Food monotony compromises photoperiod induced responses in migratory redheaded bunting

Food is one of the key environmental factors affecting an organism's behavior and physiology on daily and seasonal basis. Over the years, studies regarding human food habits and its subsequent impact on their behavior and physiology have been explored a lot but studies on same line are missing with reference to different animal taxa. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the impact of varied food availability over a monotonous food schedule on birds. We were interested in knowing how this treatment affects the birds' behavior and physiology? The experiment was performed on migratory passerine finch; redheaded bunting (Emberiza bruniceps), wherein two groups of bird (N = 10 each) were taken. Group I (Kakuni group; KG) birds were fed only with seeds of Setaria italica (Kakuni) whereas group II (Mixed Diet group; MG) was provided with seeds of kakuni along with sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) and egg white, all three separately in different bowls. Results reveal that behaviorally, MG birds were more active with higher gross food intake when compared with KG. MG birds also had significant gain in body mass and testicular volume during the course of experiment, although, the accumulation of fat remained unchanged between the two groups. Thus, the study clearly demonstrates the motivation to eat and stay active besides being reproductively proficient in presence of varied food availability.

Automated summary

Food is a crucial environmental factor that affects the behavior and physiology of organisms. While studies have extensively explored the impact of human food habits on behavior and physiology, research on different animal taxa is lacking. This study investigated the effects of varied food availability on birds' behavior and physiology. The results showed that birds in the Mixed Diet group were more active and had higher food intake compared to the Kakuni group. Additionally, the birds in the Mixed Diet group exhibited significant increases in body mass and testicular volume. However, the accumulation of fat did not differ between the two groups. This study highlights the motivation to eat and stay active, as well as reproductive proficiency in the presence of varied food availability.