Predator Recognition in Birds The Use of Key Features

About this book

This SpringerBrief answers the question on how birds recognize their predators using multidisciplinary approaches and outlines paths of the future research of predator recognition. A special focus is put on the role of key features to discriminate against predators and non-predators. The first part of Predator Recognition in Birds provides a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of predator recognition based on classical ethological studies in untrained birds. The second part introduces a new view on the topic treating theories of cognitive ethology. This approach involves examination of conditioned domestic pigeons and highlights the actual abilities of birds to recognize and categorize.

Contents

1 What do we know about predator recognition by untrained birds?
1.1 The study of predator recognition (How to make birds respond in etho-ecological experiments - to show that they recognized the predator - nest defense, feeder experiments, laboratory experiments...)
1.2 Evidence for predator recognition ability (What predator categories birds recognize - predator vs. non-predator, aerial vs. terrestrial predators, individual predator species...)
1.3 Tools used for predator recognition (What cues bird use for predator recognition - sign stimuli, coloration, size...)
2 What can the recognition experiments with trained pigeons tell?
2.1 Category discrimination and concepts formation (How do birds form categories of predators - memorizing vs. generalization vs. conceptualization...)
2.2 Object recognition (What cues birds use for predator recognition - particulate feature theory vs. recognition by components, local vs. global features...)
2.3 Other cognitive processes (Are we able to reveal other cognitive processes in predator recognition by birds - amodal completion, priming...)

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Biography

Dr. Roman Fuchs Department of Zoology Faculty of Science University of South Bohemia Branisovska 1760 37005 Ceske Budejovice Czech Republic Dr. Petr Vesely Department of ZoologyFaculty of Science University of South BohemiaBranisovska 1760 37005 Ceske Budejovice Czech Republic Dr. Jana Nacarova Department of ZoologyFaculty of Science University of South BohemiaBranisovska 1760 37005 Ceske Budejovice Czech Republic