Evolutionary effects of bird feeders

[Mercadante]

In our garden we generally use only hanging feeders, because there are lots of grey squirrels around (and 6 cats next door). Unsurprisingly, we had mostly tits to start with, with other birds . But now robins, chaffinches, sparrows, and even blackbirds have learnt to use our seed feeders, if in a rather ungainly manner - of our regular visitors I think only the dunnocks still wait for the tits to chuck seed on the ground. So I wondered whether there is any scientific evidence that hanging feeders are producing better clinging skills in some birds.

Also, is there any evidence that using feeders can harm shyer species? Because I assume the birds that can use feeders are probably competing for other resources with birds that don't.

[jaykay]

Hi Mercadante, can't answer this in a scientific way, but do know that the regular pair of Dunnocks in our garden have also recently started to use the bird feeders. The black birds don't as yet although they have started to attack the fat cake holder from below in recent months, quite successfully.

[Amoeba]

I wouldn't say that the clinging skills are a result of evolution, rather they are a result of learning. But I see what you mean about how birds may develop skills from bird feeders that they wouldn't normally develop in the wild.

I think the only real evolutionary effects that bird feeders may have are reduced selection pressures - some weaker birds that would normally die off from hunger in the wilderness have a better chance at something to eat in gardens.

I also don't think it harms shyer species since all you're doing is providing more food in a concentrated spot. Shyer birds might not be able to take advantage as effectively as bolder birds but the feeders may take some of the strain on the environment leaving more food in the wilderness for shyer birds, that is until the population goes up after a few years.