Birds Adjust Egg Quality When Times Are Tough

Spotless starlings are small, sleek birds with a glossy black plumage. They are found in parts of Europe and North Africa. They are known for their impressive vocal abilities and social behavior. They are also known for their interesting reproductive strategies. When female starlings are not in the best shape before laying eggs, they make some interesting changes. They lay eggs that are smaller in size but packed with more vitamin A. This is a clever way to compensate for the smaller size. Researchers wanted to see how a female starling's condition before laying eggs affects the eggs she produces. They did this by clipping some of the bird's flight feathers. This made it harder for the birds to fly and find food. The birds had to work harder to stay in good shape. The study found that the number of eggs laid did not change. But the eggs were smaller. The yolk of the eggs had more vitamin A. This was a big finding. The researchers also found that the eggs had a slight tendency to have more oxidized lipids. This means the eggs might not be as fresh or healthy. The study shows that female starlings can adjust the quality of their eggs based on their condition. This is a smart way to ensure the best possible start for their offspring. Even when times are tough, these birds find a way to give their chicks a fighting chance.