The role of alarm responses in the formation of mixed-species flocks of heathland birds

Abstract

Birds of ten species with similar short flight distances from a human intruder associated with stonechats (Saxicola torquata), which have large flight and alarm call distances. The attendants probably took advantage of the ‘domain of safety’ around the stonechat, produced by the difference in flight distance. Stonechats have no reciprocal advantage, and were not seen to initiate flocks.