Host Relations of the Parasitic Cowbirds (Classic Reprint)

Host Relations of the Parasitic Cowbirds (Classic Reprint) PDF

Author: Herbert Friedmann

Publisher: Forgotten Books

Published: 2017-11-26

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 9780331985931

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Excerpt from Host Relations of the Parasitic Cowbirds Inasmuch as the completeness of our knowledge varies with the different species of cowbirds, the detailed discussion of such biolog ical matters as host selection, the relative frequency with which different species of these hosts are utilized, the success rate with which these birds serve as fosterers, and the various reactions they give to the parasite and to the incidence of parasitism are all given in the account of each species of cowbird. As might be expected from the interest discussed above, the data are incomparably more extensive, and thus more amenable to analysis and interpretation, for the North American brown-headed cowbird than for any of the others. Because of this, the chief biological discussion and synthesis are given under that species, even though parts of the thoughts and conclusions are applicable to the others as well. The present study of the host-parasite relations of the cowbirds has been a long time in progress. Not only has a great mass of data been accumulating slowly over several decades, but newer insights and better methods of evaluating and interpreting the facts have been brought to bear as the material permitted. Much of the present data is due in large measure to the kind cooperation of many observ ers, collectors, and custodians of collections, all of whom have generously sent me numerous interesting records that otherwise would not have been available. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Cowbirds and Other Brood Parasites

Cowbirds and Other Brood Parasites PDF

Author: Catherine P. Ortega

Publisher: University of Arizona Press

Published: 1998-09

Total Pages: 393

ISBN-13: 0816515271

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The Brown-headed Cowbird is known to use the nests of more than 200 other bird species, and cowbirds in general are believed to play a role in the decline of some migratory songbird populations. These brood parasites—birds that lay their eggs in the nests of others—have long flourished in North America. In this timely book, Catherine Ortega summarizes and synthesizes a wealth of information on cowbirds from around the world that has appeared since the publication of Herbert Friedmann's classic 1929 monograph on these birds. Most of this information has appeared in the last quarter-century and reflects advances in our understanding of how brood parasitism influences, and is influenced by, host species. Ortega shows that in order to manage cowbirds without further damaging delicate balances in host-parasite relationships, it is necessary to understand such factors as behavior, reproduction, population dynamics, and response to landscape patterns. She examines and explains the origin, evolution, and costs of brood parasitism, and she discusses the philosophical and ecological considerations regarding the management of cowbirds—a controversial issue because of their perceived influence on threatened and endangered birds. Because brood parasitism has evolved independently in various bird families, information on this adaptive strategy is of great ecological interest and considerable value to wildlife management. Cowbirds and Other Brood Parasites is an important reference on these creatures that enhances our understanding of both their behavior and their part in the natural world.

Cowbird Parasitism and Nesting Success in the Eastern Phoebe, Vol. 41

Cowbird Parasitism and Nesting Success in the Eastern Phoebe, Vol. 41 PDF

Author: Erwin E. Klaas

Publisher:

Published: 2015-08-05

Total Pages: 24

ISBN-13: 9781332305032

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Excerpt from Cowbird Parasitism and Nesting Success in the Eastern Phoebe, Vol. 41: September 30, 1975 The area measured five by six miles on a side and included 30 square miles (19,000 acres). A total of 80 linear miles of county roads, running in the cardinal compass directions, transected the area at one-mile intervals (Fig. 1). Small to moderately large bridges (or culverts) on these roads spanned numerous small tributaries of the Kansas River system. There were 95 bridges in the study area that provided potential nesting sites for the eastern phoebe. The roads were surfaced with gravel except for 8 miles paved with asphalt. The vegetation of the area was ecotonal, elements of tall grass prairie tending to occur on the higher ground and eastern deciduous forest on the lower ground and stream valleys. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.