scholarly journals Win – and stay, but not too long: cavity selection by Boreal Owls to minimize nest predation by Pine Marten

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geir A. Sonerud
Keyword(s):  
Nest Predation ◽  
Site Fidelity ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Pine Marten ◽  
Aegolius Funereus ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Boreal Owl

AbstractSite fidelity after successful nesting and site shift after nest predation (win–stay, lose–shift) is a well-documented adaptation to spatially heterogeneous and temporally auto-correlated predation risk. However, site shift even after a successful nesting (win–shift) may become a better tactic than site fidelity (win–stay), if a successful nest site becomes more risky until the next nesting opportunity, and if new low-risk nest sites regularly appear. Correspondingly, selecting a new non-used nest site may become a better tactic than selecting one previously used successfully by a conspecific. I studied this dynamic by focusing on nest cavities that may be available for many years, and using nest boxes to allow an experimental design. At localities where Boreal Owls (Aegolius funereus) had nested successfully, a dyad of nest boxes was made available each year, one box in the original nest tree and one in a new tree for the season, each containing either old nest material from the successful nesting or new wood shavings. Boreal owls were more likely to select the box in the new tree when more years had elapsed since the successful nesting and since a box was installed in the original nest tree, independent of box content. The pattern of selection differed between young and old individuals for males, but not females. Young males based their selection of nest tree mainly on box content, while old males based it on time elapsed since the successful nesting in the original nest tree and how long a box had been present there. The probability of depredation of Boreal Owl nests by Pine Marten (Martes martes) has previously been found to increase with cavity age and number of nesting seasons elapsed since the previous successful nesting. This pattern of nest predation thus predicted the pattern of nest site selection found.

scholarly journals Predation risk induces changes in nest-site selection and clutch size in the Siberian jay

2005 ◽  
Vol 273 (1587) ◽  
pp. 701-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sönke Eggers ◽  
Michael Griesser ◽  
Magdalena Nystrand ◽  
Jan Ekman
Keyword(s):  
Clutch Size ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Nest Predation ◽  
Life History Theory ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Size Adjustment

Life-history theory predicts that an individual should reduce its reproductive efforts by laying a smaller clutch size when high risk of nest predation reduces the value of current reproduction. Evidence in favour of this ‘nest predation hypothesis’, however, is scarce and based largely on correlative analyses. Here, we manipulated perceived risk of nest predation in the Siberian jay Perisoreus infaustus using playback involving a mixture of calls by corvid nest predators in the vicinity of nest sites. In response to being exposed to this acoustic cue simulating increased risk of nest predation, the jays chose a nest site offering more protective covering and reduced clutch size. This is the first experimental demonstration of clutch size adjustment and nest site selection as a result of phenotypic plasticity in an open nesting passerine reflecting a facultative response to the perceived risk of nest predation.

An experimental approach to understanding the use of mistletoe as a nest substrate for birds: nest predation

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart J. N. Cooney ◽  
David M. Watson
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Predation ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Bird Populations ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eucalypt Woodland ◽  
Substrate Variation

Recent research has documented an unprecedented diversity of birds using mistletoes as nest-sites, and a strong preference for nesting in mistletoes has recently been demonstrated for some species. The consequences and underlying reasons for this behaviour have not been evaluated, and it is unclear whether nests in mistletoes confer advantages compared with other available substrates. Nest predation is often cited as the most important factor regulating many bird populations and is thought to influence all aspects of nest-site selection. To evaluate whether nest predation may play a role in the widespread use of mistletoe as a nest-site, we conducted an artificial nest predation experiment in a eucalypt woodland in southern New South Wales, Australia. Artificial nests were modelled on noisy friarbird (Philemon corniculatus: Meliphagidae) nests, baited with a single quail egg and checked after four days. We used logistic regression to model the rate of depredation between plant substrates, and demonstrate that, in this experiment, mistletoe nests experienced a lower proportion of predation than eucalypt nests (51.5% versus 63.8% respectively). This finding suggests that predation may influence the widespread use of mistletoe as a nest-site in a range of habitats and regions. In addition to clarifying priorities for further work on mistletoe nesting, this finding has implications for studies of nest-site selection generally, with researchers encouraged to supplement between-substrate comparisons with direct measurements of within-substrate variation.

