Age-specific decline in take-off flight performance in a small passerine

摘要: Age-specific differences in individual performance are reported a number of taxa and particularly well documented humans. However, such data generally lacking for birds, the taxon showing exceptionally long life relation to body size. Here, we studied vertical flight among three distinctive age classes (0.5-, 2- 4.5-year-old birds) laboratory-kept zebra finches, Taeniopygia guttata . We found that take-off speed differed significantly between with oldest birds being ca. 10% slower than youngest birds. Age also motivation, old tending be less motivated fly young ones. Thus, age-specific decline is clearly visible finches. In broader perspective, poorer may impair foraging efficiency, social interactions and, most importantly, when escaping predators. This help elucidate reproductive survival rates commonly observed natural populations.