Abstract
The Piapiac, a little-known corvid, may be the African counterpart of the American jays, and its behavior supports a hypothesized link between conspicuous bill coloration of juveniles and sociality of the species. During field observations in Cameroon, juvenile Piapiacs in mixed groups displayed their brightly pink bills by gaping at adults as though begging for food but often when no food could be obtained. They were more aggressive and vocal than adults against presumed enemies, and situations that aroused the group seemed to elicit gaping. The conspicuous bill coloration of juvenile Piapiacs matches their conspicuous behavior in mixed groups, and may act as a persisting infant signal, useful to block aggressive reactions by adults and facilitate acceptance of juveniles as helpers.
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