scholarly journals Nest-site fidelity and breeding dispersal by Common Tailorbirds in a tropical forest

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Changzhang Feng ◽  
Canchao Yang ◽  
Wei Liang
Keyword(s):  
Nest Predation ◽  
Site Fidelity ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Dispersal Distance ◽  
Breeding Dispersal ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Site Fidelity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Breeding Attempt ◽  
Dispersal Distances

Abstract Background Information pertaining to nest-site fidelity and breeding dispersal over successive years can help to better our understanding of how birds respond to nest predation. Methods By using mist nets and tracking the color banded individuals, we investigated nest-site fidelity and breeding dispersal by Common Tailorbirds (Orthotomus sutorius) throughout a year and between successive years in 2017–2018. Results The present study showed that Common Tailorbirds could produce up to four clutches per breeding season. When multiple broods were produced within a year, breeding pairs remained together, and the nest rebuilding rate was up to 92.2%, with only four cases (7.8%) in which birds reused their old nests. The dispersal distance between the nests during multiple breeding was found to be 10.0 ± 10.5 m, and nest-site fidelity within the same year was 90.0%. By the second year of breeding, 76.2% of individuals remained in the original breeding pairs, while for those that did switch partners, the females remained in the nest from the previous year and paired with new males. The dispersal distance between years was 26.5 ± 41.9 m, and nest-site fidelity between different years was 80.1%. There was no significant difference between within-year and between-year dispersal distances. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the dispersal distance of rebuilt nests between birds that had experienced nest predation and those that had not. Conclusions Our findings suggest that Common Tailorbirds maintain a high degree of fidelity to mates and nest-sites, and nest predation had no significant effect on territorial changes or breeding dispersal distance between each breeding attempt.

The role of nest‐site selection and cereal production in differential nest predation in Common Quail Coturnix coturnix and hybrid quail C. coturnix  ×  C. japonica

Ibis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 158 (4) ◽  
pp. 784-795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Júlia Capdevila ◽  
Manel Puigcerver ◽  
Sònia López ◽  
Elisabet Pérez‐Masdeu ◽  
Eduardo García‐Galea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Predation ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Coturnix Coturnix ◽  
Cereal Production ◽  
Common Quail

Social context alters retreat- and nest-site selection in a globally invasive gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus

2019 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 388-397
Author(s):  
Benjamin J Muller ◽  
Robin M Andrews ◽  
Lin Schwarzkopf ◽  
David A Pike
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Gravid Female ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Invasion Success ◽  
Ceramic Tiles ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Gravid Females ◽  
Hemidactylus Frenatus

Abstract Microhabitat orientation and structure and the presence of conspecifics may strongly influence the choice of habitat. We studied how these variables influence retreat- and nest-site selection in gravid females of a globally successful invasive species, the Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus). When provided with various substrates (vertical and horizontal ceramic tiles, vertical and horizontal plywood tiles, horizontal bark over leaf litter, vertical bark over a log, and sand) gravid female geckos preferred to retreat to, and nest in, materials with crevices commonly found in urban habitats. When housed alone, gravid females most frequently retreated to vertical ceramic tile or wooden crevices, and 66.7% nested in vertical ceramic tiles. When housed with two other conspecifics, gravid females most frequently retreated to vertical ceramic tiles, but selected a wider range of nest sites. Overall, gravid geckos housed alone typically nested in the same substrates that they used as diurnal retreats; when housed in groups, however, females oviposited in locations different from those they selected as retreats. Thus, H. frenatus females use a wider range of substrates when conspecifics are present. Invasion success in this species might be driven, in part, by preferences for retreat and nest substrates that are common in human-dominated habitats.

Nest-site selection in the barn swallow, Hirundo rustica: What predicts seasonal reproductive success?

