2021/11/24 by Jennings, Lauren, Kishor Koperweis, Lou, Alex +1
#California ground squirrel #acorn woodpecker #alarm calls #interspecific eavesdropping
paper · doi:10.21973/n32t06
Interspecific eavesdropping can benefit heterospecific prey species by increasing the likelihood of detecting and avoiding a predator. California ground squirrels ((Otospermophilus beecheyi) and acorn woodpeckers (Melanerpes formicivorus) share aerial predators. When an aerial predator is spotted, California ground squirrels produce a distinct warning call. A population of acorn woodpeckers was observed in order to assess their response to the aerial warning calls of California ground squirrels. Acorn woodpeckers respond to California ground squirrel warning calls by rapidly vocalizing their own alarm call, decreasing social behavior, and flying toward the sound of California ground squirrel warning calls. Overall, acorn woodpeckers were found to eavesdrop on California ground squirrel alarm calls. Eavesdropping on California ground squirrels may decrease the risk of predation for acorn woodpeckers. By examining the extent to which acorn woodpeckers eavesdrop on California ground squirrels, we gain an increased understanding of the role of interspecific eavesdropping and the benefits gained by species utilizing this strategy.