If cowbird eggs are laid in an oropendola nest in the open woodlands of Central America, what would be the expected outcome?
A) The cowbird eggs would be ejected from the nest to eliminate the competition.
B) The cowbird eggs would be ejected from the nest due to a reaction of the mother bird's immune system.
C) The cowbird eggs would not be ejected from the nest because they provide an additional food source.
D) The cowbird eggs would not be ejected from the nest because they provide protection from large predators.
E) The cowbird eggs would not be ejected from the nest because they provide protection from parasites.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cowbird eggs are not ejected from oropendola nests because they help protect the nest from parasitic botflies, which are harmful to the oropendola chicks.

If Cowbird Eggs Are Laid in an Oropendola Nest in the Open