Graduation Date
Fall 2017
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Natural Resources, option Wildlife
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Jeff Black
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Micaela Szykman Gunther
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Mark A. Colwell
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Subject Categories
Wildlife
Abstract
Avian vocal mimicry has been described in a variety of contexts, suggesting its function is multifaceted within and across species; however, basic empirical data describing mimetic signal prevalence and context is lacking for numerous species. I examined occurrence and context of mimicked red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) calls over a 12-month period in a wild population of 49 individually color-marked Steller’s jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) and reviewed the occurrence of the behavior in historic re-sight data. I documented mimicry of red-shouldered hawk calls in 14 of 49 (28.6%) jays during the study. Hawk mimicry occurred more often during the early breeding season when jays were within home territories, while mates were present and aggression was absent. Younger, larger, and bolder jays were most likely to perform imitations. These results suggest jays individually vary in mimetic propensity, and individuals’ proclivity for mimicry may be influenced by social and ecological contexts, physical characteristics, and personality traits.
Citation Style
Journal of Wildlife Management
Recommended Citation
Tippin, Trinity C., "Propensity of predator mimicry in wild Steller's jays" (2017). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 99.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/99