Nest size predicts the effect of foodsupplementation to magpie nestlings on theirimmunocompetence: an experimental test ofnest size indicating parental ability

Post-mating sexually selected signals are expected to indicate parental quality. The good parent model assumes that expression ofthe sexual character positively reflects parental ability, resulting in a potential link between the exaggeration of the character andnestling-fitness traits. We tested this prediction in a population of a monogamous passerine, the magpie

Liesbeth De Neve et al, Behavioral Ecology Advance Access published July 7, 2004