Host response to brood parasitism in two species of diving duck

Abstract

We used egg addition experiments and naturally parasitised nest of Common Pochard Aythya ferina and Tufted Duck A. fuligula to look for three host responses to brood parasitism; nest abandonment, egg discrimination, and between-year nest site movement. Parasitised females did not abandon nests more often (P = 0.26), discriminate against parasite eggs (P's >/= 0.38) or move their nests a greater distance (P's >/= 0.39) than non-parasitised females for either species. Host female Common Pochards and Tufted Ducks do not discriminate against parasitic eggs once they are added to the nest.