The Comparative Ethology of Great, Blue, Marsh, and Coal Tits At a Winter Feeding Station

Abstract

The behaviour of four species of titmice (Parus spp.) was observed at a winter feeding station. All four species had the same display patterns but their frequency varied. These differences were correlated with the relative timidity of the four species. Timidity appeared to depend upon the proximate factors of density and territorial behaviour of the different species rather than being an innate difference. However, timidity might ultimately be controlled by innate differences in aggressiveness. Each behaviour element was associated with specific probabilities of being followed by attack, escape, or staying. An element that was indicative of a predominant escape tendency in one species indicated the same tendency in all other species. The same was true for attack and staying tendencies. These behaviour elements function as a means of both intra- and interspecific communication.