Resident blackbirds, such as grackles, cowbirds, and red-wings and Brewer's in California; were compared to migratory species, such as rusty and tricolored blackbirds, and Brewer's in Mississippi to see how they reacted to change in their environment. To test the birds' fear response, seed was placed on the ground in a variety of habitats. This clip is the control experiment where there are no novel objects by the food. Initially, the blackbirds are hesitant but they approach the food fairly quickly and once the first birds begin eating, there is a mad rush of birds to devour the remaining food.
Video Duration:
25 sec
YouTube Keywords:
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center science bird migratory
