Raptor cognition has received limited research attention, despite the importance of comparative investigations for reconstructing the evolution of complex cognition. Field studies provide essential ecological context for cognition in the natural habitat, although this approach is often challenging due to extensive procedures involved in cognitive testing. One predisposition suggested to contribute to problem-solving behaviour is the response to novel stimuli. In this pilot study, a novel object test was conducted on an outdoor feeding platform to assess the neotic responses of a single wild free-ranging Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), a generalist/opportunist diurnal predator species. Additionally, data on its daily activity were collected. As predicted, the subject expressed low neophobia and some exploratory behaviours. Interestingly, it repeatedly arrived on the platform in low light conditions. This study highlights the influence of foraging ecology on cognitive predispositions and offers a field method for research on raptor cognition.
PritchardDJHurlyTATello-RamosMC, et al.Why study cognition in the wild (and how to test it)?J Exp Anal Behav2016; 105(1): 41–55.
2.
CoreyDT. The determinants of exploration and neophobia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev1978; 2: 235–253.
3.
GreenbergRMettke-HofmannC. Ecological aspects of neophobia and neophilia in birds. In: NolanVThompsonCF (eds). Current Ornithology. Boston, MA: Springer US; 2001, Vol 16, pp. 119–178.
4.
O'HaraMMioduszewskaBvon BayernA, et al.The temporal dependence of exploration on neotic style in birds. Sci Rep2017; 7(1): 4742.
5.
ReaderSM. Causes of individual differences in animal exploration and search. Top Cogn Sci2015; 7(3): 451–468.
6.
GriffinASGuezD. Innovation and problem solving: a review of common mechanisms. Behav Process2014; 109: 121–134.
SchadenG. Exploration und neophobie bei schleiereulen (Tyto alba guttata): der einfluß von früherfahrung und vertrautheit (exploration and neophobia in captive barn owls (Tyto alba guttata): the influence of early experience and familiarity). Egretta1993; 36: 67–77.
9.
BiondiLMBóMSVassalloAI. Inter-individual and age differences in exploration, neophobia and problem-solving ability in a neotropical raptor (Milvago chimango). Anim Cogn2010; 13(5): 701–710.
10.
BiondiLMGuidoJMadridE, et al.The effect of age and sex on object exploration and manipulative behavior in a neotropical raptor, the Chimango Caracara, Milvago chimango. Ethology2013; 119(3): 221–232.
11.
BiondiLMFuentesGMCórdobaRS, et al.Variation in boldness and novelty response between rural and urban predatory birds: the chimango caracara, Milvago chimango as study case. Behav Process2020; 173: 104064.
12.
GuidoJMBiondiLMVasalloAI, et al.Neophobia is negatively related to reversal learning ability in females of a generalist bird of prey, the chimango caracara, Milvago chimango. Anim Cogn2017; 20(4): 591–602.
13.
BeissingerSRDonnayTJWaltonR. Experimental analysis of diet specialization in the snail kite: the role of behavioral conservatism. Oecologia1994; 100(1–2): 54–65.
14.
McClureCJWSchulwitzSEAndersonDL, et al.Commentary: defining raptors and birds of prey. J Raptor Res2019; 53(4): 419.
15.
LambertMLJacobsIOsvathM, et al.Birds of a feather? Parrot and corvid cognition compared. Behaviour2018; 156(5–8): 505–594.
DarePJ. The life of buzzards. Scotland, UK: Whittles Publishing, 2015.
18.
GrahamIMRedpathSMThirgoodSJ. The diet and breeding density of common buzzards Buteo buteo in relation to indices of prey abundance. Bird Study1995; 42(2): 165–173.
19.
PinowskiJRyszkowskiL. The buzzard’s versatility as a predator. Br Birds1962; 55: 470–475.
20.
WallsSKenwardR. The common buzzard. London, UK: T & AD Poyser Ltd, 2020.
21.
ForsmanD. The raptors of Europe and the middle East: a handbook of field identification. London, UK: Christopher Helm, 2003.
