Brood Parasitism in a Host Generalist, the Shiny Cowbird: II. Host Selection

Abstract

Abstract Host selection by brood parasitic Shiny Cowbirds (Molothrus bonariensis) was studied at two sites in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The eggs of the parasite are either spotted or immaculate, so host selection was studied with respect to egg type as well as to site. Immaculate eggs were rare at both sites. Cowbirds in this region prefer to parasitize nests of birds larger than themselves. This preference contrasts with that of almost all other brood parasites, and even that of Shiny Cowbirds in other parts of the species' range. One large species, the Chlk-browed Mockingbird (Mimus saturninus) was used frequently and consistently at both sites. At least two other large species (thrushes) were used at Site I, but neither was present at Site II. Cowbirds were more specialized on large hosts at Site I: only 9% of the spotted eggs were laid in nests of small birds at Site I, whereas 35% were laid in such nests at Site II. Small species, such as the Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis), were used to a greater extent at Site II than Site I (where some of the same species were not used at all). The shift to smaller hosts is probably a response to a change in the structure of the community; large host species are relatively less abundant at Site II. Rejecter species are large, and all were parasitized while many smaller accepter species were unmolested. Surprisingly, more immaculate eggs were laid in nests where they had little chance of successful incubation, rather than in nests of accepters. No evidence suggests that host races ("gentes") are formed. To the contrary, female cowbirds laying different egg types apparently select hosts in the same manner.