Role of mesotocin on social behaviour and its physiological dynamics

This study aims to investigate the role of mesotocin (MT) (the avian oxytocin homologue) in regulating social behaviour in birds. The project will use intranasal administration of MT in 15 captive doves to validate the hormone manipulation method and track its physiological pathway and effects on social behaviour. The research team will build upon previous field experiments with Siberian jays and provide valuable knowledge on MT circulation in birds, increasing the scientific value and impact of my field experiments.