Exploring how ontogeny and the environment shape cognition and behaviour in wild magpies

In this thesis, I examine the cognitive ecology of wild Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis) by investigating the relationship between cognitive performance and anti-predator behaviour across different ontogenetic stages and levels of environmental stress. I also design a protocol for testing transitive inference, a cognitive ability with high ecological relevance for social species, marking the first attempt to extend this testing paradigm outside captivity. Finally, I investigate how cognitive performance in both adult and fledgling magpies co-varies with local environmental conditions. In this thesis, I examine the cognitive ecology of wild Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis) by investigating the relationship between cognitive performance and anti-predator behaviour across different ontogenetic stages and levels of environmental stress. I also design a protocol for testing transitive inference, a cognitive ability with high ecological relevance for social species, marking the first attempt to extend this testing paradigm outside captivity. Finally, I investigate how cognitive performance in both adult and fledgling magpies co-varies with local environmental conditions.