When to mob? plasticity of antipredator behavior in common ravens' families (Corvus corax) across offspring development.

ABSTRACT: The ability to respond appropriately to predators is essential for survival. Because response options vary with predation context, anti-predator behavior is often flexible, context dependent and shaped by learning. Corvids engage in predator mobbing, which contains a vocal component (scolding) and predator-directed behaviors (approaches, attacks). Individuals typically gang up for mobbing and pass on information about predators; yet their expression of antipredator behavior is influenced by factors such as social status, age, and rearing conditions. Here we investigated the development of antipredator behavior in ravens, specifically the onset of mobbing and the extent to which these responses are affected by parental agitation. We exposed 12 captive families to a potentially dangerous hum

SUBMITTER: Damini S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12226649 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature