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Solution acceptance by common ravens (Corvus corax) given two-bottle preference tests.

A E Harriman1, E G Fry

  • 1Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078-0250.

Psychological Reports
|August 1, 1990
PubMed
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Common ravens (Corvus corax) showed a unique preference for mid-range saccharin concentrations in two-bottle tests, unlike other birds. Ravens accepted lower sugar concentrations but avoided higher ones, with similar shifts for other tested chemicals.

Area of Science:

  • Animal Behavior
  • Avian Ecology
  • Sensory Biology

Background:

  • Understanding avian dietary preferences is crucial for ecological studies.
  • Previous research indicates varied responses of birds to different chemical stimuli.
  • The common raven (Corvus corax) has a diverse diet, but specific taste preferences are not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the taste acceptance of common ravens towards various chemical solutions.
  • To determine the preference thresholds for sugars, salts, acids, and artificial sweeteners in ravens.
  • To compare raven taste responses to known avian responses, particularly for sodium saccharin.

Main Methods:

  • Two-bottle choice tests were conducted in an outdoor aviary with eight common ravens.

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  • Aqueous solutions of five sugars, three salts, two acids, quinine hydrochloride, and sodium saccharin were tested against water.
  • Solution acceptance was quantified as the percentage preference for the test solution over the control (water).

    • Main Results:

    • Ravens significantly preferred mid-range concentrations (0.10%–0.80% w/w) of sodium saccharin over water.
    • This preference for saccharin contradicts previous findings in avian two-bottle tests.
    • Ravens showed non-preferential acceptance of low sugar concentrations and aversion to high concentrations, with similar patterns observed for other tested chemicals.

    Conclusions:

    • Common ravens exhibit a distinct preference for saccharin, diverging from typical avian responses.
    • Ravens demonstrate concentration-dependent acceptance and aversion to sugars and other tested chemicals.
    • These findings offer insights into the gustatory perception and potential dietary habits of common ravens.