Phenotypic Clumping Decreases With Flock Richness in Mixed-Species Bird Flocks

Animals that live in groups may experience positive interactions such as cooperative behavior or negative competition from group members depending on size and similarity between individuals. The effect of phenotypic ecological assembly has not been well-studied. Mixed-species flocks are important subsets bird communities worldwide. We examined associations within these relation to flock size, understand rules assembly, the Western Ghats India. relationship clumping richness using four variables—body foraging behavior, height taxonomic relatedness. Using a null model approach, we found small were more phenotypically clumped for body than expected by chance; however, decreased increased approached variation large flocks. This pattern was clear behavior. then dataset 55 matrices 24 sites across world. with smaller had higher values larger less clumped. weakly statistically significant Unlike most single-species groups, participants mixed-species appear be able separate different axes trait similarity. They can gain benefits one axis while mitigating dissimilarity others. Consistent our results, speculate deterministic up certain point being similar but tended approach random assemblages species.