Dark-eyed Junco

Juncos demonstrate risk-sensitive foraging, switching strategies based on energy reserves. In winter, when fed reliably, juncos forage in safe, low-quality patches (covered areas, low predation). When food-deprived, they switch to risky, high-quality patches (exposed areas, high predation, more food). The bird's personality doesn't change - its strategy does. At 80 calories with 100 needed for survival, the safe patch (guaranteed 90) delivers 0% survival over time; the risky patch (50% chance of 200) delivers 50% survival. The math is brutal and clear: 50% > 0%.