Horsfield's hawk-cuckoo nestlings simulate multiple gapes for begging

Science. 2005 Apr 29;308(5722):653. doi: 10.1126/science.1109957.

Abstract

Nestlings of some brood parasitic birds evict hosts' eggs and young soon after hatching, thereby avoiding discrimination by hosts while monopolizing parental care. Eviction carries a cost, however, because lone parasitic nestlings attract a reduced provisioning rate. Here we describe a form of visual signaling used by the evicting Horsfield's hawk-cuckoo (Cuculus fugax) to obtain sufficient food. The chick displays a gape-colored patch on the wing to the host parents as they deliver food, simulating the gaping display of more than one nestling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Biological
  • Animal Communication*
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal*
  • Biological Evolution
  • Birds* / anatomy & histology
  • Coloring Agents
  • Cues
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Linear Models
  • Nesting Behavior*
  • Pigmentation
  • Wings, Animal / anatomy & histology*

Substances

  • Coloring Agents