AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Recent Changes in Host Usage by Cuckoos Cuculus canorus in Britain

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1987
Authors:M. Brooke, deL, Davies, NB
Journal:Journal of Animal Ecology
Volume:56
Issue:3
Date Published:1987
ISBN Number:00218790
Keywords:Acrocephalidae, Acrocephalus, Acrocephalus scirpaceus, Cuculidae, Cuculus, Cuculus canorus, Erithacus, Erithacus rubecula, Muscicapidae, Prunella, Prunella modularis, Prunellidae
Abstract:(1) We present data from the Nest Record Card Scheme of the British Trust for Ornithology on 73750 nests of the six main hosts of the cuckoo Cuculus canorus in Britain, of which 1061 were parasitized by cuckoos. (2) Over the past 40 years there have been significant decreases in the percentage of dunnock, robin and pied wagtail nests parasitized by cuckoos as well as a significant decrease in the use of minor hosts. However, the percentage of reed warbler nests parasitized has more than doubled. (3) Cuckoo reproductive success is significantly higher with reed warblers than with other hosts. This is not, however, the complete explanation of the recent increase in parasitization rate of reed warblers. (4) The accuracy of the cuckoo's mimicry of reed warbler eggs has not changed over the past 50 years. (5) Data on host population size and proportion of nests parasitized suggest that cuckoo numbers have declined from about 34 500 females breeding each year in the period 1939-61 to 21 000 in 1972-82. (6) We discuss the rapid changes in parasitization rates in relation to changes in cuckoo numbers and the evolutionary arms race between cuckoos and their hosts.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4954
Short Title:Journal of Animal Ecology
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