Revealing the key signals in nestling begging behavior perceived by parent birds during parent–offspring conflict

• DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12901
• Publication Date: 2024-09-17T16:26:35Z
• Authors: Ziqi ZHANG; Qihong LI; Yan CAI; Canchao YANG
• Keywords: Begging; Parent–offspring conflict; Paternal care

Abstract The parent–offspring conflict in avian species encompasses resource allocation and a balance necessary for survival both parties. Parental investment is modulated according to various factors, among which begging important. Endogenous hormones, particularly corticosterone (CORT), play role modulating behavior. However, most studies on hormonal regulation of behavior induced elevated hormone levels the offspring through feeding or injections, thus, limiting our knowledge evolution under natural conditions. In this study, we aimed identify key signals that parents respond during interactions with their nestlings wild, considering factors such as endogenous CORT, nestling age, brood size, may affect Begging performance was evaluated by measuring frequency score red‐whiskered bulbul ( Pycnonotus jocosus ), along assessing CORT feathers. were significantly correlated nestlings, while variables body mass tarsus length did not influence parental frequency. Additionally, number (brood size), predictors Our findings indicate frequency, size are help navigate intricacies rely these from range cues exhibited adjust strategies.