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (11) ◽  
pp. 1533-1539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Jo Safran
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Hirundo Rustica ◽  
Barn Swallow ◽  
Nest Location ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Site Characteristics

Despite hundreds of studies, we know very little about the causes and fitness-related consequences of nest-site selection. For example, it is not typically known whether the rarely reported fitness consequences of site selection are the result of nest, individual, or nest-site variables or combinations of these factors. Reuse of previously constructed nest sites is a prevalent behavior in many animals and offers the opportunity to experimentally tease apart whether seasonal reproductive success is a function of nest, individual, or nest-site characteristics. I used observational and experimental data to test three hypotheses related to these factors in association with barn swallow ( Hirundo rustica L., 1758) nest reuse. While both nest and individual characteristics explain variation in seasonal reproductive success, nest location per se is not an important factor defining the outcome of nest-site selection. Whereas traits related to habitat and individual characteristics are likely confounded in correlational studies, my experiments demonstrate a causal relationship between seasonal reproductive success and aspects of the nest and individual, the latter explaining more variation in the model than nest characteristics. Knowledge of the relative roles of individual, nest, and nest-site attributes are important for understanding the causes and consequences of habitat selection behavior.

scholarly journals Nest Predators, Nest-Site Selection, and Nesting Success of the Dusky Flycatcher in a Managed Ponderosa Pine Forest

The Condor ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 507-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph R. Liebezeit ◽  
T. Luke George
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nesting Success ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Potential Prey ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Dusky Flycatcher ◽  
Shrub Patches ◽  
Empidonax Oberholseri ◽  
Nest Predators

AbstractAmong hypotheses explaining nest-site selection, the potential-prey-site hypothesis predicts that birds place nests in areas with many potential nest sites, while the nest-concealment hypothesis predicts nest placement in sites with greater surrounding vegetation. We examined these hypotheses by comparing habitat attributes between Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri) nest sites and random sites, successful and unsuccessful nests, and nests depredated by birds versus mammals. Nesting success was 28% (n = 167), and predation was the most important cause of nest failure (96%) during the study (1998–2000) at our site in northeastern California. We identified 28 nest predators using surveillance cameras. Sciurid mammals were the most common predators (17 of 28, 61%), with Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii; 25%), small owls (11%), and Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri; 3%) accounting for the rest. Raptors preyed on nestlings more frequently than on eggs, while small mammals depredated nestlings and eggs in proportion to their availability. Dusky Flycatchers nested in larger shrub patches with greater shrub cover than at random sites, supporting the potential-prey-site hypothesis. Successful nests were in larger shrub patches surrounded by fewer seedlings and saplings compared to depredated nests, providing equivocal support for the potential-prey-site hypothesis. Nests depredated by birds were less concealed, located in smaller shrub patches, surrounded by fewer seedlings and saplings, and were closer to the shrub edge than nests depredated by mammals. Our results, strengthened by identification of nest predators, suggest that differences in search strategies among predators may constrain the ability of Dusky Flycatchers to optimize nest-site selection.Depredadores de Nidos, Selección de Sitios de Anidación y Éxito de Anidación de Empidonax oberholseri en un Bosque Manejado de Pino PonderosaResumen. Entre las hipótesis que explican la selección de sitios de anidación, la de “presa potencial” predice que las aves ubican sus nidos en lugares con muchos sitios de anidación, mientras que la de “ocultación del nido” predice la ubicación de nidos en sitios con mayor vegetación circundante. Nosotros examinamos estas hipótesis comparando características del hábitat entre sitios de anidación del mosquerito Empidonax oberholseri y sitios aleatorios, entre nidos exitosos y no exitosos, y entre nidos depredados por aves y por mamíferos. Entre 1998 y 2000 en un área del noreste de California, el éxito de anidación fue del 28% (n = 167) y la depredación fue la causa más importante del fracaso de los nidos (96%). Identificamos 28 depredadores de nidos utilizando cámaras. Los mamíferos sciúridos fueron los depredadores más comunes (17 de 28, 61%), mientras que los demás nidos fueron depredados por Accipter cooperii (25%), búhos pequeños (11%) y Cyanocitta stelleri (3%). Las aves rapaces se alimentaron con mayor frecuencia de pichones que de huevos, mientras que los mamíferos pequeños depredaron pichones y huevos en proporción a su disponibilidad. Los mosqueritos anidaron en parches con mayor cobertura de arbustos que sitios aleatorios, lo cual apoya la hipótesis de presa potencial. Los nidos exitosos se ubicaron en parches de arbustos más grandes rodeados por menos plántulas y renovales en comparación con los nidos depredados, lo que apoya equívocamente la hipótesis de presa potencial. Los nidos depredados por aves estuvieron menos ocultos, ubicados en parches de arbustos más pequeños, rodeados por menos plántulas y renovales, y estuvieron más cerca del borde del matorral que los nidos depredados por mamíferos. Nuestros resultados, fortalecidos por la identificación de los depredadores, sugieren que las diferencias en las estrategias de búsqueda entre depredadores pueden limitar la habilidad de los mosqueritos para optimizar la selección de sitios de anidación.

