Songbirds risk much more for close friends than for distant acquaintances

Songbirds take great risks for friends. But not for strangers. This is the conclusion of a new international study with the cooperation of the University of Zurich (UZH). This knowledge helps to better understand human social structures.

In the study published Thursday in the journal “Current Biology,” the researchers examined the social behavior of the Australian Magnificent Tablettail (Malurus cyaneus). The research was carried out by Monash University in Melbourne (Australia), the Australian National University and UZH.

The study suggests that the songbirds are more likely to approach predators when they help members of their breeding group who are in distress. As a diversionary tactic, the birds fluttered back and forth for the raiders to distract the enemy. To members of their wider social circle, the magnificent relaytails were content to broadcast alarm calls. They did not work with unknown persons at all.

“As in humans, the different social levels in the giant tiger tails’ society likely fulfill different social functions,” UZH biologist Damien Farine explained in a statement. The core group enables individuals to access quality help when needed.

“The larger community is likely to help maintain good community behavior — making the birds numerically stronger against much larger predators,” Farine said. “This makes our findings of great scientific importance, as they can help us better understand the benefits of living in a multi-tiered society.”

(jam/sda)