What factor contributes to the ability of a thrush to potentially reach the higher end of its potential lifespan milestones?

Answer

Gaining experience by surviving the first year

The transition from the highly vulnerable first year to older age represents a critical threshold in a thrush's life, directly correlating with the ability to reach the upper limits of its potential lifespan. Once a bird successfully navigates its inaugural year, it has acquired vital, life-saving knowledge. This experience includes mastering optimal foraging locations, accurately interpreting subtle seasonal cues for survival, and potentially returning to proven, successful nesting sites. These accumulated survival skills significantly increase the odds of evading threats in subsequent years, thereby enabling the bird to reach the 8, 10, or 11-year milestones, and contributing to the long-term stability of the breeding population.

What factor contributes to the ability of a thrush to potentially reach the higher end of its potential lifespan milestones?
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