity cycles have been studied in a flock of red avadavats, Amandava amandava.

  • 2.

    2. Activities of individuals are usually synchronized so that, at any one time, the majority tends to be engaged in one or a limited number of activities.

  • 3.

    3. The clumping habits of birds changed during the course of the investigation. When the flock was first observed the males were in eclipse plumage and there was apparently little selection of clumping partners. However, as the males moulted into nuptial plumage, the birds paired and then clumping was only between paired birds. Subsequently, when they moulted back again, the selection of clumping partners became less rigid, although even then, clumping was still mostly between paired birds.

  • 4.

    4. When the flock was introduced into unfamiliar surroundings, there was an increase in the amount of clumping, which gradually decreased in subsequent (daily) recording sessions.

References (7)

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Cited by (6)

  • SOCIALLY FACILITATED BEHAVIOR

    1978, Quarterly Review of Biology

Present address:Department of Zoology, University of Newcastle.

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