Fission-fusion dynamics over large distances in raven non-breeders.

ABSTRACT: The influence of fission-fusion dynamics, i.e., temporal variation in group size and composition, on social complexity has been studied in large-brained mammals that rely on social bonds. Little is known about birds, even though some species like ravens have recently received attention for their socio-cognitive skills and use of social bonds. While raven breeders defend territories year-round, non-breeders roam through large areas and form groups at food sources or night roosts. We here examined the fission-fusion patterns of non-breeding ravens over years, investigating whether birds meet repeatedly either at the same or at different locations. We combined four large datasets: presence-absence observations from two study sites (Austria, Italy) and GPS-tracking of ravens across two study a

SUBMITTER: Loretto MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5428508 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature