I have a question regarding Fan-tailed Cuckoos.
I have been hearing them for some weeks now, but they call from the other side of the fence. (Too dense for me to get in) This morning I was very lucky to see two of them sitting on my fence. As it always does when something exciting happens, it rained too much to get closer. One of the two looked juvenile, but it could also just have been very wet and fluffed up?
Here is my question: after the young Cuckoo, raised by a host, has fledged, will he return to join the other Cuckoos? Or will he stay independent and know all the Cuckoo behaviour and only team up during the next mating season?
Question of the week I'd say, Araminta. I guess I've always thought that they kept to themselves but when I think about it I reckon I've seen an adult & a young Horsfield bronze cuckoo together at our place. Pehaps young cuckoos need to join the parents after fledging in order to learn to be cuckoo.
I'm not sure but I think all the behaviours have to be genetic rather than learned. I think even if they never meet another cuckoo they will know all the necessary behaviours.
Seems ours Tassie ones come your way for the winter, and return to breed, have never seen a "flock" or for that matter even 3 together. Did a lot of reading last night, and seems only see multiples at or near mating time, so I am leaning toward innate or genetic learning rather than learned from others of the same species. There does not seem to be much research, perhaps this is because they are not considered vulnerable. Most readings seem to contain the same information word for word.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
That could well be so, GregL & Dale. Which would re-inforce Araminta's notion that the young join the adults at some stage for breeding purposes.
Hi Araminta, check out this link to an article on ABC Science a couple of weeks ago. It's headed 'How do a Cuckoos know they are Cuckoos?
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2013/09/09/3788492.htm
Thanks so much Fantailfan
How nice of you to go through all this trouble and find this and post the link.
How fascinating is this information!!!!! I hope many other members will read it.
Thanks again.
M-L
Oh fabulous article Fantailfan and excellent question M-L. Thanks so much!
I am going to link that article on the BIBY news section.