The response of foraging eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) to alarm calls of the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

de Leon, Kathryne Andrea

The response of foraging eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) to alarm calls of the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

Persistent URL

http://hdl.handle.net/10456/8156

Author(s)

de Leon, Kathryne Andrea

Date Issued

April 5, 2010

Abstract

The black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) emits alarm calls that express information about the type of predator and the degree of threat the predator holds. While chickadees produce alarm calls to warn members of their own species of dangerous predators, other animals can eavesdrop on these calls and obtain information regarding common predators. My study tests whether foraging eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) are able to distinguish and respond appropriately to chickadee alarm calls. Due to the shared habitat and types of predators between the eastern chipmunk and black-capped chickadee, I hypothesized that chipmunks will become more aware of predator risk after hearing chickadee alarm calls and will respond by assuming an alert posture, looking up from foraging, scanning the area, and fleeing the foraging site. Chipmunks responded to alarm calls with vigilant behavior and by decreasing the amount of seeds consumed, demonstrating that chipmunks recognize the alarm calls of chickadees and respond with anti-predator behavior. These findings are consistent with previous studies demonstrating interspecific eavesdropping with several species.

First Reader(s)

Mumme, Ronald L.