Head-bobbing and non-bobbing walking of black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus).
Head-bobbing walking (HBW) and non-bobbing walking (NBW) of black-headed gulls were compared from kinematic and behavioral/environmental viewpoints. The birds walked with a longer stride length and lower stride frequency during the HBW than during the NBW. With respect to these two parameters, the HBW of black-headed gulls was similar to that of other head-bobbers, and the NBW was similar to that of other non-bobbers. The stride length and the amplitude of head bobbing were correlated. These results suggest that the head-bobbing and gait parameters are related. From a behavioral viewpoint, HBW was observed during seeking-type foraging by wading, and NBW was observed during waiting-type foraging on a flat substrate. The type of foraging behavior and/or substrate condition probably determines whether the birds walk with or without head bobbing.
Fujita
Masaki
M
Laboratory of Biodiversity Science, School of Agriculture and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. mfujita@es.a.u-tokyo.ac.jp
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D046091:Charadriiformes / Q000502:physiology*; D004777:Environment; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology