Ontogeny of food storing in titmice Parus spp.

The ontogeny of food storage in Crested Tits Parus cristatus and Willow Tits P. montanus starts during the period of parental care after the young have left the nest and develops gradually. In southern Norway, the storing behaviour becomes fully developed during August-September, i.e. at a time when most juveniles have completed their dispersal period and settled in permanent winter flocks. The food storing behaviour is largely innate, but is improved by practice and experience.