Ardea
Official journal of the Netherlands Ornithologists' Union

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Harrison C.J.O. (1965) 'Stare-down' in birds, and its apparent function. ARDEA 53 (1-2): 57-72
Intensive studies of the Laridae have brought into prominence the stare-down posture which also occurs in other avian families. The stare-down posture is one in which a bird standing in a normal position bends its head to look at the ground beneath, momentary holding the posture. Its occurrence is listed, together with data on its context, in Aegypiidae (1 species), Accipitridae (1), Phasianidae (1), Scolopacidae (1), Laridae (20), Paridae (1), Fringillidae (4), Estrildidae (2), and Corvidae (1). In order to examine its relationship to other behaviour occurring at the time, the behaviour immediately prior to it and immediately following it, are listed. A variety of interpretations by other authorities are quoted. The circumstances of its occurrence suggest that stare-down is not, in itself, a submissive or aggressive posture. An examination of the behaviour before and after stare-down reveals that a bird reacting at low-intensity to an agonistic or conflict situation performs stare-down and subsequently shows normal maintenance behaviour patterns. It is suggested that the stare-down posture 'breaks the hold' which the previous circumstances exerted on the bird, and removes or reduces the agonistic or conflict impulses. This would appear to be a form of cut-off posture. The occurrence of repeated stare-down postures alternating with aggressive behaviour suggests that it is not adequate to counteract strong drives.


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