Magpie host manipulation by great spotted cuckoos: evidence for an avian mafia?

Key Points

• Brood parasitism by great spotted cuckoos affects behaviors in magpies, altering their parental habits.
• In the analysis, magpie parents exhibit a 30% increase in nest defense when cuckoos are present.
• Observational analysis reveals complex interactions between Pica pica and Clamator glandarius, suggesting evolutionary pressure.
• These findings highlight the intricate dynamics of host manipulation, indicating ongoing evolutionary influence.