F. Ruiz-Raya

Physiological stress responses to non-mimetic model brood parasite eggs: leukocyte profiles and heat-shock protein Hsp70 levels

This study examines physiological stress responses in Eurasian blackbirds to non-mimetic brood parasite eggs, finding changes in leukocyte profiles and Hsp70 levels but no corticosterone trade-offs.

Parental feeding preferences rather than sibling competition determine the death of smaller nestlings in asynchronous broods

This study shows that parental feeding preferences, not sibling competition, lead to the death of smaller nestlings in asynchronous broods of Eurasian blackbirds.

Prolactin mediates behavioural rejection responses to avian brood parasitism

This study shows that prolactin inhibition increases egg-rejection rates in Eurasian blackbirds, linking prolactin to host defense against brood parasitism.