scholarly journals Avian Nesting Success in Forested Landscapes: Influence of Landscape Composition, Stand and Nest-Patch Microhabitat, and Biotic Interactions

The Auk ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 1018-1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda D. Rodewald ◽  
Richard H. Yahner ◽  
J. Brawn
Keyword(s):  
Brood Parasitism ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Landscape Composition ◽  
Nesting Success ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Parasitism Rates ◽  
Forested Landscapes ◽  
Daily Nest Survival ◽  
Landscape Types ◽  
Nest Predators

AbstractAlthough area and isolation effects on avian communities in highly fragmented landscapes are well known, importance of landscape composition in more forested landscapes remains poorly understood. We determined if the type (agriculture and silviculture) and extent (percentage within 1 km radius) of disturbance within forested landscapes influenced avian nesting success, and then examined if differences in stand-level habitat structure, nest-patch microhabitat, distance of nests to habitat edges, brood parasitism rates, and nest-predator abundance were potential underlying mechanisms of observed associations between landscape composition and nesting success. We monitored active songbird nests (n = 341), surveyed Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) and nest predators, and measured stand-level and nest-patch microhabitat from May–July 1998 and 1999. Each of 10 study sites was located within contiguous mature forest in central Pennsylvania and contained either agricultural or silvicultural disturbances (n = 5 each). Sites of the two landscape types had similar ranges of disturbance within 1 km (21–55% for agriculture, 18–51% for silviculture). Daily nest survival for all species combined (94.0 ± 0.55 in agriculture and 96.9 ± 0.87 in silviculture) and midstory-canopy nesters (93.8 ± 0.97 in agriculture and 97.4 ± 0.75 in silviculture) were greater within forested landscapes disturbed by silviculture than by agriculture, but rates did not significantly differ between landscapes for ground nesters (92.2 ± 1.32 in agriculture and 94.6 ± 1.63 in silviculture) or understory nesters (95.4 ± 1.60 in agriculture and 95.0 ± 1.47 in silviculture). Nest survival was not significantly associated with disturbance extent. Rates of brood parasitism were low, with only 11% of nests containing cowbird eggs or young. Neither nest fate nor differences in daily nest survival between the two landscape types were explained by variation in brood parasitism rates, stand-level or nest-patch habitat characteristics, or distance of nests to edges. Instead, the lower nest success within forested landscapes disturbed by agriculture was best explained by greater abundances of some avian and small mammalian predators (American Crow [Corvus brachyrhynchos] and squirrels) in those landscapes in one or both years. Results suggest that landscape composition within forested landscapes significantly influences avian nesting success by altering interactions between nest predators and nesting birds.

scholarly journals Impact of Brood Parasitism on Nest Survival Parameters and Seasonal Fecundity of Six Songbird Species in Southeastern Old-Field Habitat

The Condor ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 946-950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria A. Whitehead ◽  
Sara H. Schweitzer ◽  
William Post
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Host Species ◽  
Brood Parasitism ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Brood Reduction ◽  
Hatching Rate ◽  
Old Field ◽  
Parasitism Rates ◽  
Seasonal Fecundity

Abstract We monitored 259 nests of six Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) hosts within old-field habitat on James Island, South Carolina during the 1997 and 1998 breeding seasons to determine the effect of parasitism on three nest-survival parameters (clutch size, hatching rate, and number of fledglings). We determined daily predation and parasitism rates, and probability of nest abandonment after parasitism to derive an estimate of seasonal fecundity. Clutch size of parasitized nests was reduced in four host species. Brood parasitism did not affect hatching rate in any species, and reduced the number of fledglings from only Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca caerulea) nests. Despite brood reduction during the nesting cycle, cowbird parasitism had little impact on seasonal fecundity of these host species because of low parasitism intensity, double-brooding behavior, and hosts' ability to raise their own young with cowbird young.

scholarly journals Fine-scale plasticity in nest placement can compensate for poor quality junipers as nesting trees for gray vireos

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12477
Author(s):  
Jonathan Harris ◽  
Loren Smith ◽  
Scott McMurry
Keyword(s):  
Nest Survival ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Information Criteria ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Survival Probabilities ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Nest Placement ◽  
Daily Nest Survival ◽  
Foliage Density ◽  
Conservation Concern

Understanding the interactions between behavior and habitat characteristics can have important implications for species of conservation concern. Gray vireos (Vireo vicinior) are one example of a species of conservation concern that is understudied in terms of nest survival probabilities and the habitat characteristics that influence them. Our objective was to determine if habitat features such as juniper density, juniper foliage density, or tree height influence nest survival probabilities, and if gray vireo nest placement can mitigate habitat risks. Based on previous work, we expected daily nest survival probabilities to be associated with nest height and surrounding vegetation. We monitored 89 nests in central New Mexico from 2016–2018 to estimate daily nest survival probabilities. We compared variation in nest placement, nest tree characteristics, and surrounding vegetation between failed and successful nests using logistic exposure models and Akaike Information Criteria. Daily and cumulative nest survival probability were 0.983 (95% CI [0.973–0.989]) and 0.575 (95% CI [0.444–0.702]), respectively. Top models predicting nest survival included a negative interaction between nest-tree foliage density and the distance of the nest from the edge of the nesting tree. This suggests that gray vireos can mitigate risks associated with low nest concealment by nesting closer to the interior of the nesting tree.

