Common cuckoo female host selection is not determined by host quality but can affect cuckoo nestling growth when parasitising Common redstarts
T. Abaurrea, A. Moreras, J. Tolvanen, R. L. Thomson, R. Thorogood
This study investigates whether Common cuckoo females select high-quality hosts for egg-laying and finds that host selection does not target host quality but may influence cuckoo nestling growth.
bioRxiv · Mar 11, 2024 · PreprintAnimal Behavior & Cognition