scholarly journals Nest Site Selection and Productivity of Suburban Red-Shouldered Hawks in Southern Ohio

The Condor ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 401-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl R. Dykstra ◽  
Jeffrey L. Hays ◽  
F. Bernard Daniel ◽  
Melinda M. Simon
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Canopy Height ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
South Central ◽  
Rural Sites ◽  
Reproductive Rates

Abstract We measured nest site selection and productivity of suburban-nesting Red-shouldered Hawks (Buteo lineatus) in southwestern Ohio and rural-nesting Red-shouldered Hawks in south-central Ohio. At both the suburban and the rural locations, nest sites had greater canopy height and overall tree basal area than paired random plots, and were located closer to water than were paired random plots. Nest trees also had greater diameter and height than random plot-center trees. Reproductive rates at suburban and rural sites were similar, averaging 2.6–3.1 nestlings per successful nest. Results indicated that suburban-nesting Red-shouldered Hawks were very similar to rural-nesting hawks in both nest site selection and productivity, suggesting that Red-shouldered Hawks were habituated to their suburban environs.

scholarly journals The Role of Cognition in Social Information Use for Breeding Site Selection: Experimental Evidence in a Wild Passerine Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Morinay ◽  
Laure Cauchard ◽  
Pierre Bize ◽  
Blandine Doligez
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Information Use ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Problem Solving Task ◽  
Slow Learning

In spatio-temporally variable environments, individuals are known to use information for making optimal decisions regarding where and when to breed. Optimal decision making can be complex when relying on multiple information sources with varying levels of reliability and accessibility. To deal with such complexity, different cognitive abilities such as learning and memory might enable individuals to optimally process and use these information sources. Yet, the link between information use and cognitive ability remains unexplored in natural populations. We investigated whether learning performance on a problem-solving task was related to the use of an experimentally manipulated source of social information for nest site selection in wild collared flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis). Collared flycatchers are known to use heterospecific information from their main competitors, the great tits (Parus major). Here, we created a local apparent preference by tits for an artificial nest site feature (a geometric symbol attached to nest boxes occupied by tits) and recorded whether flycatcher pairs chose to settle in nest boxes displaying the same feature as tits (i.e., copied tit apparent preference). Using a problem-solving task requiring opening a door temporarily blocking the nest box entrance, we then measured flycatchers' learning performance during nestling rearing as the number of entrances required to solve the task and enter the nest box twice in a row below a given efficiency threshold. We found that the probability to copy tit preference decreased with decreasing learning performance in females, particularly yearling ones: fast learning females copied tit preference, while slow learning ones rejected it. Male learning performance did not affect copying behavior. Our results showed that learning performance might play an important role in the ability to optimally use information for nest site selection in females: both fast and slow learning females could process this heterospecific information source but used it differently. This could partly explain the link between cognitive abilities and reproductive success reported in previous studies. Whether cognitive abilities may modulate condition-dependent costs of using different information remains to be explored.

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