scholarly journals Breeding Biology and Success of a Reintroduced Population of the Critically Endangered Puaiohi (Myadestes Palmeri)

The Auk ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 753-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik J. Tweed ◽  
Jeffrey T. Foster ◽  
Bethany L. Woodworth ◽  
William B. Monahan ◽  
Jherime L. Kellerman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Record ◽  
Nesting Success ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Rodent Control ◽  
Breeding Behavior ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Daily Nest Survival ◽  
High Predation ◽  
Reintroduced Population

Abstract The ultimate success of reintroduction programs for endangered species depends on the ability of reintroduced animals to breed in the wild. We studied the nesting success and breeding biology of a reintroduced population of Puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri) on the island of Kaua'i, Hawaii. Thirty-four captive-bred Puaiohi were released into the Alaka'i Swamp in 1999-2001 and monitored using radiotelemetry. Ten females and two males paired with wild and other released birds, including one polygynous trio. From March to September, 31 nests were built. Mean clutch size was 2.0 eggs, daily nest survival was 0.97 ± 0.01 (mean ± SE) and overall nest success was 0.40 ± 0.02. We confirmed predation, most probably by rats (Rattus spp.), as the greatest cause of nest failure, occurring at 38% of active nests with known fates, and causing the death of two nesting adult females. Ground-based rodent control proved ineffective at protecting nest attempts. Successful nests fledged an average of 1.4 young each (n = 10), and 85% of fledglings survived at least two weeks. Importantly, breeding behavior and success were comparable to those of wild Puaiohi. This is the first record of breeding in the wild from captive-bred endangered Hawaiian passerines. The ability of captive-bred Puaiohi to survive and breed successfully in the wild bodes well for future releases of this and other endangered passerines, but high predation rates on nests and nesting females highlights the importance of maintaining and restoring safe habitat for recovery. Biología y Éxito Reproductivo de una Población Reintroducida de Myadestes palmeri, una Especie en Peligro Crítico

Nesting Success in Brown-and-Yellow Marshbirds: Effects of Timing, Nest Site, and Brood Parasitism

The Auk ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 115 (4) ◽  
pp. 871-878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam E. Mermoz ◽  
Juan C. Reboreda
Keyword(s):  
Brood Parasitism ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nesting Success

scholarly journals Drivers of nest survival rate in a southern Tunisian population of Laughing Doves (Spilopelia senegalensis)

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihen Boukhriss ◽  
Slaheddine Selmi
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Vegetation Structure ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Fruit Trees ◽  
Tunisian Population ◽  
Laying Date ◽  
Palm Tree ◽  
Palm Trees ◽  
Daily Nest Survival ◽  
Nest Height

Abstract Background Investigating the ecological factors and processes shaping nest survival is of great importance for assessing the breeding success of bird populations and understanding their spatio-temporal dynamics. Here, this question is addressed for the Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis), an expanding Afro-tropical bird in the Tunisian oasis habitat. Methods This study took place in Kettana oasis, in south-eastern Tunisia. Natural Laughing Dove nests were searched for and monitored by means of regular visits, from the discovery date until the end of the breeding attempt (i.e. fledging or failure). Data were then used to investigate the relevance of laying date, nest age (days after clutch initiation), nest height and vegetation structure in the close nest tree environment as predictors of daily nest survival rate, using logistic-exposure models that accounted for heterogeneity in monitoring period among the studied nests. Models including different combinations of covariates were ranked according to their AICc scores, and the model-averaging technique was used for the assessment of the effects of covariates on daily nest survival rate. Results Vegetation structure in the close nest tree environment and nest age provided important predictors of daily nest survival rate, whereas neither nest height nor laying date showed significant effects. Daily nest survival rate was negatively associated with the presence of date palm trees in the close nest tree environment, but it was positively related to nest age. Daily nest survival rate was higher during the post-hatching stage than during the pre-hatching stage. Conclusions Nests placed on fruit trees close to clumps of palm trees suffered higher predation risks compared to those placed on fruit trees situated far from palm trees. This is probably because palm tree clumps provided refuges for nest predators, notably the Black Rat (Rattus rattus) which has been reported to be the main nest predator in the oasis habitat. The predatory activity of this rodent seemed more directed against eggs than nestlings, which may explain the observed increase in daily survival rate with nest age.

