Do Subordinates Expose Themselves to Predation? Field Experiments on Feeding Site Selection by Willow Tits

Abstract

To examine the relationship between social dominance and exposure to predation risk, we allowed natural groups of Willow Tits Parus montanus to choose between two nearby feeding sites differing in safety. The birds preferred to feed at the safe site. Socially dominant individuals used safe sites more than did subordinates. However, adult females mated with alpha males, used safe sites more than expected from their rank, possibly as a result of protection offered by their mates. Subordinates increased their use of safe sites after experimental removal of dominants, implying that the greater risk-taking of subordinates in natural flocks is due to interference from dominants. The observed pattern of risk-taking at feeders may influence survival also in natural conditions, because dominants survive better than subordinates, as documented earlier for this population.