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Rose THOROGOOD, Nicholas B. DAVIES. 2013: Hawk mimicry and the evolution of polymorphic cuckoos. Avian Research, 4(1): 39-50. DOI: 10.5122/cbirds.2013.0002
Citation: Rose THOROGOOD, Nicholas B. DAVIES. 2013: Hawk mimicry and the evolution of polymorphic cuckoos. Avian Research, 4(1): 39-50. DOI: 10.5122/cbirds.2013.0002
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Hawk mimicry and the evolution of polymorphic cuckoos

  • Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, U. K.

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  • Corresponding author:

    Rose Thorogood, E-mail: rt303@cam.ac.uk

  • Received Date: 10 Dec 2012
  • Accepted Date: 11 Jan 2013
  • Available Online: 23 Apr 2023
    Abstract

  • The resemblance of some parasitic cuckoos to Accipiter hawks has been known since ancient times. Recent experiments show that the hawk-like features of Common Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) facilitate access to Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) host nests. However, social information alerts hosts to see through the cuckoo's mimetic disguise. In turn, this has promoted the evolution of a cuckoo polymorphism to thwart host recognition. Here we show by comparative analyses that parasitic cuckoos with hawk-like features (yellow eyes, barred underparts, yellow legs) are more likely to be polymorphic (29% of species) than those without (8% of species). Phylogenetic analyses confirm correlated evolution of hawk-like features and cuckoo polymorphism. We suggest that mimicry dynamics are particularly likely to promote the evolution of various guises in parasitic cuckoos to beat host defences.

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