Abstract
We observed a fledgling abandonment and adoption event that subsequently led to an extended period of interspecific parental care between a male Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) and two radio-tagged fledgling Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) siblings. Both fledglings were initially accompanied by their maternal Golden-winged Warbler until 5 and 9 days after fledging. At this time, a male Black-and-white Warbler began feeding both fledglings, and maternal care ceased. In the 23 days we monitored the fledglings between onset of interspecific feeding and independence, the male Black-and-white Warbler was observed with at least one of the fledglings on 20 of those occasions. Furthermore, the Black-and-white Warbler was seen feeding at least one of the fledglings on 16 of those visits. We photographed several feeding events. The Black-and-white Warbler remained with the fledglings until they successfully reached independence 28 days post-fledging.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 921-926 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Wilson Journal of Ornithology |
Volume | 128 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2016 |
Keywords
- Mniotilta varia
- Vermivora chrysoptera.
- fledgling abandonment
- fledgling adoption
- interspecific feeding
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Ecology
- Animal Science and Zoology