Seasonal changes in the behavior and plasma titers of various hormones in barheaded geese, Anser indicus.

A number of behavioral and physiological parameters including the circulating levels of 7 hormones were investigated in a free ranging population of barheaded geese in Seewiesen, W. Germany. Behavioral data were collected on the entire flock from which seasonal changes in the frequencies were determined. In addition, data on the behavior of individuals were obtained to aid in the comparison of seasonal changes in behavior and hormones. The resulting curves were used to examine whether the annual changes in the frequencies of various behaviors were related to changes in circulating hormonal concentrations. Lastly, the physiological data were discussed with regard to reproductive biology in birds.