The risk perception and response of Azure-winged magpies: On the aspect of feeding behaviour and alarm calls

Prey are expected to effectively perceive predation cues, recognise predators, and adopt appropriate anti-predator strategies to enhance their chances of survival. Species with high cognitive abilities tend to be better at these processes, while empirical research is still lacking. The role of cognition in avoiding predation requires further investigation, especially in species with complex social structures and communication systems. Azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) have demonstrated great talents in cognitive tasks. We conducted model presentation and playback experiments to test their predator detection and information transmission in the wild. We found that magpies exhibited distinct responses according to the model type (pigeon, falco,n, and cat) and eye condition of the models (covered or uncovered). Individuals postponed the visit to the feeder and took less food in response to predator and eye-uncovered models. The cat model was perceived as a higher risk, and magpies wou..., , # The risk perception and response of Azure-winged magpies: on the aspect of feeding behaviour and alarm calls

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.f1vhhmh73](10.5061/dryad.f1vhhmh73)

## Description of the data and file structure

This dataset tests the hypothesis that azure-winged magpies discriminate between predator types and eye gaze, using alarm calls with distinct acoustic structures to convey predator-specific information.

During the non-breeding season, five free-ranging magpie flocks were subjected to predator presentation and playback experiments. The predator presentation experiment followed a 3 × 2 factorial design (\"model type\" × \"eye condition\"), where model types included a domestic pigeon, a free-ranging cat, and a peregrine falcon. Each model was presented with eyes either covered (placed over the eyes) or uncovered (placed below the eyes). Mobbing calls elicited by the eye-uncovered cat and falcon models were later used in playback experiments.

Behavioral responses—latency...,