Hastings Natural History Reservation

01 Jun, 05 PM - 15 Jun, 05 PM

Western Scrub-Jays and Island Scrub-Jays have diverged 100'000 to 20'000 years ago. The aim of this pilot project is to describe and quantify differences in behavior and cognitive abilities between the two species. The differences will be contrasted in light of their ecological setting. The goal is to gain insights into the effect of ecology on the behavior and cognition of a species in this monophyletic group. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the birds' behavior will aid in mounting a conservation and management effort for the endemic Island Scrub-Jays. Additionally, insights that we gain from this comparison will contribute to our understanding of the island-syndrome and its effect on behavior. In this initial stage I will observe and quantify behavior patterns as well as ecological variables of the habitat. Future work will involve field experiments in order to pinpoint the type and extent of differences in behavior that have been observed in this first phase.

Visit #17738 @Hastings Natural History Reservation

Approved

Under Project # 19810 | Research

Comparative cognition of Western Scrub-Jays and Island Scrub-Jays

research_scientist - Cornell University

Reservation Members(s)

Mario Pesendorfer Jun 1 - 15, 2009 (15 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Bunk House Cottage 1 Jun 1 - 15, 2009