AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Flocking Associates of the Piñon Jay

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1972
Authors:Balda, RP, Bateman, GC, Foster, GF
Journal:The Wilson Bulletin
Volume:84
Issue:1
Date Published:1972
ISBN Number:00435643
Keywords:Corvidae, Dryobates pubescens, Garrulus, Garrulus glandarius, Nucifraga, Nucifraga caryocatactes, Nucifraga columbiana, Picoides pubescens, Sturnidae, Sturnus, Sturnus vulgaris
Abstract:The Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Red-shafted Flicker, Clark's Nutcracker, and Starling were observed to form interspecific flocks with the highly gregarious Piñon Jay. The general noisiness and restlessness of the jay flock, plus the drab coloration of its members probably acted to attract the associate species. The Piñon Jay flock was intact throughout the year, although in a number of different forms, thus offering attendant species an opportunity to participate in mixed flocking year round. The frequency of occurrence and numbers of associates varied with season and foraging site diversity of the Piñon Jay flock. A strong positive correlation exists between foraging site diversity of the jays and frequency of the associates. The ability of the associates to remain in the Piñon Jay flock is enhanced by the lack of intraspecific aggression among the jays. The important characteristics promoting this association are similarities of foraging strategies and secondarily similarities in size. The benefits derived by associate species as a result of interspecific flocking are probably more effective utilization of the total food resources, indirectly resulting from efficient protection from predators while feeding and directly as a result of the greater ability of numerous individuals to locate scattered, but locally abundant, sources of food.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4160163
Short Title:The Wilson Bulletin
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