Table manners
WATCHING bird behaviour can be fascinating and bird tables and feeders provide a wonderful opportunity to do so. When birds feed together it may not appear to be done in a particularly orderly fashion and you might even interpret it as bad behaviour! There is, however, a distinct order to it, often known as the ‘pecking order’ or dominance hierarchy.
Squabbling over food is an occupational hazard for any bird at a feeder and it may appear that bigger is better when it comes to the winner of such disagreements. Research has shown that larger species tend to spend more time at feeders, eating the best food available, while smaller birds have to make do with poorer-quality food and feed for a shorter time.
Ten species were studied at feeders containing either sunflower hearts or black sunflower seeds. House
Sparrow and Greenfinch – the largest and heaviest – were found to dominate the smaller and lighter Coal and Blue
Tits. However, behaviour may also play a part as Goldfinch fared better than the larger Chaffinch, perhaps by being more aggressive.
There will often be a social hierarchy within single species, too, with males generally dominating females, and older, more experienced birds prevailing over younger ones. Greenfinches were shown to have different fat reserves depending on their social status. Birds with lower status had to carry higher fat reserves as they did not know when they would next feed successfully. More dominant individuals could quickly obtain more food when, say, temperatures dropped, increasing their reserves while others used theirs up. Lower-status birds would find it difficult to replace energy in severe weather conditions.
The benefit of being top of the pecking order is not just about having the best food. A dominant bird is able to choose where to feed and can pick both the safest spot and the safest time to feed. It is less likely to be predated and will also be in better condition during harsh winter months, and so will have a much greater chance of surviving.
A peanut feeder will attract tits, with Great Tit dominating over
Blue, which dominates Coal. The larger and aggressive Eurasian Nuthatch will see off all tits, but will vanish as soon as a Great Spotted Woodpecker arrives. Put apples out and you will soon find that Blackbirds will dominate over the smaller Song Thrushes or Common Starlings. In cold weather you may be visited by a Fieldfare which will see off a Blackbird, but a Mistle Thrush can fight off all-comers and will completely take over a source of food such as a berry-laden Holly bush.
Watch the behaviour of the different birds as they try to fight off rivals. Greenfinches will open their beaks and threaten, or even peck at others. Eurasian Nuthatches will raise their beaks as a threat and partly open their wings. Usually the subordinate bird gives way immediately and no actual fight develops, but if two birds of equal status start to quarrel, then a real fight can develop and between European Robins this can get very physical.
To avoid certain birds monopolising supplies at feeders it is best to use a variety of foods placed in different areas so every individual has a chance to feed somewhere. Separate peanut feeders from seed feeders and hang suet feeders away from both. Place some seed on the ground for shyer birds. Watch to see which birds are missing out and try to place food separately for them.