Effects of supplementary feeding on interspecific dominance hierarchies in garden birds

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202152
• Publication Date: 2018-09-05T13:33:32Z
• Authors: Megan L. Francis; Kate E. Plummer; Bethany A. Lythgoe; Catriona Macallan; Thomas E. Currie; Jonathan D. Blount
• Keywords: Dominance (genetics); Dominance hierarchy

Individuals often differ in competitive ability, which can lead to the formation of a dominance hierarchy that governs differential access resources. Previous studies have predominently focussed on within-species interactions, while drivers between-species hierarchies are poorly understood. The increasing prevalence predictable anthropogenic food subsidies, such as provided by garden bird feeders, is likely intensify competition. However, consequences for resource acquisition await detailed study, and particular, whether interactions influenced quality not known. Here, we examine amongst ten passerine species birds utilising supplementary sources differing quality. We show rank strongly predicted body mass across species. Socially dominant, heavier monopolised had relatively short handling time (sunflower hearts), spent longer pecked at lower rates. In contrast subordinate, lighter were constrained feed long seeds with hull intact). Our findings suggest differences may result place heaviest greatest control feeding sites, gaining superior higher value foods. This important implications use conservation tool.