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Dryad

Data for: Social network data in wild great tits during ontogeny

Abstract

Sociality impacts many biological processes and is tightly linked to an individual’s fitness. To maximize advantages of group living, many social animals exhibit preferences for associating with individuals that provide the most benefits, such as kin, familiar individuals or those of similar phenotype. Such social strategies are not necessarily stable over time but can vary with changing selection pressures. In particular, young individuals transitioning to independence should continuously adjust their social behavior in light of developmental changes. However, social strategies exhibited during adolescence in animals are understudied and the factors underlying social network formation during ontogeny remain elusive. Here, we tracked associations of wild great tits (Parus major) during transition to independence and across their first year of life. Both spatial and social factors were predictors of dyadic associations, with fledglings initially preferring to associate with siblings and peers over non-parent adults. We found no evidence for preferred associations among juveniles of similar age or fledge weight, but juveniles were marginally more likely to increase associations if their parents were also associated. Similarly, they showed a weak preference for associating with their parents’ adult associates. By autumn, juvenile birds exhibited social strategies similar to those of adults, establishing stable social ties that persisted into next spring. Overall, this research demonstrates dynamic changes in social networks during ontogeny in a species with fast life history and limited parental care, which likely reflect changes in selective pressures. It further highlights the importance of long-term social bonds based on familiarity in this species.