Japanese tits ( Parus minor) are known for their complex vocal communication, but recent research reveals they also use wing gestures, similar to a human “after you” motion, when entering their nests. This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence showcasing the sophisticated communication abilities of these small birds.
Humans use a wide range of nonverbal cues, from winks and nods to pointing. Now, it seems Japanese tits also employ symbolic gestures, a more nuanced form of communication previously thought to be limited to a smaller group of species. This new research highlights the “after you” gesture performed by these birds, inviting their mate to enter the nest first.
A Japanese tit.A Japanese tit perched on a branch. Photo: Alpsdake
Toshitaka Suzuki, a researcher at the University of Tokyo and lead author of the study published in Current Biology, has been studying these birds for over 17 years. His previous research demonstrated their ability to combine calls into phrases with syntactic rules. This latest work expands our understanding of their communication to include physical gestures.
This “after you” gesture is distinct from simply pointing. It’s a symbolic gesture, indicating a higher level of communicative complexity. The study, published in Current Biology, involved observing eight pairs of tits breeding in nest boxes.
The researchers observed over 300 nest visits, documenting the wing-fluttering behavior. When returning to the nest with food, one bird would perch near the entrance and flutter its wings, almost always prompting its mate to enter first. Females performed the gesture more frequently for males.
Two Japanese tits interact near a nest box opening.Two Japanese tits interacting near their nest. Photo: Suzuki et al.
Crucially, the gesture was directed towards the mate, not the nest box itself, confirming it as a symbolic rather than a deictic (pointing) gesture. This finding underscores the intricate communication strategies employed by animals, often exceeding our initial assumptions.
In 2016, Suzuki’s team also discovered evidence of compositional syntax in Japanese tit calls, revealing the birds’ ability to derive different meanings from calls with the same components based on their arrangement. This new research further solidifies their reputation as sophisticated communicators.
This discovery adds another layer to our understanding of animal communication, highlighting the complex social interactions within the animal kingdom. The polite gesture of the Japanese tit provides a glimpse into the nuanced ways animals interact and cooperate.
The research also emphasizes the importance of continued observation and study to fully appreciate the diverse communication methods used by animals. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of Japanese tits but also encourages further exploration of complex communication in other species. Further research could explore the evolutionary drivers and specific benefits of this polite gesturing behavior in Japanese tits.
