Artificial distinction and real discrimination

In this paper we consider the hawk–dove game played by a finite population formed by two types of individual who fail to recognize their own type but do observe the type of their opponent. In this game we find two evolutionarily stable strategies and show that in each of them one type of individuals suffers more aggression than the other. When a continuum of individuals is considered there are no evolutionarily stable strategies but neutrally stable strategies.

► In this paper we propose a variation of the classic hawk–dove game.
► Individuals are unaware of their own type but see their opponent's type.
► We use evolutionarily stable strategy for the analysis of this game.
► We find that one type of individuals suffers more aggression than the other.
► Our results provide an explanation for an experiment conducted with domestic fowls.