Social Relationships Among Captive Tufted Titmice (Parus bicolor linnaeus) and Carolina Chickadees (Parus carolinensis audubon)

Some time ago as a result of study in ornithology and perusal of literature in the University of Tennessee libraries, I became interested in observing behavior of birds closely, i.e., particularly captive birds. In the literature I found no mention of the use of feeding behavior as a focal point for observations concerning species interaction and dominance relationships. Therefore, after consultation with Professor Howell, approval of plans, and receipt of funds from the University of Tennessee, I built and aviary. We decided to build the aviary of the roof of the east wing of Hesler Biology Building, University of Tennessee campus because of the secluded nature of the site. It was an outdoor site easily and conveniently reached by myself and Professor Howell and was not subject to visits by unauthorized personnel.