Spatial associations provide a context for social learning of courtship patterns in brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater)

Young brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) socially learn the behaviors that facilitate courtship and mating patterns. Data from this study indicate that the context for this social learning may be provided by spatial associations between young and old cowbirds before the breeding season. Data from 2 different cultural generations of birds indicated that young cowbirds were found most often near young and adult models of the same sex and least often near cowbirds of the opposite sex. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the number of times young males were found nearest adult males and those young males' subsequent courtship success with females during the breeding season. Young cowbirds may therefore be interacting more with cowbirds of their own sex during the time period when young males are learning their vocalizations and young females may be learning their preferences for male vocalizations.