22.
HumeR. RSPB complete birds of Britain and Europe. London, UK: Dorling Kindersley, 2002.
23.
SvenssonLGrantPJMullarneyK, et al.Collins bird guide: the most complete field guide to the birds of Britain and Europe. 2nd ed.London, UK: Harper Collins, 2009.
24.
TruszkowskiJ. Role of the common buzzard (Buteo buteo L.) in agrocenoses of the middle wielkopolska. Pol Ecol Stud1976; 27: 31–60.
25.
KrügerO. Interactions between common buzzard Buteo buteo and goshawk Accipiter gentilis: trade-offs revealed by a field experiment. Oikos2002; 96(3): 441–452.
26.
BoernerMKrügerO. Aggression and fitness differences between plumage morphs in the common buzzard (Buteo buteo). Behav Ecol2009; 20(1): 180–185.
27.
JanmaatKRL. What animals do not do or fail to find: a novel observational approach for studying cognition in the wild. Evol Anthropol Issues News Rev2019; 28(6): 303–320.
28.
SergioFHiraldoF. Intraguild predation in raptor assemblages: a review. Ibis2008; 150: 132–145.
29.
Ferguson-LeesJChristieDA. Raptors of the world. London, UK: Christopher Helm, 2001.
30.
SchreiberAStubbeAStubbeM. Common buzzard (Buteo buteo): a raptor with hyperpolymorphic plumage morphs, but low allozyme heterozygosity. J Für Ornithol2001; 142: 34–48.
31.
KappersEFChakarovNKrügerO, et al.Classification and temporal stability of plumage variation in common buzzards. Ardea2017; 105(2): 125–136.
32.
EnnaceurADelacourJ. A new one-trial test for neurobiological studies of memory in rats. I: behavioral data. Behav Brain Res1988; 31(1): 47–59.
33.
FriardOGambaM. BORIS: a free, versatile open‐source event‐logging software for video/audio coding and live observations. Methods Ecol Evol2016; 7(11): 1325–1330.
34.
R Core Team. R. A language and environment for statistical computing. [Internet]. Vienna, Austria: R Foundation for Statistical Computing, 2018. Available from:https://www.R-project.org/.
35.
WickhamH. Ggplot2: elegant graphics for data analysis. New York: Springer-Verlag, 2009.
36.
HänelAPoschTRibasSJ, et al.Measuring night sky brightness: methods and challenges. J Quant Spectrosc Radiat Transf2018; 205: 278–290.
37.
MitkusMPotierSMartinGR, et al.Raptor vision. In: Oxford research encyclopedia of neuroscience. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2018, pp. 1–40.
38.
ShawRCBoogertNJClaytonNS, et al.Wild psychometrics: evidence for ‘general’ cognitive performance in wild new Zealand robins, Petroica longipes. Anim Behav2015; 109: 101–111.
39.
BaenningerLP. Comparison of behavioural development in socially isolated and grouped rats. Anim Behav1967; 15(2–3): 312–323.
40.
BalcombeJPBarnardNDSanduskyC. Laboratory routines cause animal stress. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci2004; 43(6): 42–51.
41.
CarothersJHJaksićFM. Time as a niche difference: the role of interference competition. Oikos1984; 42(3): 403.
42.
FrancksenRM.Exploring the impact of common buzzard Buteo buteo predation on red grouse Lagopus lagopus scotica. Doctoral dissertation, Newcastle University: School of Biology, 2015.
43.
SihABellAMJohnsonJC, et al.Behavioral syndromes: an integrative overview. Q Rev Biol2004; 79(3): 241–277.
44.
FraenkelJRWallenNE. Single-subject research. In: How to design and evaluate research in education. 7th ed.New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2009, pp. 298–311.
45.
OrtizSTMaxwellAHansenKA. Research as an enrichment tool to improve welfare in captive animals. Anim Husb Dairy Vet Sci2017; 1(4): 1–6.
