Host responses to cowbirds near the nest: cues for recognition

Gill, Sharon A.; Neudorf, Diane L. H.; Sealy, Spencer G.

doi:10.1006/anbe.1996.0362

Cited by 41 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Moreover, shape is an important cue in recognition of enemies as has been documented by Klump and Curio (1983) and Evans et al (1993). However, not only the cues mentioned above, but also small dimensional parts of the parasite body, such as the bill, can play an important role for recognition (Gill et al 1997). As we were unable to find stuffed cuckoo dummies differing only in color in museum collections, we made model cuckoos from polystyrene and balsa, identical in shape, size and posture, and painted them to mimic the gray and rufous morphs.…”

Section: Study Areasmentioning

confidence: 91%

Host nest defense against a color-dimorphic brood parasite: great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) versus common cuckoos (Cuculus canorus)

et al. 2006

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We tested great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) discrimination against two common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) female color morphs (gray and rufous) in two areas with different parasitism rates and proportions of the two morphs. Hosts recognized the two cuckoo morphs from a control, the feral pigeon (Columba livia), at Apaj, Hungary (where brood parasitism was heavy), whereas no significant differences among the models were recorded at Lužice, Czech Republic (where the parasitism rate was moderate). At Apaj, the hosts discriminated the rufous morph (which is slightly predominant there) better than the gray morph from the control. Between-site comparison (after controlling for background aggression) revealed that great reed warblers were more aggressive towards the rufous morph at Apaj than at Lužice, whereas their responses to the gray morph did not differ, corresponding with much higher between-site difference in the relative abundance of the rufous morph. Our results suggest that both local parasitism pressure and relative abundance of two female color morphs of a brood parasite may significantly influence host nest defenses.

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Section: Study Areasmentioning

confidence: 91%

Host nest defense against a color-dimorphic brood parasite: great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) versus common cuckoos (Cuculus canorus)

et al. 2006

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“…Specifically, the results of this study suggest that threat recognition may be a product, at least in part, of decision rules based on the cues of body size and novelty. However, while this study could not control for them, other characteristics, such as body shape (Hartley 1950), bill shape (Gill et al 1997), or plumage colour and patterning (Strausberger and Horning 1998), could also function as cues for threat recognition. In addition to general demeanour, specific behaviours can also serve as cues.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Do heterospecific size and demeanour influence visitation behaviour of birds at urban foraging patches?

Borowske

Morgan

Waas

2011

J Ethol

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We compared the feeding behaviour of garden birds in the presence of four heterospecific decoy species at suburban feeding stations to assess the relative importance of body size (large vs. small) and demeanour (high vs. low potential for inter-specific aggression) as cues for threat recognition. We conducted separate trials with live, caged Australian magpie, Cracticus tibicen, and common myna, Acridotheres tristis, large and small species known to chase and harass heterospecifics, and comparably sized species not known for inter-species aggression (i.e. rock dove, Columba livia, and ringneck dove, Streptopelia risoria). Birds of all species arrived at feeding stations sooner and displayed higher-risk activities in the presence of small decoys. The two most common species that visited the feeding stations, silvereye, Zosterops lateralis, and house sparrow, Passer domesticus, were most likely to perform high-risk behaviours (i.e. landing on the stimulus cage and feeding from the station) in the presence of common mynas. The activities were performed least frequently in the presence of Australian magpies. As garden birds likely had the most experience interacting with common mynas, the results suggest that a two-step decision rule, with size and familiarity as important cues, may be used to recognize potential threats.

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“…However, only one incident of a male cowbird removing a nesting birds egg has been documented, suggesting this behavior is uncommon (Sealy, 1994). Alternatively, red-winged blackbirds may sometimes confuse cowbird sexes because of their similar body shape (Gill, Neudorf, et al, 1997). Red-winged blackbirds may also associate male with female cowbirds as the two are often observed socializing and feeding together (Burgham & Picman, 1989;Rothstein, Yokel, & Fleischer, 1986) and males sometimes accompany females near host nests (e.g., Laskey, 1950;Mengel & Jenkinson, 1970;Rothstein, Verner, & Stevens, 1984;Strausberger, 1998).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Two previous studies comparing host defense against live and model male and female cowbirds have found that male cowbirds elicit a less aggressive response than females (Burgham & Picman, 1989;Folkers, 1982), whereas Robertson and Norman (1976) found no differences. Gill, Neudorf, & Sealy (1997) found that yellow warblers (Dendroica petechia) responded more intensely to the vocalizations of female cowbirds than males.…”

mentioning

confidence: 98%

Responses of Nesting Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) and Red- Winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) to Models of Parasitic Cowbirds and Nonthreatening Towhees

Strausberger¹,

Horning²

1997

Bird Behavior

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Many studies have compared nest defense elicited by models of brood parasites and innocuous species placed near potential host nests. Because the majority of costs associated with brood parasitism are incurred in the nest, it may be more appropriate to conduct such experiments at nests unless hosts respond to all intruders at their nests as enemies. We found that nesting species distinguish among threatening female brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) that frequently parasitize them, male cowbirds generally thought not to participate in parasitism, and innocuous eastern towhees (Pipilo erythrophthalmus). Taxidermic mounts of each were placed at the nests of two common host species: song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) and red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). Both host species reacted more aggressively toward female cowbird models than towhee models, whereas red-winged blackbirds also reacted more aggressively toward male cowbird models than toward towhees. These findings suggest that host species can discriminate between potentially threatening and nonthreatening intruders (both species and sex specific) at the nest; however, this discrimination may be imperfect as was indicated by red-winged blackbird's aggressive response toward male cowbirds. Alternatively, male cowbirds may be perceived as more of a threat to red-winged blackbirds than female towhees. Brown-headed cowbirdNest defense Brood parasitism

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Host responses to cowbirds near the nest: cues for recognition

Cited by 41 publications

References 36 publications

Host nest defense against a color-dimorphic brood parasite: great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) versus common cuckoos (Cuculus canorus)

Host nest defense against a color-dimorphic brood parasite: great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) versus common cuckoos (Cuculus canorus)

Do heterospecific size and demeanour influence visitation behaviour of birds at urban foraging patches?

Responses of Nesting Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) and Red- Winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) to Models of Parasitic Cowbirds and Nonthreatening Towhees

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