GOING CUCKOO: The curious case of forgeries of an avian nature
www.dailymaverick.co.za
In a remote corner of Zambia, an arms race is being fought — and the loser could face the threat of extinction.

Recent research on a changing battle between parasite and host bird species. Fascinating how animals continue to adapt to the pressures on their population.

  • autumn (she/they)@beehaw.org
    5·
    11 months ago

    i got to see a brooding parasite happen in real time! a carolina wren raised a brown headed cowbird in the potted plant on my back porch. it was a little sad to see none of the wrens make it, but it didn’t feel like my place to intervene.

    • SillySpy@lemm.eeOP
      3·
      11 months ago

      Yeah. Nature can be brutal. And I think some of us are conditioned to save creatures because of all the unnatural ways humans mess with animals. But you made the right call there, and managed to get a great observation

  • TimTheEnchanter@beehaw.org
    2·
    11 months ago

    The Bird Way by Jennifer Ackerman has a really interesting chapter about cuckoos (and other brood parasites) and their hosts. Also just a really good read if you’re interested in bird intelligence!