Work

Common cuckoo eggs are more resistant to puncture by the host

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The puncture resistance hypothesis suggests that thick-shelled eggs of parasitic birds can resist puncture-ejection by the host. However, few experiments have yet been conducted to test this hypothesis in terms of natural host behavior (e.g., pecking at foreign eggs). To explore whether the eggshells of common cuckoos ( Cuculus canorus ) are resistant to puncture-ejection by their common hosts, Oriental reed warblers ( Acrocephalus orientalis ), we designed experiments to investigate if and how breeding Oriental reed warblers peck at foreign eggs that includes common cuckoo, Oriental reed warbler and budgerigar ( Melopsittacus undulatus ) eggs. The results showed that, given the same frequency of egg pecking, the probability of eggshell breakage was 87.5% for eggs of the Oriental reed warbler and 0% for eggs of the common cuckoo, with a significant difference ( P = 0.001, Fisher's exact test). Our study shows clearly that common cuckoos' eggshells are less susceptible to puncture-ejection than those of Oriental reed warblers and budgerigars. This indicates that the eggshells of common cuckoos can resist host Oriental reed warblers' puncture-ejection, supporting the puncture resistance hypothesis. This experimental study showed that eggshells of common cuckoos ( Cuculus canorus ) are less susceptible to puncture-ejection than those of Oriental reed warbler ( Acrocephalus orientalis ) hosts and budgerigars ( Melopsittacus undulatus ). • Eggshells of common cuckoos ( Cuculus canorus ) are less susceptible to puncture-ejection than those of Oriental reed warbler ( Acrocephalus orientalis ) hosts and budgerigars ( Melopsittacus undulatus ). • We provided experimental evidence for the puncture resistance hypothesis showing that cuckoo eggshells can resist hosts' puncture-ejection.

Source: International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.101003

Authors: Hanlin Yan, Longwu Wang, Wei Liang

Institutions: Hainan Normal University, Guizhou Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Animal Behavior and Reproduction

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Guizhou Normal University, Hainan Normal University