Around what age do Yellowhammer parents begin introducing cereal grains alongside insects into the nestling diet?
Answer
Around the third day
The nutritional plan for Yellowhammer nestlings involves a transition phase managed by the parents after the initial protein loading. For the first couple of days, the diet is purely invertebrate matter. However, a significant adjustment occurs around the third day, marking the beginning of the introduction of cereal grains into the diet while still providing insects. This introduction of carbohydrate sources alongside protein is viewed as an evolutionary step preparing the young for their eventual life as seed-eating adults. The parents face the challenge of simultaneously sourcing high-protein insects and accessible grains during this brief but critical period in spring.
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