2026/06/14 by Walter D. Koenig, Eric L. Walters · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Animal Behavior and Reproduction #Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior #Avian ecology and behavior
paper · doi:10.1111/eth.70087
openalex publication_date 2026/06/14 · openalex created_date 2026/06/16 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
ABSTRACT Despite empirical and experimental work in a variety of taxa, a general understanding of investment strategies in cooperative breeders has proven difficult. Analysis of provisioning patterns in the cooperatively breeding acorn woodpecker ( Melanerpes formicivorus ) reveals that whether birds reduce their investment when assisted by other individuals depends on the analytical approach, including the type of data used as an index of effort and the time span over which it is measured. Estimated by group composition over the course of a complete nesting effort, provisioning is compensatory, with birds reducing their feeding rates in larger groups. In contrast, when measured by the provisioning effort of other group members on a short‐term, individual watch basis, provisioning is additive, with birds matching the feeding rates of other group members. Both the time frame over which patterns of parental and parental‐like care are made and the type of data used need to be considered to understand investment strategies by individuals in social groups.