Date:
May 7, 2017
Source:
University of Oxford
Birds
of a feather nest together, according to a new study which has found that male
great tits (Parus major) choose neighbours with similar personalities to their
own.
Oxford
University researchers investigated whether the personality of birds influences
their social lives -- in particular who they choose to nest near. The study
involved analysing social network structure in a population of wild great tits
at Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, over six consecutive breeding seasons.
Lead
author and doctoral student Katerina Johnson explained: 'We found that males,
but not females, were picky about personalities, with males opting for
like-minded neighbours. Our results emphasise that social interactions may play
a key role in animal decisions.'
This
tendency for males to associate with other males of similar personality may be
particularly important during the breeding season when aggression peaks. Males
fiercely defend their territories and compete for opportunities to mate with
females and so shyer males may avoid setting up home near bolder, more
aggressive individuals. Females, however, likely choose where to nest based on
the attractive qualities of males.
The
results also showed that this personality assortment amongst males was not
affected by local environmental conditions. 'Just like students choosing their
flatmates," Katerina commented, 'birds may pay more attention to who they
share their living space with than simply location." She added:
"Animal personalities can influence their social organisation and humans
are likewise known to form social networks based on shared attributes including
personality.'
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