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Head-bobbing and non-bobbing walking of black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus)

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Abstract

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.

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Abbreviations

DTT:

Distal tarsometatarsus

HBW:

Head-bobbing walking

MTT:

Middle of the tarsometatarsus

NBW:

Non-bobbing walking

PPT:

Proximal tarsometatarsus

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Biodiversity Science, School of Agriculture and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, 113-8657, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

    Masaki Fujita

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  1. Masaki Fujita
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Correspondence to Masaki Fujita.

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Fujita, M. Head-bobbing and non-bobbing walking of black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus). J Comp Physiol A 192, 481–488 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-005-0083-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-005-0083-4

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