Characterization of bird formations using fuzzy modelling.

The investigation of the emergent collective behaviour in flying birds is a challenging task, yet it has always fascinated scientists from different disciplines. In the attempt of studying and modelling line formation, we collected high-precision position data of 29 free-flying northern bald ibises (Geronticus eremita) using Global Navigation Satellite System loggers, to investigate whether the spatial relationships within a flock can be explained by birds maintaining energetically advantageous positions. Specifically, we exploited domain knowledge and available literature information to model by means of fuzzy logic where the air vortices lie behind a flying bird. This allowed us to determine when a leading bird provides the upwash to a following bird, reducing its overall effort. Our results show that the fuzzy model allows to easily distinguish which bird is flying in the wake of another individual, provides a clear indication about flying flock dynamics and also gives a hint about birds' social relationships.

Video Recording and Analysis of Avian Movements and Behavior: Insights from Courtship Case Studies.

Video recordings are useful tools for advancing our understanding of animal movements and behavior. Over the past decades, a burgeoning area of behavioral research has put forward innovative methods to investigate animal movement using video analysis, which includes motion capture and machine learning algorithms. These tools are particularly valuable for the study of elaborate and complex motor behaviors, but can be challenging to use. We focus in particular on elaborate courtship displays, which commonly involve rapid and/or subtle motor patterns. Here, we review currently available tools and provide hands-on guidelines for implementing these techniques in the study of avian model species. First, we suggest a set of possible strategies and solutions for video acquisition based on different model systems, environmental conditions, and time or financial budget. We then outline the available options for video analysis and illustrate how different analytical tools can be chosen to draw inference about animal motor performance. Finally, a detailed case study describes how these guidelines have been implemented to study courtship behavior in golden-collared manakins (Manacus vitellinus).