Article Abstract:
Scan sampling was used to monitor preening behavior in the common tern, Sterna hirundo, to investigate socially facilitated preening in this species. Results reveal a temporal and spatial synchrony in preening behavior. The rate of preening behavior appear to be dependent on tern density in nesting and loafing areas. Simultaneous preening also took place more frequently between breeding pairs. Maintenance behaviors such as social facilitation of preening are probably important aspects of group living.
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Article Abstract:
The host choice of gulls and terns was determined. Brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) was studied to be the favorite victims of the kleptoparazitizing gulls and terns but specific categories and characteristics of these hosts were still under study. Results of the study showed that gulls and terns preferred to target adult and successful pelicans which provided them with greatest probability of success and highest net energy gain.
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Article Abstract:
Most studies of kin recognition in birds have examined parent-offspring recognition and few have focused on individual sibling recognition. A new study of common tern chicks investigates the development of sibling recognition. The study shows that sibling determination among common tern chicks develops as early as 4-days-old.
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