Multimodal antipredator communication in the black capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

Abstract

Many animals, such as the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), use multiple signals in order to detect predators. Chickadees primarily use visual and acoustic signals to communicate information about predators in their territory. The objective of this project was to examine the difference in response to unimodal and multimodal signals. This was achieved by using presentations and playing calls of an owl and a hawk. The data collected was statistically significant; therefore, chickadees use multimodal communication to detect predators. Also, the results were supported by previous research on multimodal communication.

Discipline: Biology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shannon Digweed