cognition and anthropogenic stress

In birds, previous research has shown decreased problem-solving proficiency when exposed to noise. However, it is unknown how the interplay between noise and cognition impacts fitness. Masters student Sara Isgate focused on cognitive performance and parental care in cavity-nesting birds with and without anthropogenic noise. 

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Together with Julian Avery, we developed a novel, low-cost operant conditioning device to observe problem-solving performance in wild Eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) exposed to playback of anthropogenic noise. During peak nestling provisioning, mated pairs were presented with the device, featuring an obstructive door and two levers, on the front of their nest box. Perching on the “active” lever allowed subjects to access nestlings within the box, while the box remained closed while perching on the “inactive” lever. We quantified personality traits (neophobia, activity, persistence), problem-solving performance, and eventual fledging success.

 

We found no significant effect of noise on problem-solving performance or reproductive success. However, problem-solving performance was significantly affected by personality, with neophobic birds being less likely to solve and highly active birds being more likely to solve. Problem-solving performance also significantly improved over time, consistent with learning. Operant conditioning devices like this, which capitalize on the evolutionary motivation to provision young, are therefore valuable for quantifying innovation potential in the face of anthropogenic change.