Blinking behavior in great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) increases during simulated rainfall

Animals often adjust their behavior in response to changes in environmental conditions, and these behavioral adjustments may result from sensory constraints. In particular, rainfall influences behavior but our understanding of its effects on visual abilities is limited. This study, therefore, tested the hypothesis that rainfall influences blinking behavior, a major component of visual processing, in captive great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus). The blinking behavior of the grackles was recorded when they were exposed to simulated rain that was direct (water falling directly atop them) or indirect (water falling at a distance from them). The grackles exhibited increased blinking behavior when they were exposed to the direct rain but not the indirect rain. These results suggest that rainfall may impact visual processing in birds through sensory impairments.