Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Vigilance is used to detect distant threats in many species of birds. Allocation of time to vigilance is shaped by the social and physical environment of individuals, but little research has focused on how weather variables affect vigilance. Wind speed, in particular, can influence vigilance by decreasing manoeuvrability during escape, increasing energy costs or by decreasing the ability to communicate and assess risk. We examined how wind speed influenced vigilance in sentinels of a cooperative breeder, the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens). Sentinels in this species occupy vantage points to monitor their surroundings and can devote all their time to vigilance during sentinel bouts. We found that head turns in sentinels, which allow individuals to monitor different areas, became more frequent under windier conditions. Wind speed is not likely to affect manoeuvrability in sentinels that are already close to cover. Energy costs during high wind likely are not as relevant to sentinels as they may be to other group members, since sentinels do not forage. We conclude that the ability to assess risk visually was probably compromised by movements in the vegetation caused by wind. The study highlights behavioural adjustments to weather-related environmental variability.
Source: Birds
DOI: 10.3390/birds7020023
Authors: Guy Beauchamp, Sahas Barve
Institution: Archbold Biological Station
Language: English
Topic: Avian ecology and behavior
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,448
Funder: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
OpenAlex ID: W7147249459