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Is the distribution of Starlings Sturnus vulgaris within roosts determined by competition?
Author(s) -
FEARE CHRIS J.,
GILL ELAINE L.,
McKAY HELEN V.,
BISHOP JULIE D.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
ibis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1474-919X
pISSN - 0019-1019
DOI - 10.1111/j.1474-919x.1995.tb08036.x
Subject(s) - sturnus , competition (biology) , dominance (genetics) , starling , biology , dominance hierarchy , ecology , geography , zoology , aggression , psychology , social psychology , biochemistry , gene
Observations were made in five aviaries to determine the role of competition in roost site selection by captive Starlings Sturnus vulgaris. Their behaviour in selecting perches in a simple roost “tree” indicated that (1) a dominance hierarchy exists in birds selecting roosting locations, (2) the roost positions occupied are determined through competition, (3) higher and inner roost positions are preferred over others and (4) dominant Starlings tend to occupy these most preferred positions.