A longitudinal network analysis of social dynamics in rooks Corvus frugilegus: repeated group modifications do not affect social network in captive rooks

Palmyre H. Boucherie (1) , Sebastian Sosa (2) , Cristian Pasquaretta (1) , Valérie Dufour (1)

1 DEPE-IPHC - Département Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie
2 University of Barcelona

Numerous studies have investigated the remarkable variation of social features and the resulting structures across species. Indeed, relationships are dynamic and vary in time according to various factors such as environmental conditions or individuals attributes. However, few studies have investigated the processes that stabilize the structures within a given species, and the behavioural mechanisms that ensure their coherence and continuity across time. Here, we used a dynamic actor-based model, RSiena, to investigate the consistency of the temporal dynamic of relationships of a group of captive rooks facing recurrent modifications in group composition (i.e. the loss and introduction of individuals). We found that changes in relationships (i.e. formation and removal) followed consistent patterns regardless of group composition and sex-ratio. Rooks preferentially interacted with paired congeners (i.e. unpopular attachment) and were more likely to form relationships with individuals bonded to a current social partner (i.e. “friends of friends”, or triadic closure). The sex of individuals had no effect on the dynamic of relationships. This robust behavioural mechanisms formed the basis of inter-connected networks, composed of sub-structures of individuals emerging from the enmeshment of dyadic and triadic motifs. Overall, the present study reveals crucial aspects of the behavioural mechanisms shaping rooks social structure, suggesting that rooks live in a well-integrated society, going far beyond the unique monogamous pair-bond.

Mots clés: triadic closure; preferential attachment; temporal dynamics; social interactions; social network analysis; corvids

Domaines: Sciences de l'environnement

Palmyre H. Boucherie, Sebastian Sosa, Cristian Pasquaretta, Valérie Dufour. A longitudinal network analysis of social dynamics in rooks Corvus frugilegus: repeated group modifications do not affect social network in captive rooks. Current zoology, 2016, ⟨10.1093/cz/zow083⟩. ⟨hal-01356169⟩