19 Jul Avian Behavior: Insights from the Field
There is a very well known debate in psychology as to whether nature or nurture informs our behavior. It turns out, this debate is common among animal behavior scientists as well. It turns out, both nature and nurture, or ethology and learning history, inform the behavior we see in front of us, and incorporating these insights have transformed my approach to avian behavior, training, and education.
The Rat Run: A Closer Look
In free flight programs, rats often become a humorous yet essential part of the show. We train them to run across a stage, moving from one crate to another to receive food. At first glance, this seems like a straightforward positive reinforcement scenario: the rat runs, gets food, and we have a happy audience. But let’s look deeper.
When we consider the rat’s natural behaviors and needs, we see a different picture. Rats are naturally curious and smart, but they are also prey animals and nocturnal. They don’t like being out in the open for too long. This makes the “rat run” a bit more complex – the rat might be running not just for the food, but to escape the vulnerability of being in the open.
Beyond Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence
Traditionally, we’ve been trained to view behavior through the lens of antecedent (the door opens), behavior (the rat runs), and consequence (the rat gets food). However, there are more layers to consider. For instance, the rat’s motivation to get out of the open could be a form of negative reinforcement – running to escape potential threats rather than just to get food.
Evolutionary Behaviorism
Understanding the natural history and behavior of the species we work with is crucial. This is where evolutionary behaviorism comes in, blending the study of behavior under natural conditions with the adaptive traits that have evolved over time. For example, parrots’ foraging strategies can change based on competitive pressures in their environment, just as blue tits and great tits alter their behaviors in response to different threats.
Species-Appropriate Behaviors
In modern educational programming, we emphasize species-appropriate behaviors. This means encouraging activities that are natural for the species, like point-to-point flights for birds of prey or object discrimination tasks for parrots. However, we must be mindful of what truly constitutes “species-appropriate.”
For instance, while it might seem enriching to place parrots on natural-looking play stations, these environments might not offer the stimulation and challenges they need. Similarly, teaching a parrot to ride a bicycle might engage its brain more than perching on a play gym devoid of parrot toys, but we still have a hard time calling this species appropriate.
Behavioral Momentum Theory
Behavioral momentum theory helps us understand the persistence of behavior based on the rate of reinforcement and learning history. Think of behavior as a ball in motion, propelled by the history of reinforcement and the variety and quality of those reinforcers. The more natural the outcomes of a behavior, the stronger and more persistent that behavior will be.
For instance, a parrot flying from perch to perch, may need a lot of motivation for a solitary reinforcer of a nut. But if the bird receives a variety of reinforcers and experiences natural outcomes from the behavior, its motivation and engagement will increase.
Mutual Benefits in Training
Training should aim for mutual benefits, where both the trainer and the bird find value. Take falconry, for example. A red-tailed hawk flying and hunting in collaboration with a handler showcases a natural, mutually beneficial relationship. The hawk’s natural behaviors are harnessed and reinforced in a way that benefits both the bird and the trainer.
Competition and Reinforcement
In the wild, behaviors are often shaped by competition and reinforcement. Watching vultures gather around a carcass, we see positive reinforcement in the form of food and negative reinforcement through avoidance of conflict. This mirrors what we observe in captive settings, where social dynamics play a crucial role in shaping behavior.
Understanding Habitat Preferences
Creating comfortable habitats for birds involves understanding their natural preferences. Grassland species like burrowing owls need open views, while woodland species like screech owls prefer more enclosed, obscured environments. Adjusting their living spaces to mimic these natural conditions can significantly impact their behavior and well-being.
Social Dynamics and Training
Social dynamics also play a crucial role in behavior. For instance, in birds with strong social structures, such as parrots and vultures, understanding their social interactions helps in designing effective training programs. By acknowledging and working with these dynamics, we can create more enriching and supportive environments for the birds.
Evolving our training methods by incorporating scientific insights and understanding the natural history of the species we work with leads to more effective and humane training practices. By focusing on species-appropriate behaviors, behavioral momentum, and mutual benefits, we can enhance the welfare and engagement of the birds in our care. Stay tuned for more insights in part two, where we’ll dive deeper into specific training techniques and examples!