Data: Aggression does not predict problem-solving performance in free-living female blue tits
Description
This dataset contains data on aggression and problem-solving tests in female free-living blue tits, collected from a series of field experiments. The data are in .csv format and there is a README document explaining the details of each variable.
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Steps to reproduce
To quantify aggression, we conducted simulated territorial intrusions during the egg-laying phase of the breeding season. A caged taxidermised female blue tit decoy was placed on top of the nest box when the focal female had laid approximately the 3rd and 7th egg. Aggression was measured as the number of pecks directed at the decoy during a 5-minute observation period. Problem-solving performance was assessed using a string-pulling task placed in front of the nest box entrance after hatching of the young. The entrance was blocked by a small hinged door that could be opened by pulling an adjacent string and sliding underneath the lifted door. Trials were conducted when nestlings were 8–9 days old. Each individual was tested for 1 hour on two consecutive days. We recorded whether individuals solved the task and the latency to solve, measured in seconds. For more details, please refer to the accompanying paper of the same name, in which the methods are described in greater detail.