In a study of 52 individuals belonging to 35 species or subspecies passerine birds it was shown that the volume hippocampal complex relative brain and body size is significantly larger in store food than do not. Retrieval stored relies on an accurate long-lasting spatial memory, damage disrupts memory for storage sites. The results suggest, therefore, food-storing passerines have enlarged as specialization associated with use specialized capacity. Other life-history variables were examined...

Across a range of disciplines, researchers are becoming increasingly interested in studying the variation cognitive abilities found within populations. Behavioral ecology is no exception: pursuit to understand evolution cognition has lead rapidly expanding literature that uses various tasks measure individuals' abilities. While this an exciting time, we concerned without being clearer as under test it will be difficult design appropriate experiments and interpretation data may unsound. The...

Song and brain structure are compared amongst 41 species of oscine birds by using the method independent evolutionary contrasts. We find a significant correlation between relative volume song control centre, high vocal centre (HVC), number types typically found in repertoire. Relative HVC is not correlated with different syllable per bout. The second nucleus, area X, significantly either measure. uncorrelated hippocampus, involved other forms memory. This first evidence for repeated...

It is generally assumed that birds' choice of structurally suitable materials for nest building genetically predetermined. Here, we tested assumption by investigating whether experience affected male zebra finches' (Taeniopygia guttata) material. After a short period with relatively flexible string, birds preferred to build stiffer string while those had experienced were indifferent type. complete either type, however, all increased their preference stiff string. The appeared be the more...

It is assumed that many birds attempt to conceal their nests by using camouflage. To our knowledge, however, no previous experimental studies have explicitly tested this assumption. explore whether choose materials match the background colors of nest sites reduce conspicuousness nests, we offered nest-building male Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata) a choice either matched or did not color cup and surrounding cage walls. Males chose predominantly with material cage. first evidence actively...

Behavioral outcomes, including foraging efficiency and reproductive success, often improve with age repeated breeding attempts. Here we examined the role of previous experience on nest-building behavior wild blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus. In particular, focused how success or failure in rearing nestlings shapes decisions subsequent years. We found that outcome is important for predicting nest building tits: birds had previously raised fledglings added insulating material at a similar rate as...

A core assumption implicit in economic models of animal choice is that subjects assign absolute utilities to options are independent the type and number alternatives available. Humans sometimes appear violate this employ relative, as opposed absolute, currencies when making choices. Recent evidence suggests animals too might relative mechanisms. We tested idea by measuring foraging preferences rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) faced with choices analogous those which human use evident....

Volumetric studies in a range of animals (London taxi-drivers, polygynous male voles, nest-parasitic female cowbirds, and number food-storing birds) have shown that the size hippocampus, brain region essential to learning memory, is correlated with tasks involving an extra demand for spatial memory. In this paper, we report quantitative advantage food storers gain from such enlargement. Coal tits (Parus ater) species, performed better than great major), nonstoring on task assessed memory...

Food storing passerines have a larger hippocampus, relative to the rest of telencephalon and/or body mass, than do non-storing species. This study looked at relationship between size of. hippocampus and degree food in six species Paridae (blue tit, Parus caeruleus, great P. major, marsh palustris, coal ater, black-capped chickadee, atricapillus, willow P montanus). The by these varies from little or none thousands items. period over which is stored also few hours several months. results...

Recent evidence shows that, despite earlier beliefs, many birds have a functional sense of smell. There is also considerable variation in olfactory-bulb size among bird species, yet the evolutionary significance this has remained elusive. We argue that living under low-light conditions, where vision less efficient, should evolved or maintained an increased olfactory ability and, hence, larger bulbs. Using family-level comparative analysis to control at least partially for taxonomic...

It is generally assumed that birds build nests according to a genetic ‘template’, little influenced by learning or memory. One way confirm the role of genetics in nest building assess repeatability morphology with repeated attempts. Solitary weaver birds, which multiple single breeding season, are useful group do this. Here we show was low, but significant, male Southern Masked and not significant Village weavers. The larger bodied weavers built than did weavers, body size explain variation...

Across the brains of different bird species, cerebellum varies greatly in amount surface folding (foliation). The degree cerebellar foliation is thought to correlate positively with processing capacity cerebellum, supporting complex motor abilities, particularly manipulative skills. Here, we tested this hypothesis by investigating relationship between and species-typical nest structure birds. Increasing complexity a measure bird's ability manipulate nesting material into required shape....

It is becoming apparent that birds learn from their own experiences of nest building. What not clear whether can watching conspecifics build. As social learning allows an animal to gain information without engaging in costly trial-and-error learning, first-time builders should exploit the successful habits experienced builders. We presented nest-building male zebra finches with either a familiar or unfamiliar conspecific building material colour observer did like. When given opportunity...