No brood parasitism by the Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius on the Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus

Abstract

Capsule No case of parasitic interaction was found after 12 years of intensive monitoring of a marked population in Spain where both species are sympatric. Aims To evaluate whether the Azure-winged Magpie is parasitized, and suggest possible causes that affect its relationship with the Great Spotted Cuckoo. Methods Data from a long-term field study of marked individuals in a population of Azure-winged Magpie in Spain, were collected from about 60 nests per year over 12 years. Results Although common in the area, no eggs or young of the Great Spotted Cuckoo were found in an Azure-winged Magpie nest. Conclusion The Great Spotted Cuckoo does not appear to parasitize the Azure-winged Magpie, and we suggest that elevated predation rates on nests may be an important, overlooked factor potentially affecting the choice of host species by this brood parasite.