Differences Among Sexes in Parental Care of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) with Provided Food Source

Sara Conklin

Parental behavior of a population of Eastern Bluebirds on the Penn State Ag Progress Fields was tested and recorded with and without a provided food source of mealworms. Parental behavior was observed for 30 minutes without and then 30 minutes with mealworms. Male and female feedings of offspring, mealworm tray visitations, and mealworm use in offspring feeding were all tallied. Females changed their parental behavior with the presence of the mealworms, whereas males did not.

Major: 
Wildlife and Fisheries Science
Exhibition Category: 
Health and Life Sciences
Exhibition Format: 
Poster Presentation
Campus: 
University Park
Faculty Sponsor: 
Jason Keagy
Poster Number: 
13