SOME NOTES ON THE BREEDING BIOLOGY OF THE STRIPED CUCKOO

Abstract

Steyn, P. 1973. Some notes on the breeding biology of the Striped Cuckoo. Ostrich 44: 163–169. Information is presented on the breeding biology of the Striped Cuckoo, a species for which little authentic material exists. A number of cases of parasitism of the Arrow-marked Babbler are given. Pre-laying behaviour is similar to that of the Jacobin Cuckoo. The blue egg of the cuckoo may be distinguished on several minor points, but mainly because it is rounder and broader than those of the host species. The growth and development of a nestling is outlined up to its ninth day when it was killed by a snake. It was reared to this stage with three babbler chicks, probably because several babblers contribute to feeding the nestlings. The cuckoo gains weight very rapidly, and it is suggested that this is because of its brighter gape and more intense gaping response which ensure that it is fed preferentially. Anti-predator devices such as open-gaped lunges, jerking movements of the body and the exudation of a vile-smelling brown fluid are described. The nestling cuckoo's call is identical to that of the babblers. The juvenal may be fed by its foster parents For at least 36 days after leaving the nest.