How do Social Birds like corvids relate to Cuckoo Chicks

Earlier this year I came across an immature CB Cuckoo sitting on a power line in association with its hosts. The thing was that there was quite a space between the CBC and the half dozen crows on the line. I got the impression that the crows were uneasy with the CBC in their midst.

That got me to thinking. Clearly cuckoo hosts can be fooled into raising cuckoo chicks – presumably because they are similar enough to their own young when they hatch. As the chicks grow, they become less like their hosts. The question is how do the non loco parentis members of the host species relate to the interlopers in their midst?

Regards, Laurie

________________________________

The information contained in this message and any attachments may be confidential information and may be subject to legal privilege, public interest or legal profession privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure or copying of this message or any attachments is unauthorised. If you have received this document in error, please advise the sender and delete this message. No representation or warranty is given that attached files are free from viruses or other defects. The recipient assumes all responsibility for any loss or damage resulting directly or indirectly from the use of any attached files.