How to translate text using browser tools
1 December 2001 Removal of Host Nestlings and Fecal Sacs by Brown-headed Cowbirds
Mike M. Stake, Paul M. Cavanagh
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Using video to study nest predation at Fort Hood, Texas, we documented female Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) removing nestlings at 7 of 133 (5.3%) Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapillus) and 1 of 11 (9.1%) Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) nests. It has been suggested that female cowbirds depredate nests they find late in the host's nesting cycle to stimulate renesting by hosts, thereby enhancing future opportunities for parasitism. At Fort Hood, the function of nestling removal by cowbirds is unclear, because cowbirds caused nest failure during only two of eight visits. At three nests, we also observed cowbirds ingesting or removing fecal sacs produced by host nestlings. Fecal sac ingestion by cowbirds, though apparently infrequent, may provide a nutritional benefit.

Mike M. Stake and Paul M. Cavanagh "Removal of Host Nestlings and Fecal Sacs by Brown-headed Cowbirds," The Wilson Bulletin 113(4), 456-459, (1 December 2001). https://doi.org/10.1676/0043-5643(2001)113[0456:ROHNAF]2.0.CO;2
Received: 12 March 2001; Accepted: 1 November 2001; Published: 1 December 2001
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top