Nice little story Tony. Thanks.
I was surprised to read her statement that there is no scientific evidence that, for certain species (she mentions CBCs, Koels and Cowbirds), the adult birds attend their adopted-out young. I am sure I have read that there is such evidence (probably Nick Davies’ book on brood parasites). I have also seen CBCs roosting nearby to a nest in which Magpies were feeding two CBC fledglings. So displaying apparent interest and also the unusual situation of two in the one nest, presumably laid by the same bird. I guess a bit anecdotal and I did not see any direct attention being given to the chicks, but I certainly thought that that is the case.
David Rosalky
From: Tony Lawson [
Sent: Wednesday, 11 September 2013 6:52 PM
To: COG chatline
Subject: [canberrabirds] How do cuckoos know they are cuckoos?
