Breeding behavior, social organization and morphology of red-shouldered (Agelaius assimilis) and tawny-shouldered (A. humeralis) blackbirds

Article Abstract:

The red-shouldered and the tawny-shouldered blackbirds are socially monogamous and show a little sexual dichromatism. In both species, only the female incubates the eggs and brooding nestlings. The males and the females of these species feed nestlings at a similar rate. Morphology of nestling plumage in tawny-shouldered blackbirds is dull black with the lesser wing epaulet being reddish-brown. Morphology of red-shouldered blackbird plumage is entirely black and lacks any coloration in the lesser wing converts. The male birds of both species are significantly larger than the females.

author: Whittingham, Linda A., Ratcliffe, Laurene M., Kirkconnell, Arturo
Analysis, Morphology (Biology), Bird breeding, Blackbirds, Common blackbird, Social behavior in animals, Animal social behavior, Morphology

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A new procedure for transmitter attachment: effects on brood attendance and chick feeding rates by male common terns

Article Abstract:

The male partners of ten Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) pairs had their legs afixed to transmitter units. A transmitter crystal and lithium battery were covered with epoxy and attached to an aluminum leg band. The brood attendance behavior and feeding rates of the experimental males and their female partners are not significantly different from those of the control groups. Advantages of the attachment procedure are speed of attachment, light mass, rapid loss of afixed antennae following battery exhaustion and absence of adverse post-release behavior.

author: Morris, Ralph D., Burness, Gary P.
Usage, Bird banding, Terns, Animal radio tracking

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Female responses to intraspecific brood parasitism in the Tree Swallow

Article Abstract:

Research is presented concerning the response of female Tree Swallows to experimental intraspecific brood parasitism. Parasitic eggs were accepted in 62% of cases where the egg was added to the nest within 3 days of the first egg of the host.

author: Whittingham, Linda A., Dunn, Peter O.
Bird eggs, Bird nests, Parasitism, Swallows

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subjects list: Research, Birds, Behavior
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