The exploitation of titsParusspecies, Long-tailed TitsAegithos caudatusand GoldcrestsRegulus regulusby TreecreepersCerthia familiaris:a behavioural study

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Abstract
The variation of Treecreeper Certhia familiaris pecking rates was studied in response to variations in the size of associating flocks of tits Parus species, Longtailed Tits Aegithos caudatus and Goldcrests Regulus regulus. A significant and positive relationship was detected. The actual frequency of association between tits and Treecreepers was investigated, and the analysis and discussion of niche separation and the effects of temperature are also included. It is suggested that increased vigilance afforded by associating with tit flocks allows Treecreepers to adjust their own time budget, away from vigilant behaviour and towards extra feeding.