ISSN:
1432-1939
Keywords:
Key words Brood parasitism
;
Clamator glandarius
;
Egg laying
;
Multiple parasitism
;
Territory
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract We analysed the spatial and temporal pattern of egg laying in great spotted cuckoo females using microsatellite typing to determine parentage of the eggs and nestlings found in host (magpie) nests. The results showed that there were no exclusive laying territories in the study area. Cases of multiparasitism could be due to single females laying two or more eggs in a nest, or to several females using the same nest. In the latter case multiparasitism was due to a shortage of available host nests. We argue that the need for very large laying areas and the likely small cost of sharing parental care for chicks make the costs of defending territories higher than the benefits, which has constrained the evolution of territoriality in this species.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004420050660
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