Flocks of Fun

Flocks of Fun 

October 07, 2017

Play is perhaps one of the most complex topics when it comes to animal psychology. It is often difficulty to recognize and their are an abundance of theories about why animals may engage in play behavior. However; too often it seems that play is only examined, perhaps because it is easier to recognize but they most certainly are not the only ones to engage in play (All About Birds 2009). 

Like in mammals it makes sense that play could be used to help the birds practice skills they may need later in life. Birds it seem though are especially fond of playing with their "toys". For instance birds Gulls and frigate birds will release twigs well in the air and swoop down to grab them. If they find a stick they like they may well hold onto it for hours(Ogilvie 2017). 

Quite the exciting game if you ask me. Of course this play like most play performed by animals is not without greater purpose to it. The seagulls in question well playing are working to help them practice the same skills they would use to catch a tasty dinner for themselves.

There are some difference though in the play antics of birds and mammals. Birds for instance are far less likely to engage in any forms of play fighting (Ogilvie 2017). This is likely because birds in most cases when confronted or frightened are far more likely to attempt to flee from their aggressor than try to stand their ground and fight back. The only obvious exception being when flight is not an options.

But birds do have their own games they play instead. Young birds especially birds that fly in flocks will play something that appears similar to tag. Where in one of the birds will take turns leading the others, and the rest will attempt to pursue them. Then they will switch off and repeat the cycle (Ogilvie 2017). Well engaged in this sort of play the birds are practicing both their escape abilities and the others are able to practice flying in groups.

Animals across the spectrum all engage in play even if it might seem more foreign to us. And there are many different reasons for why they might be doing it, or there might even be more then one reason for them to be doing so in the first place. Birds will engage in a variety of very interesting and unique behaviors that we might consider play (All About Birds 2009). And yet we know so very little about the subject as a whole, even though most children could be declared experts at playing. 

So what do you guys think is this play?

Have you seen other birds or animals perform strange behaviors that might be considered play? And if so what do you think the reasons behind that play could have been?

Lastly, who would be your ideal animal playmate? and why?

Citations

• Do birds play? (2009, April 01). Retrieved October 05, 2017, from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/do-birds-play/
• Ogilive. M., Dr. (2017). Birds at Play. Retrieved October 08, 2017, from http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/features/mao-may-01.asp