Author: The Ethogram

The official blog of the UC Davis Animal Behavior Graduate Group.

Field Frame Friday: Sun’s Out Tongue’s Out

Did you know that dairy calves perform a wide variety of oral behaviors? In this photo, you can see the calf beginning to stick her tongue out, right before she performs a tongue flicking behavior. These behaviors have been previously associated with coping with stress and can indicate frustration! Current work in the dairy industry seeks to…

Read More

Sci Hero: Dr. Asha de Vos

Dr. Asha de Vos uses teamwork, story telling, and curiosity to learn about blue whales and save the oceans!

Science Heroes: Dr. Asha de Vos

Science Heroes: the column highlighting incredible scientists and naturalists that if you don’t know, you should! This month highlights inclusive conservationist and blue whale biologist Dr. Asha de Vos!

Field Notes: Risky Business

Read all about how California ground squirrels assess risk in a human-dominated environment with our newest Field Notes piece by our own ABGGer Chelsea Ortiz.

Creature Feature: Superb Lyrebird

Anything you can do, I can do better! Found frequently in Australia’s wet and temperate forest, male superb lyrebirds (Menura novaehollandiae) have evolved to produce an ever-escalating array of vocalizations and dance moves to impress females and stand out against other males. BBC Wildlife first showcased these intelligent, mimicking birds in a video that has…

Read More

Field Frame Friday: Come on kiddo, momma needs a snack!

Most seal species have enough stored energy to be able to fast during nursing periods, staying out of the water for up to 6 weeks without food. Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) moms, on the other hand, will take their pups on foraging trips while the pups are still nursing- sometimes even hours after birth! [Photo…

Read More