scholarly journals Nest Survival Patterns in Willow Ptarmigan: Influence of Time, Nesting Stage, and Female Characteristics

The Condor ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 109 (2) ◽  
pp. 377-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Wilson ◽  
Kathy Martin ◽  
Susan J. Hannon
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Annual Variation ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Willow Ptarmigan ◽  
Female Age ◽  
Daily Nest Survival ◽  
Survival Patterns

Abstract Nest predation is the most important factor limiting reproductive success of Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus), as it is for many bird species. Using program MARK, we examined patterns of daily nest survival in two widely separated populations of Willow Ptarmigan in Manitoba and British Columbia, Canada, by examining variation among years, over the course of the breeding season or in relation to the age of the nest, or age and condition of the female. At La Pérouse Bay, Manitoba, daily nest survival increased linearly throughout the season, with moderate annual variation. Nests also had higher daily survival during laying and late in incubation, and lower survival early in incubation. At Chilkat Pass, British Columbia, daily nest survival varied strongly by year and nests had higher survival early and late in the season, but survival was not affected by the age of the nest. At both sites, but especially at Chilkat Pass, periods of lower nest survival tended to coincide with peak breeding periods, suggesting predators may adjust their search effort based on the likelihood of locating nests. Neither female age nor condition were included in the best models. Thus, in both ptarmigan populations, nest survival patterns appeared to be influenced more by ecological factors than by individual characteristics of breeding females. The extent of annual variation and seasonal patterns may have differed between sites due to the different predator and alternative prey communities.

scholarly journals Nest Site Selection and Nesting Success in Saltmarsh Breeding Sparrows: The Importance of Nest Habitat, Timing, and Study Site Differences

The Condor ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 107 (4) ◽  
pp. 849-862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Gjerdrum ◽  
Chris S. Elphick ◽  
Margaret Rubega
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nesting Success ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Smooth Cordgrass ◽  
Vegetation Model ◽  
Nest Habitat ◽  
Habitat Differences ◽  
Seaside Sparrow

Abstract We examined nest-site selection and nesting success in Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed (Ammodramus caudacutus) and Seaside Sparrows (A. maritimus), at seven sites in Connecticut. We found 160 Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow nests and 23 Seaside Sparrow nests, and compared characteristics of their locations to each other and to random locations. We tracked success of all nests, quantified nest productivity and causes of nest losses, and tested for habitat differences between successful and unsuccessful nests. Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows nested in higher than average locations, where the vegetation was taller and more dense than at random locations, where there was a deep layer of thatch, and where saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) dominated the vegetation. There was little evidence that habitat characteristics influenced the success of nesting birds, but the timing of nest initiation relative to spring tides was important. Seaside Sparrow nests occurred in even taller vegetation, that was more sparse than average and dominated by the tall form of smooth cordgrass (S. alterniflora). Habitat influenced the success of Seaside Sparrow nests, but timing did not; on average, successful nests occurred in taller vegetation. Model comparisons suggest that vegetation structure influences site selection more than species composition or inherent differences among marshes. Overall, our results indicate that nest flooding is a major threat to successful reproduction in both species, but they have different strategies to avoid flooding. Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows time their reproduction to avoid especially high tides, while Seaside Sparrows avoid flooding spatially by nesting in tall vegetation.

scholarly journals Effects of storms, angling, and nest predation during angling on smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) nest success

2005 ◽  
Vol 62 (11) ◽  
pp. 2649-2660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey B Steinhart ◽  
Nancy J Leonard ◽  
Roy A Stein ◽  
Elizabeth A Marschall
Keyword(s):  
Nest Predation ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Nest Success ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Round Goby ◽  
Smallmouth Bass ◽  
Micropterus Dolomieu ◽  
Daily Survival ◽  
Daily Nest Survival

We studied how storms, angling, and nest predation during angling affected smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) nest survival in the Bass Islands, Lake Erie, Ohio, USA. Increasing angler effort and introduction of an exotic nest predator, round goby (Neogobious melanostomus), have raised concerns about smallmouth bass recruitment in Lake Erie. We surveyed smallmouth bass nests and calculated daily survival rates for nests assigned to different angling treatments: control, angling without predation, or angling with predation treatments. Only 30% of control nests were successful compared with 11% of angling without predation and 14% of angling with predation treatments. We used the Mayfield method and maximum likelihood models in the program MARK to estimate the survival rates for nests of different treatments and exposed to different numbers of storms. Although nest predators consumed about 35% of broods during angling, daily nest survival rates of both angling treatments were similar. Angling reduced nest survival compared with controls by approximately 5%. Storms reduced both nest success and daily survival. The best model predicting daily nest survival included the added effects of angling treatment and number of storms. Thus, whereas storms and angling affected smallmouth bass nest survival, nest predation during angling did not.

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