Young birds learn from their older siblings, adopting behaviors from their neighbors.

A study conducted by a group of scientists and published in the journal PLOS Biology examined how great tits adapt to new environments by observing and mimicking the behavior of resident populations. This process is a safer and quicker method of learning compared to independently experimenting with new behaviors, as noted by Cosmos.

Dr. Michael Chimento from the University of Constance (Germany), the lead author of the study, described social learning as a crucial survival tool in unfamiliar environments. "By paying attention to what others do, you can determine whether a new behavior is beneficial or potentially harmful. Copying such behavior means you might also receive a reward," explained Chimento. The study emphasizes the importance of adhering to local traditions when animals integrate into new groups.

During the experiment, groups of wild-caught great tits were trained to access food in puzzle boxes by pushing doors either left or right. Migratory birds were placed in enclosures with residents trained to use the opposite method. Notably, when the visual environment changed, 80% of the immigrants quickly adopted the residents' solutions, indicating a strong reliance on local cues. Conversely, when the foliage in the enclosure resembled their original habitat, only 25% immediately adopted the residents' strategy.

The findings suggest that the novelty of the environment significantly influences social learning. Professor Lucy Aplin, the senior author from the Australian National University and the University of Zurich, emphasized that immigration-driven learning reflects real-world behavior, where animals identify effective methods through careful observation in new conditions. This provides a basis for understanding broader ecological and evolutionary dynamics.

The study also highlights the adaptability of animal cognition. By observing how migration affects behavior, scientists can infer the mechanisms underlying the spread of new behavior patterns and traditions within populations. The ability of great tits to learn from locals is a survival strategy that likely contributes to their ecological success.