SEDL / STP / STP625-EB / STP27069S

Learned Aversion in Wild Birds: A Method for Testing Comparative Acute Repellency

Schafer, EW
U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Wildlife Research Center, Denver, Colo.

Brunton, RB
U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Wildlife Research Center, Denver, Colo.

Lockyer, NF
U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Wildlife Research Center, Denver, Colo.

Pages: 9    Published: Jan 1977

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Abstract

A method was developed to measure the comparative acute learned aversion of a number of wild bird species to repellent chemicals. It was shown that both the innate acute response and the intensity and duration of the learned response of birds to repellents vary among species. Two repellents, methiocarb and thiram, were tested by the described method. Methiocarb produced the stronger and more lasting response in most species; thiram was much more variable in its acute effects, and the intensity and duration of the learned response tended to be weaker and shorter.

Factors relating to improving the test methodology presented are discussed, especially with regard to the species tested.