Why do birds form mixed-species flocks
by Support Customer
on Feb 29, 2024
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HAVE YOU EVER ENCOUNTERED A NOISY FLOCK OF DIFFERENT BIRDS FORAGING TOGETHER IN THE WINTERTIME?
If so, you have found yourself a mixed-species flock. 









This flocking behavior among different species occurs all over the world and is most prevalent in the non-breeding season. If you live in the southeastern US, you have probably seen flocks that consist of Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, White-eye Vireos, and Downy Woodpeckers. If you observe the flock carefully, you may also find some Black-and-white Warblers foraging along tree trunks in search of hidden insects and other arthropods. Additionally, you may find a hovering Ruby-crowned Kinglet whose flamboyant crown feathers are only visible when the bird is agitated.
WHY DO DIFFERENT SPECIES OF BIRDS FORAGE TOGETHER?
To answer this seemingly simple question, researchers have conducted observational, experimental, and theoretical studies for a long time. It seems that most mechanisms that can explain this behavior come down to two benefits associated with mixed species flocking: foraging enhancement and antipredation. On the one hand, flock participants can learn from each other about the locations of food resources. On the other hand, foraging in a large group can lower your own risk of being attacked by predators, not only because you are less likely to be singled out but also because more eyes are watching out for predators (“many-eyes effect”). The foraging and antipredation benefits are not mutually exclusive to each other, as less time spent scanning for predators usually translates to more time spent foraging.




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