Methods and Recording of Behaviour
Introduction
The study of animal behaviour is a central concern in ethology and
behavioural ecology. To understand how and why animals behave as they
do, scientists must carefully observe, record, and analyse behaviour in a
variety of settings—ranging from controlled laboratory conditions to
wild, natural environments. The methods chosen for behavioural studies
depend on the type of animal, the behaviour being studied, and the
specific research question. Broadly, these methods fall into two
categories: one in which the researcher is directly involved in observation
and data collection, and another that relies on remotely operated or
automated technologies. Both types of methods are essential and
often used together to generate reliable, detailed, and long-term
behavioural data.
Direct Observation and Personal Involvement
Field Observation and Manual Recording
One of the most fundamental methods in behavioural studies is
direct personal observation. In this approach, the scientist is
physically present during the study, actively observing animals,
manually recording behavioural events, and later analysing the
data. This method is especially useful when subtle details or real-
time interpretations are necessary. Observers often use
equipment such as high-powered binoculars—typically with 8x
or 10x magnification—to watch birds or other animals from a
distance without disturbing them. To reduce visibility and
minimize disruption, researchers often use hides or blinds
constructed in the field or rooms with one-way viewing screens
in lab settings.
Observations made at night present additional challenges and
require specialized equipment such as infrared binoculars or
night-vision telescopes to study nocturnal behaviour. In many
cases, behaviours may occur too quickly or too repetitively to
record effectively with pen and paper alone. To manage such
instances, observers may use hand counters to tally events or
stopwatches to time behaviours. In dark or remote settings,
oscillators that emit periodic beeps can help observers track
behavioural sequences at consistent time intervals. These manual
methods, while time-intensive, remain valuable for their
precision and flexibility.
Animal Capture and Identification
Capture Techniques
Capturing animals is often a necessary step in behavioural studies,
particularly during the initial phase of research. Whether in field or
laboratory settings, capture is essential for tagging, marking, and
sometimes experimental treatment. The method of capture varies depending on the species.
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Birds are commonly captured during nesting periods using walk-in traps or snares. Small
mammals can be caught using pocket nets or other live traps. Large mammals such as bears
may require the use of tranquilizer darts or other immobilization techniques, which must be
employed with extreme care to ensure safety for both the animal and the researchers.
Identification and Marking
Once captured, animals must often be
marked for individual identification,
which is vital for studies involving
social structure, mating systems,
territorial behaviour, and parental care.
Marking may be temporary or
permanent depending on the study
duration. Temporary methods include
fur clipping, toe-nail clipping, dyeing, and painting, which are suitable for short-term studies.
For long-term or repeated observations, more permanent methods such as coloured leg bands
(for birds), neck bands, or ear tags (for mammals)
are used. These identification techniques are
indispensable for tracking individual behavioural
patterns over time and across different ecological
conditions.
Manual Recording Techniques
Audio Recordings and Event Charting
Manually controlled recording techniques are
often necessary when behaviours occur rapidly,
simultaneously, or when continuous observation
is required. A common method is to use vocal
commentaries recorded on magnetic tape, which
can later be transcribed and analysed. Observers
describe in real time what the animal is doing,
providing a running account of events. Mono
recorders allow a single stream of information
(usually the observer’s voice), whereas stereo
recorders permit multiple data streams—for
example, the observer’s voice on one channel and
ambient sounds on another.
In addition to vocal recordings, event chart
recorders are used to log the timing and frequency
of specific behaviours. These charts provide a
structured way to encode behavioural sequences
over time, making them particularly useful in
quantifying behaviour for statistical analysis. This approach is commonly used in studies of
foraging behaviour, mating rituals, or parental investment.
Photography and Cinematography
Photographic methods are widely used to capture visual records of animal behaviour. Still
photography is valuable for documenting postures, injuries, nest structures, or environmental
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context. More dynamic behaviours—such as rapid movement, predator-prey interactions, or
courtship dances—are best recorded using high-speed cinematography. These recordings offer
a permanent archive that can be reviewed multiple times, enhancing accuracy and enabling
peer validation. They also allow researchers to observe subtle elements of behaviour that may
be missed in real time.
Automated and Remote Observation Methods
Automated Monitoring Systems
With the advancement of technology, remotely
controlled and automated observation methods
have become increasingly important. These
systems allow continuous data collection
without human presence, thereby minimizing
disturbance and observer bias. Motion-sensitive
cameras, automated video surveillance, and
sensor-based data loggers are examples of such
systems. These tools are particularly effective in
studying elusive, rare, or nocturnal animals, as
well as behaviours that occur irregularly over
long periods. Automated systems also facilitate
long-term ecological studies, often capturing
data across seasons or years.
Radar-Based Behavioural Studies
Search and Narrow-Beam Radar
Radar technology is another sophisticated tool used in studying animal behaviour, especially
among flying animals such as birds and
bats. There are two main types of radar
used in behavioural studies. Search radar
covers wide aerial areas and was initially
developed for military and aviation
purposes. It is now used in behavioural
ecology to track migratory patterns and
flock movements across large distances.
Narrow-beam radar, on the other hand,
focuses on a smaller section of the sky
and can be tilted vertically to study the
altitude of flying animals. This technique
is particularly useful in migration studies,
allowing scientists to track the height and directional changes of birds in real-time.
Radio Telemetry and Physiological Monitoring
Radio Telemetry for Behavioural Tracking
Radio telemetry is one of the most impactful tools in modern behavioural research. It involves
attaching small radio transmitters to animals, enabling researchers to monitor their movements
and activity from a distance. This method is widely used in the study of mammals and birds in
terrestrial environments, while ultrasonic telemetry is more suitable for underwater studies.
Telemetry allows for three major types of data collection: tracking the animal’s location,
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transmitting environmental data such as temperature or humidity, and recording activity
patterns such as resting, feeding, or migration cycles. The use of telemetry greatly expands the
range and reliability of behavioural data, especially in wild or remote habitats.
Biotelemetry for Internal Physiological Data
Physiological radio telemetry, also known as biotelemetry, takes this technology further by
allowing researchers to monitor internal body functions while the animal is behaving naturally
in its environment. Biotelemetry
systems may monitor a single
physiological parameter (e.g., body
temperature) or multiple parameters
(e.g., heart rate, breathing rate, muscle
contractions) simultaneously. These
internal measurements provide a
unique window into how behaviour
correlates with physiological states
such as stress, excitement,
reproductive readiness, or fatigue. The
integration of behavioural and
physiological data is invaluable in
understanding animal welfare,
energetics, and adaptive responses to
environmental change.
Conclusion
The methods used to study animal behaviour have evolved significantly, ranging from basic
tools like binoculars and notebooks to sophisticated technologies like radar tracking and
biotelemetry. Each method offers unique advantages and is suited to different research goals
and species. The choice of method depends on several factors, including the behaviour of
interest, the habitat, the temporal scale of study, and the need for minimizing disturbance.
Despite technological advances, the fundamental principles of accurate observation, ethical
practice, and critical analysis remain unchanged. The integration of traditional and modern
techniques ensures a comprehensive understanding of the intricate, adaptive, and often
astonishing behaviours that animals exhibit in their interactions with each other and with their
environments.
