True or False: If a bird is not receptive to food, it may respond to touch, toys, attention, or companionship as reinforcers for desired behavior.

The assertion that a bird may respond to touch, toys, attention, or companionship as reinforcers for desired behavior when it is not receptive to food is indeed true. In avian behavior and training, positive reinforcement is key to encouraging desired actions. While food is a common and powerful reinforcer, many birds can also be motivated by social interaction and environmental enrichment.

Touch, for instance, can create a bond between the bird and the handler, fostering trust and encouraging the bird to engage in desired behaviors. Toys often satisfy a bird's natural instinct for exploration and play, providing mental stimulation and satisfaction. Additionally, companionship and attention serve as emotional reinforcers, which can be especially important for social species that thrive on interaction.

Recognizing that not all birds may respond the same way to these alternatives is critical, but generally speaking, many species of birds can indeed be encouraged by these methods when food is not an option. Thus, understanding the broader spectrum of reinforcement can lead to more effective training strategies in avian care.