Subtle differences in family size mediate object play in young ravens (Corvus corax)
- 1Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- 2Haidlhof Research Station, University of Vienna and University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Bad Vöslau, Austria
- 3Konrad Lorenz Research Center, University of Vienna, Grünau, Austria
Abstract
The social environment at upbringing shapes the developmental trajectories of offspring behaviour and competences in various species. Surprisingly, little is known about how slight variations in early social environments, such as differences in sibling numbers, affect these trajectories. Common ravens undergo an impressive socio-cognitive development post-fledging, engaging in various forms of play. We investigate the influence of (manipulated) family size on object-directed behaviours of juvenile ravens, testing the prediction that larger family size would foster more object play at standardised playgrounds. Contrary to our prediction, family size does not affect the individuals’ access to objects and amount of play; however, offspring from small families are more often together at the playground and show more and selective interest in others’ object manipulations than offspring from large families. Our findings indicate that even slight differences in family size – within natural range - can mediate juveniles’ opportunities to interact, play, and develop their social repertoire.
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BibTeX
@article{boucherie2026subtle,
title = {{Subtle differences in family size mediate object play in young ravens (Corvus corax)}},
author = {Palmyre H. Boucherie and Valentine Comin and Thomas Bugnyar},
journal = {Communications Biology},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1038/s42003-026-10290-0},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-026-10290-0},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Subtle differences in family size mediate object play in young ravens (Corvus corax)
AU - Palmyre H. Boucherie
AU - Valentine Comin
AU - Thomas Bugnyar
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/11
JO - Communications Biology
DO - 10.1038/s42003-026-10290-0
UR - https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-026-10290-0
AB - The social environment at upbringing shapes the developmental trajectories of offspring behaviour and competences in various species. Surprisingly, little is known about how slight variations in early social environments, such as differences in sibling numbers, affect these trajectories. Common ravens undergo an impressive socio-cognitive development post-fledging, engaging in various forms of play. We investigate the influence of (manipulated) family size on object-directed behaviours of juvenile ravens, testing the prediction that larger family size would foster more object play at standardised playgrounds. Contrary to our prediction, family size does not affect the individuals’ access to objects and amount of play; however, offspring from small families are more often together at the playground and show more and selective interest in others’ object manipulations than offspring from large families. Our findings indicate that even slight differences in family size – within natural range - can mediate juveniles’ opportunities to interact, play, and develop their social repertoire.
SN - 2399-3642
ER -