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 |
Is Allopreening a Stimulus-Driven Defense Against Ectoparasites?
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