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A spatial and genetic analysis of Cowbird host selection

OCLC: 41553705 Proceedings of a symposium of Partners in Flight-Research Working Group, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S.G.S.-Biological Resources Division and California State University, Sacramento, Ocober 23-25, 1997, Sacramento, CA. Patuxent is one of the sponsors. See book review by Peter E. Lowther, Wilson Bulletin 112(2):298 PDF on file: 5264_Hahn.pdf
By: , and 
Edited by: Michael L. MorrisonLinnea S. HallScott K. RobinsonStephen I. RothsteinD. Caldwell Hahn, and Terrell D. Rich

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Abstract

Our study of brood parasitism patterns in forest communities revealed the egg-laying frequency and host selection patterns of female cowbirds. By integrating molecular genetics and spatial data, we have the first published estimate on cowbird laying rates in field studies. The 29 females in the study laid only 1-5 eggs each, much lower than previous estimates from captive cowbirds and extrapolations from ovarian development in capture/recapture studies that had suggested that as many as 40 eggs could be laid per individual cowbird. Cowbird females also were shown for the first time to lay significantly more eggs within the home range areas they established rather than outside the home range. No patterns were uncovered for individual females preferentially parasitizing particular host species
Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title A spatial and genetic analysis of Cowbird host selection
Series number 18
Year Published 1999
Language English
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 312
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Other Government Series
Larger Work Title Research and Management of the Brown-headed Cowbird in Western Landscapes
First page 204
Last page 217
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