Sex differences in familiarity preferences within fission–fusion brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater, flocks

摘要: Many vertebrates inhabit dynamic and loosely structured groups where group size social composition continually fluctuates. The ability to sustain nonrandom interaction preferences across changes is an important aspect in maintaining organization. In two experiments, we explored the strength persistence of for familiar conspecifics brown-headed cowbirds. first experiment, demonstrated that females preferentially associate with when introduced into a flock containing novel individuals. second experiment investigated consistency familiarity series introductions. Females maintained approach conspecifics, individual those remained consistent Male changed introduction, males showed significant preference but increased their approaches towards subsequent Our findings suggest female cowbirds are factor organization through enduring associations individuals, whereas facilitate integration by extending connections individuals during periods change. © 2015 Association Study Animal Behaviour. Published Elsevier Ltd.