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Brood Reduction

By Laura Klappenbach, About.com

Definition: n. A reproductive strategy in which a female bird produces more eggs than she would normally be capable of raising. If food resources are too limited to support all young (if all eggs hatch), any late-hatching offspring (which would be weaker in comparison to other offspring) would likely die of starvation or attacks by stronger siblings. This breeding strategy is often seen in boobies, herons, eagles, and other large birds. (Source: Sibley)

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