GLOSSARY

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PARASITE
A bird that lays its eggs in the nest of another (host) bird, freeing the parasite from the duties of incubation and rearing.
PENDULOUS
Refers to a nest type constructed by some birds, like the Baltimore Oriole, where the cupped nest hangs by its rims and has very flexibly woven walls. As a result, the deepest part of the nest swings freely.
PENSILE
Refers to a nest type constructed by some birds, such as vireos, where the cupped nest hangs from a branch by its sides and has very stiffly woven walls.
PESTICIDE
A chemical designed to kill pests. DDT is one pesticide used extensively in the past.
PIGMENT
A chemical that produces colour. There are three pigments responsible for all of the colours, both background and markings, that we see on eggs: protoporphyrin, biliverdin and the zinc-chelate of biliverdin.
POROSITY
Refers to the holes or channels through an eggshell; allows the exchange of gas and water vapour between the egg and its environment.
PRECOCIAL
Chicks that hatch with down-covered bodies and open eyes. These chicks are independent of the parents soon after hatching.
PROTOPORPHYRIN
One of the three pigments responsible for egg coloration and markings. This pigment results in colours ranging from yellow to red to brownish buffs and pink.
PYRIFORM
Refers to an egg shape, pointed at one end and more blunt at the other. Common Murre eggs are pyriform.