Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow Nest Parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbird

Ted J. Nordhagen; Matthew P. Nordhagen; Paul Hendricks

doi:10.1676/05-005.1

How to translate text using browser tools

1 December 2005 Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow Nest Parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbird

Ted J. Nordhagen, Matthew P. Nordhagen, Paul Hendricks

Author Affiliations +

The Wilson Bulletin, 117(4):403-404 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1676/05-005.1

Abstract

On 22 July 2004, we found a Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammodramus nelsoni) nest in Sheridan County, Montana, containing a single Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) nestling that was about to fledge. A punctured sharp-tailed sparrow egg was found below the nest. This is the second definitive report of cowbird brood parasitism of a Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow nest and the first indicating successful rearing of a cowbird by this host species. The impact of cowbird parasitism on nesting success of Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow has not been studied, but our record indicates that nest failure (i.e., producing no host young) may be an outcome for some nests of this species.

Citation Download Citation

Ted J. Nordhagen, Matthew P. Nordhagen, and Paul Hendricks "Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow Nest Parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbird," The Wilson Bulletin 117(4), 403-404, (1 December 2005). https://doi.org/10.1676/05-005.1

Received: 18 January 2005; Accepted: 1 August 2005; Published: 1 December 2005

KEYWORDS/PHRASES

PUBLICATION TITLE:

COLLECTION TITLE:

PUBLICATION YEARS