Is Allopreening a Stimulus-Driven Defense Against Ectoparasites?

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2020
Authors:G. B. Goodman, Conner, S. A., Bush, S. E., Clayton, D. H.
Journal:Journal of Parasitology
Volume:106
Issue:1
Pagination:167 - 171
Date Published:02-2020
Keywords:Anti-Parasite Behavior, Feather lice, Pigeon
Abstract:

Allopreening occurs when 1 bird preens another bird. The behavior is normally directed at the headand neck of the recipient, i.e., regions that the bird cannot self-preen. Studies of penguins, pigeons,and other groups of birds suggest that allopreening plays a role in the control of ectoparasites, suchas ticks and feather lice. However, it is not known whether allopreening increases in response toincreases in parasite load, or whether it is a programmed response that occurs independently ofparasite load. We conducted a laboratory experiment using wild-caught rock pigeons (Columba livia)to test the relationship between ectoparasite load and allopreening rate. We added feather lice(Columbicola columbae) to captive pigeons and tested for changes in allopreening rates compared tocontrol birds with no lice added. Allopreening rates did not change in response to the addition oflice. Interestingly, however, our data revealed a negative correlation between allopreening and self-preening rates.

URL:https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-parasitology/volume-106/issue-1/19-104/Is-Allopreening-a-Stimulus-Driven-Defense-Against-Ectoparasites/10.1645/19-104.full
DOI:10.1645/19-104
Short Title:Journal of Parasitology
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