Long-term consequences of interspecific cross-fostering in the wild

Abstract

Over several years, we have let great tits be raised by blue tits and vice versa. We have already documented that such cross-fostered birds differ relative to controls in various behaviour patterns. My main research interests currently relate to the pivotal learning process underlying the deviant behaviour of cross-fostered birds, namely imprinting.

A unique feature of the current interspecific cross-fostering project is that it is conducted in the wild. Further, because the project stretches over several years, we can investigate various long-term consequences of imprinting. These are important features for my current research.

During 2005-2008 I am doing a post doc on various aspects of imprinting and the development of species recognition. Some of the lines of investigation I pursue are:

1. The long-term consequences of interspecific cross-fostering for the cross-fostered individuals. Is the misimprinting we already have documented in yearling birds maintained or modified with age?

2. The long-term consequences of interspecific cross-fostering for the offspring of cross-fostered birds. Although misimprinted, some cross-fostered birds breed with conspecifics. Are the various deviant behaviours of cross-fostered birds culturally transmitted to their offspring?

3. The song of cross-fostered birds. What are its characteristics, and how does it function as a signal to conspecifics and heterospecifics?

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