Roosttime restlessness in captive American Robins (Turdus migratorius)

Contextual generality of roosttime restlessness in captive American robins (Turdus migratorius)

“…Second, the high activity of captive robins at dusk is often accompanied by an increase in the occurrence of wing-flapping which may represent flight-intention movements or an "urge to fly" (Eiserer, 1979). Third, the activity peak at dusk appears every month of the year (Eiserer, 1979; 198Oc), a finding that is in agreement with field reports that wild robins travel to a communal roost during all four seasons …”

“…A comparable display of restlessness by captive robins might be expected, much as many songbirds show "migratory restlessness" on a seasonal basis, whether free-living or in captivity (Eyster, 1954). Second, the high activity of captive robins at dusk is often accompanied by an increase in the occurrence of wing-flapping which may represent flight-intention movements or an "urge to fly" (Eiserer, 1979). Third, the activity peak at dusk appears every month of the year (Eiserer, 1979;198Oc), a finding that is in agreement with field reports that wild robins travel to a communal roost during all four seasons (Black, 1932;Brewster, 1890;Howell, This work, supported in part by grants from the Mellon Foundation, was conducted at Franklin and Marshall College.…”

“…Second, the high activity of captive robins at dusk is often accompanied by an increase in the occurrence of wing-flapping which may represent flight-intention movements or an "urge to fly" (Eiserer, 1979). Third, the activity peak at dusk appears every month of the year (Eiserer, 1979;198Oc), a finding that is in agreement with field reports that wild robins travel to a communal roost during all four seasons (Black, 1932;Brewster, 1890;Howell, This work, supported in part by grants from the Mellon Foundation, was conducted at Franklin and Marshall College. The author thanks Douglas S. Ramsay, Alison S. Black, Ann L. Maliniak , and Emily L. Howard for their help in the research.…”

“…In sum, roosttime restlessness appears to be II robust phenomenon that occurs under a wide range of laboratory conditions, but which also can be substantially influenced by numerous environmental variables. Further experimental examination of these variables may advance present understanding of the survival value of communal roosting in this species.The daily activity pattern of captive American robins iTurdus migratorius) under conditions of natural illumination typically consists of moderateto-high activity in the early daylight hours, a gradual decline in activity as the day progresses, and finally a brief period of high activity at dusk just before the birds settle down for the night (Eiserer, 1979; Palmer, 1(70). Several lines of evidence suggest that the high a.tivity at dusk is a behavioral correlate of the robin's tendency to fly to a communal roost each evening and sleep there with conspecifics.…”

“…The daily activity pattern of captive American robins iTurdus migratorius) under conditions of natural illumination typically consists of moderateto-high activity in the early daylight hours, a gradual decline in activity as the day progresses, and finally a brief period of high activity at dusk just before the birds settle down for the night (Eiserer, 1979;Palmer, 1(70). Several lines of evidence suggest that the high a.tivity at dusk is a behavioral correlate of the robin's tendency to fly to a communal roost each evening and sleep there with conspecifics.…”