Meeting Abstract

P1.16  Saturday, Jan. 4 15:30  Does baseline corticosterone predict neophobia in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor)? DOMALIK, AD*; LENDVAI, AZ; OUYANG, JQ; DAKIN, R; MOORE, IT; BONIER, F; Queen’s University, Kingston, ON; Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Queen’s University, Kingston, ON; Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Queen’s University, Kingston, ON 9add2@queensu.ca

Individual differences in behavior are often attributed to different coping styles― a set of behavioral responses that are consistent within individuals. For example, proactive individuals tend to be characterized by higher levels of aggression and boldness, while reactive individuals show the opposite behaviors. Moreover, an individual’s response to novelty (neophobia—fear of the new) is also an important component of coping style. However, the physiological mechanisms regulating neophobic behaviors in free-living animals remain to be clarified, but promising work in captive birds suggests that corticosterone (CORT) might be involved. In this study, we explored the relationship between neophobia and baseline CORT in free-living adult tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Specifically, we investigated whether individuals exhibiting a high degree of neophobia would also have higher baseline CORT levels. From these data, we will provide further insight into the role of CORT in mediating an individual’s behavioral response to novel stimuli.