Interactions between Black-billed Magpie and fallow deer

Article Abstract:

Ectoparasite removal was observed as the cause for Black-billed Magpies' (Pica pica) pecking on fallow deer (Dama dama). It was also observed that deer that were sitting were preferred by the magpies over deer that were standing. The magpies also seemed to prefer adult males over adult females or calves. The ectoparasitic interaction may be benefiting birds because ectoparasites are one of their sources of food. However, its benefit to the fallow deer has yet to be investigated.

Deer

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Host benefit and the evolution of specialization in symbiosis

Article Abstract:

The host benefit in symbioses with horizontal transmission depends on factors such as selection pressure on the microbial symbionts, which reduces host benefit; variation in host benefit from symbiont genotypes, associated with varying environmental circumstances; and low or unpredictable abundance of the microbial symbiont. Low host specificity and variance in symbiont effectiveness may characterize symbioses that are horizontally transmitted.

Host-parasite relationships

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Factors affecting prey preparation by adult Magpies feeding nestlings

Article Abstract:

There are two main factors influencing prey preparation by Magpies feeding nestlings. Magpies devote more time to preparing large prey, which may be seen as a benefit to the nestlings. However, they devote less time to preparing prey when they must focus on other activities, such as foraging. It appears that the degree of prey preparation is a balance between the benefits to the nestlings and the costs to the parents.

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