I posted this in the news section of the website but I find the arms race between cuckoos and their hosts fascinating. Superb Fairy-wren females have developed a special note that chicks must repeat in order to get fed. The cuckoo chicks hatch early and so don't hear the call for as long as the fairy-wren chicks. Read about it here.
I’m not surprised reading this, in all the time I have been observing “my wrens”
, I have learned how to interpret some of their language. I can now identify the different call she makes when approaching the nest, that is how I find where it is.
But the timing of using the call to get rid of the cuckoo’s eggs is fascinating. This would also explain, why my wrens have abandoned the nest twice? I suspected the Magpies or Kookaburras to have killed the young. But after reading this, and knowing I have a few Cuckoos around, that could have happened the first time. The second time she abandoned the nest though, she was feeding already. The more I learn about my favourite little wrens, the more interesting they get.
Thanks Holly
M-L
So clever that its all the more odd that host birds aren't able to recognise aliens, both at the newly hatched stage and later as they grow to more than twice the size of the parents.
Thanks Holly. I read that story on your link, and heard Tony Delroy discussing it tonight with his science reporter.
It was an absolutely fascinating bit of research and such clever behaviour.
Cheers
Tim
Brisbane
Thanks for the hint Tim, I often listen to Tony Delroy at night, but sometimes fall asleep.Might try and find the interview.
M-L
Totally fascinating. Ms Woko approves of you listening to Tony Delroy, timmo & Araminta! She's a big fan!