Effects of feeding frequency on nestling begging and digestion

摘要: Nestling begging has the potential to provide parents with honest information about both short- and long-term nutritional needs, yet importance of previous feeding experience remains largely untested in empirical studies. We examined effect two experimental rates on nestling Southern Grey Shrikes Lanius meridionalis using differences load size equalize total volume food received. There was variation pattern behaviour between six pairs siblings during a hand-feeding trial, although individuals maintained similar intensity throughout 9-h period. Both treatment groups showed elevated responses terminal deprivation period, but nestlings fed small items at frequent intervals demonstrated higher after period than did large infrequently. As frequently had greater levels undigested protein present their faeces birds infrequently, we suggest experimentally induced digestive efficiency may account for observed behaviour. The possible role learning, adaptive significance trade-offs rate efficiency, conflict interests offspring are discussed.