Noisy jackdaws ‘cast a vote’ by calling to each other before taking off in their thousands, study shows | UK News

Noisy jackals known for suddenly flying with thousands only do so after calling each other louder and louder in a kind of bird democracy, according to a study.

Racquets made by blackbirds are said to be a form of “consensus decision-making” – something that could draw comparisons to the rowdy House of Commons.

While the colossal noise may sound chaotic, experts believe the symphony is actually the creatures each of which is voting “voting”.

Researchers from the University of Exeter recorded the increasing noise of jackdaw calls occurring before mass departures at various outcrops in Cornwall.

By combining this with tests in which pre-recorded jackdaw calls were played at a flock, the team found evidence that bird calls are used to form a decision. determined by group.

Alex Dibnah, who led the study, said: ‘After grazing in a large group at night, each jackal will have slightly different preferences for when they want to leave, based on factors like their size and hunger,” said Alex Dibnah, who led the study. at Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

“However, it can be helpful to reach a consensus. Sharing a coop has various benefits, including safety from predators and access to information such as where to find food.

“Our research shows that by invoking jackdaws there is an effective ‘voting’, and when the calling reaches sufficient levels, mass departures take place.”

Jackdaws fly in groups of hundreds or even thousands, and most or all birds fly suddenly around sunrise.

The team found that such departures occur almost instantaneously, with all birds departing the air in less than 5 seconds on average.

Commenting on the broader importance of the study, Professor Alex Thornton said: “It helps us understand how large groups of animals can actually coordinate their actions – something that has rarely been controlled before. check details.”