Attempt to introduce a black vulture Coragyps atratus chick into a foster nest near Virgilina, Virginia, USA

Background

This study described an attempt to introduce a black vulture Coragyps atratus chick from a nest on a house that was due to be demolished into a foster nest near the town of Virgilina, Virginia, eastern USA.

Action

On 7 June 1975, the single nestling (35–40 days old) was removed from the threatened nest and introduced into a foster nest containing two 30–35 day old nestlings. The foster nest was subsequently monitored to determine whether the nestling was adopted successfully.

Consequences

Initial observations of the foster parent feeding the introduced nestling suggested that it had been adopted successfully. Nevertheless, when the nest was checked three days later, the smaller of the two natal nestlings was found to be very emaciated, apparently due to starvation, and it died the following day. The larger natal nestling and the foster nestling were, however, well-fed and healthy.

The author suggests that although black vultures may accept introduced nestlings, they may have a behavioural tendency to provision only (the larger) two young.

Note: If using or referring to this published study, please read and quote the original paper, can be accessed from: http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Wilson/index.php.