Winona State University
BIOL 406/506 - ORNITHOLOGY
Lab Exercise

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD TERRITORIALITY

adapted from a lab exercise
developed by Dr. R. DeVinney
Winona State University

OBJECTIVE

Male Red-winged Blackbirds establish territories within wetland habitats during early spring. These territories may provide 1) exclusive access to certain resources (e.g., food, nest sites, mates), 2) a site from which to advertise for mates, and/or 3) an area from which predators can be excluded economically. This exercise will introduce you to how male blackbirds respond to the presence of various "objects" within their territories.


HYPOTHESIS

Male Red-winged Blackbirds will respond similarly to all "objects" placed within their territories.


METHODOLOGY

You will place the following "objects" individually within the territories of as many male blackbirds as possible: 1) male blackbird model, 2) female blackbird model, 3) grackle model, and 4) owl model. As time permits, we will also include male blackbird song with models 1 and 3. We will quantify individual male blackbird response to each model using the following scale:

No response toward model - 0
Observations directed toward model - 1
Song directed toward model - 2
Movement directed toward model - 3
Attack of model - 4


ANALYSIS

After data are collected, calculate response means and standard deviations for each model presented to male blackbirds, and display these in either figure or table form. Use the statistical software (and computer, if necessary) available from the instructor to determine whether or not responses differed among the models presented. The instructor will demonstrate the use of the software either to individuals or to small groups.


EQUIPMENT

Waders
Blackbird models (male, female)
Grackle models
Owl models
Tape players
Song tapes

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