Year

2026

Season

Summer

Paper Type

Master's Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychological Science (MSPS)

Department

Psychological and Brain Sciences

Committee Chairperson

Dr. Gregory M. Kohn

Second Advisor

Dr. Quincy Gibson

Third Advisor

Dr. Lindsay Mahovetz-Myers

Department Chair

Dr. Paul Fuglestad

Abstract

Many species of birds rely on visual displays to communicate information to their conspecifics, but it can be difficult to determine the specific functions of such displays. In the Gouldian Finch and its relatives, the contexts in which the peering display has been witnessed indicate that it has multiple uses in social learning such as song learning and communicating reproductive intent. Two flocks of finches were housed separately at the University of North Florida aviary and observed for several months while nest boxes were placed in each habitat. In both flocks, peering increased during the summer molt, but did not maintain a substantial presence afterwards. Before and during the nesting period, peering was high in both aviaries, but the uses of peering varied dramatically between aviaries, with one aviary showing peering being initiated mostly by males towards other males and the other showing a large portion of females initiating towards males. A series of both standard and Bayesian generalized linear mixed models and correlation tests showed no correlation or connection between rates of peering and rates of nest visitation or between direct courtship or reproductive success. High rates of peering were also not related to courtship or nesting behaviors but peering tended to be heavily biased towards males. Yet its occurrence and uses were not significantly influenced by the ages of the birds performing it despite the apparent differences. Still, younger birds appeared to peer more often to many other birds, but older birds often targeted their peering towards specific individuals, and females used this behavior at significant rates, but not as frequently as males. This indicates that this behavior thought to mainly be for song learning may also be for communicating with other birds, though the details and processes that define it require further investigation to find proper correlations.

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized before April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy material created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the Library provides accessible versions of archival materials by request. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing the information on the site due to a disability, please submit a request through the following form for assistance.