Hawks and Doves - Game Theory

A classic model of animal conflict and evolutionary stable strategies (ESS). Hawks always fight aggressively, Doves retreat when faced with aggression. Watch the population evolve to an equilibrium mix.

Payoff Matrix (V=50, C=100)

	Hawk	Dove
Hawk	(V-C)/2	V
Dove	0	V/2

Resource Value (V): 50

Cost of Fighting (C): 100

100

Initial Hawk %: 50

50%

Population Statistics

Generation 0

Hawks 50%

Doves 50%

Avg Hawk Fitness 0

Avg Dove Fitness 0

ESS Prediction -

Legend

Hawks (Aggressive)

Doves (Peaceful)

About Hawks and Doves

The Model: Two individuals compete for a resource of value V. They can be Hawks (always fight) or Doves (display but retreat if challenged).

Payoffs:

• Hawk vs Hawk: Both fight. Winner gets V, loser pays cost C. Average: (V-C)/2

• Hawk vs Dove: Dove retreats. Hawk gets V, Dove gets 0

• Dove vs Dove: Share resource peacefully. Each gets V/2

Evolutionarily Stable Strategy (ESS): When V < C (fighting cost exceeds resource value), neither pure strategy is stable. The ESS is a mixed population with Hawks at frequency V/C.

Example: If V=50 and C=100, ESS predicts 50% Hawks. If Hawks become too common, they fight each other and lose fitness. If Doves become too common, Hawks invade and exploit them.

This model explains why animal conflicts often involve displays and ritualized combat rather than fights to the death.