
Direct observations of shining cuckoos (Chrysococcyx lucidus) parasitising and depredating grey warbler (Gerygone igata) nests
Title | Direct observations of shining cuckoos (Chrysococcyx lucidus) parasitising and depredating grey warbler (Gerygone igata) nests |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2007 |
Authors | Briskie, JV |
Journal | Notornis |
Volume | 54 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 15-19 |
Type of Article | article |
Keywords | brood parasitism, Chrysococcyx lucidus, Gerygone igata, Grey Warbler, nestling eviction, Shining Cuckoo |
Abstract | The grey warbler (Gerygone igata) is the main host of the shining cuckoo (Chrysoccocyx lucidus) in New Zealand. I describe 4 observations of egg-laying by shining cuckoos in the nests of grey warblers, and 2 observations of adult cuckoos evicting, or attempting to evict, nestling warblers from non-parasitised nests. Nest were parasitised from 0658 to 1731 h NZDT, and the cuckoos took 5–18 s to lay their egg. In 3 nests in which it could be determined, the cuckoo left the nest with an egg in its bill. Warblers were present at 2 nests during parasitism and responded by attacking the cuckoo. Cuckoos evicted nestlings by pulling them out through the nest entrance and throwing them on the ground. Head- wounds on evicted chicks suggest they were pecked. Nestling eviction by adult shining cuckoos has not been previously reported and it may be a strategy to increase nest availability by inducing hosts to relay. |
Full Text |
|
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
![]() | 1.22 MB |