Abstract

Many Siberian jay offspring (up to 50%) postpone independence and stay with their parents for up to 3 years. Parents offer such nondispersers a benefit in that they increase their vigilance while feeding together with retained offspring. In contrast, parents reduce their vigilance while in company of nonrelated flock members according to the “many eyes” principle. The preferential treatment offered by the parents provides an incentive for offspring to forego dispersal. Given evidence for mortality via surprise attacks by predators (goshawks), such nepotistic vigilance by parents could have a bearing on offspring survival and thereby promote delayed dispersal.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.