This thesis examines the hypothesis that social learning in Zenaida dove (Zenaida aurita) functions primarily in a mixed species foraging context. The field study recorded foraging associations and interactions between Zenaida doves and other species. The Carib grackle (Quiscalus lugubris) was the most frequent foraging associate of Zenaida doves. / The laboratory study consisted of two experiments where conflicting information about a novel food type and novel food-finding problem was provided simultaneously by a conspecific and a heterospecific (grackle) demonstrator. Both experiments showed that not only could Zenaida doves learn from another species, but that they preferred the heterospecific demonstrator over the conspecific. The results suggest that social information may be obtained more readily from foraging associations rather than interference competition and that the role of conspecifics may be overemphasized in cultural learning.

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