R. Thorogood

Common cuckoo female host selection is not determined by host quality but can affect cuckoo nestling growth when parasitising Common redstarts

This study investigates whether Common cuckoo females select high-quality hosts for egg-laying and finds that host selection does not target host quality but may influence cuckoo nestling growth.

Relaxed selection diminishes social memory and expression of host defences against cuckoos

The paper tests how relaxed selection affects social memory and host defenses against cuckoos in reed warblers, finding that defenses degrade rapidly when selection is relaxed.

Species-associated bacterial diversity increases along a gradient of habitat degradation

The paper examines how bacterial diversity in herbivorous insects changes with habitat degradation and finds that diversity increases while community composition remains stable.

Genomic consequences of range expansion and colonisation in the reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

This study examines the genetic consequences of northward and southward range expansions in reed warblers using RAD-seq, finding little genetic structure and local adaptation to climate variables.

Intergenerational effects from spatial and genetic environment predict early-life social network structure

This study shows that early-life social network structure in hihi birds is predicted by natal nest-box location and paternal inbreeding, not relatedness.

Darwin's small and medium ground finches might have taste preferences, but not for human foods

The study tests if Darwin's finches have latent taste preferences for human foods, finding no strong preference but a weak aversion to oily foods in remote areas.

Sociality enhances survival in science, especially for female researchers

The paper shows that sociality improves career progression and survival in science, with stronger effects for female researchers.

One of the gang: social group dynamics in a juvenile passerine bird

The paper studies social group dynamics in juvenile hihi birds, finding that groups are composed mainly of juveniles who stay at sites longer than adults and associate primarily with other juveniles.

Copy parents or follow friends? Juvenile foraging behaviour changes with social environment

This study shows that juvenile hihi modify foraging behavior based on later social environments rather than retaining parental learning.

Changes in social groups across reintroductions and effects on post-release survival

This study examines how social group changes during reintroduction affect post-release survival in hihi birds, finding that sociality loss correlates with higher mortality.