Effect of a Conspecific on Nest Building Location in the Zebra Finch

Abstract

During a series of experiments to test effects of social stimuli on nest building in male gray Zebra Finches (Poephila gu.ttata), the subjects were allowed to choose between two types of receptacle for nest building. Sargent (1965) has shown that in Zebra Finches rearing experience, and especially previous nesting experience, influences preference for nest substrate type and type of "habitat" in which to build. As we did not know the previous experience of our stock (imported from Europe), we provided each male with both an open and a domed nest receptacle. One receptacle was always nearer a conspecific (confined to an adjacent compartment) than was the other. Furthermore the positions of the two receptacles were alternated between successive experimental replicates. This afforded an opportunity not only to investigate preference for receptacle type, but also to examine the influence of proximity to a conspecific on this preference