Costs of parasitism incurred by two songbird species and their quality as cowbird hosts

Article Abstract:

Research concerning nest desertion following parasitism of Field Sparrows and Indigo Buntings by Brown-headed Cowbirds is presented. It is shown that in some circumstances Brown-headed Cowbird nestlings were successful reared by both hosts.

Parental behavior in animals, Animal parental behavior, Competitive displacement, Animal reproduction

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Habitat and microhabitat features associated with cowbird parasitism in two forest edge cowbird hosts

Article Abstract:

Brown-headed cowbirds are well-known parasites of the nests of many North American host species, but the mechanisms by which they choose their hosts are ill understood. It has been suggested that nest microhabitat may influence nest selection. A new study examines the link between nest parasitism by female cowbirds and the nest microhabitat of Indigo Buntings and Field Sparrows. It is suggested that habitat may be more important than nest concealment in determining parasitism. However, parasitism frequency may also depend on host species characteristics.

Patient outcomes, Mortality, Observations, Parasites

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Effects of cowbird parasitism on parental provisioning and nestling food acquisition and growth

Article Abstract:

A study of nestling growth and food acquisition, and parental provisioning in parasitized and unparasitized nests of the Indigo Bunting revealed that cowbird parasitism apparently imposes significant costs on nestlings and adults. Nestlings in parasitized nests showed lower rates of mass gain, compared to bunting chicks in unparasitized nests. Adult buntings at parasitized nests also showed a higher provisioning rate, which can potentially affect survival and future reproductive success of host adults.

Nestlings, Parasitism

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