DIRECTIONS AND TIMING OF GREAT BLUE HERON FORAGING FLIGHTS FROM A CALIFORNIA COLONY:IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL FACILITATION OF FOOD FINDING

Patterns of foraging trips of several species of colonially nesting birdshave been examined recently for evidence that colonies serve as ‘informationcentres’ to assist the members in finding food (Krebs 1974, Hooglandand Sherman 1976, Snapp 1976, Custer and Osborn 1978, Erwin1978). According to this hypothesis colonial nesting is advantageous forspecies depending on food that is unevenly distributed and concentratedin areas of temporary abundance.

HELEN M. PRATT, Wilson Bull., 92(4), 1980, pp. 489-496