Figure 4.20 Predicted versus observed prey capture for a central-place forager. Based on an optimal foraging model, researchers predicted that longer travel times would cause starlings to return to their nests with a larger number of mealworms. The researchers offered mealworms to starlings on tables that were located at different distances from their nests. The observed number of mealworms brought back to the nests show agreement with the predictions.

After A. Kacelnik, Central place foraging in starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), I. Patch residence time. Journal of Animal Ecology 53 (1984): 283–299.