Until now, scientists had observed that some
large birds are sociable amongst each other. However, a new study has
confirmed that this unique characteristic can also be seen among smaller
birds such as the Eurasian siskin, a bird which is able to form bonds
that last for a number of years as well as travel long distances in the
company of these birds. This intimacy may favour reproduction in
addition to facilitating the process of adjusting to a new place.
The sociability of swans, geese and birds of the crow family has been
studied and is well understood by scientists. These are large birds
that tend to form stable, long-lasting bonds. This peculiarity, however,
had not been observed in smaller birds, such is the case with the
Eurasian siskin (Carduelis spinus). A study published in 'Bird Study'
reveals that this species has a tendency to travel long distances in
groups over the course of several years. Up to this time, researchers
from the Natural Sciences Museum of Barcelona -the leaders of this
study- had discovered that female Eurasian siskins in captivity prefer
to mate with males that they know. Nevertheless, the investigators still
needed to prove that these birds, when out in nature, do indeed live
together for periods of time that are long enough for these specimens to
interact and to get to know each other.
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