Colony characteristics influence nest survival of Caribbean Roseate Terns

The Condor ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paige A Byerly ◽  
Susan Zaluski ◽  
Daniel Nellis ◽  
Paul L Leberg
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Colony Size ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Resource Competition ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
The United States ◽  
Nest Density ◽  
Nest Failure ◽  
Nest Location ◽  
Site Characteristics

Abstract Determining how site characteristics influence reproductive success can help guide conservation planning for declining wildlife populations. For colonially breeding seabirds, nest survival and predation risk can be influenced by both colony and nest site characteristics such as colony size, nest density, and nest location. We evaluated the reproductive success of a declining population of Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii) in the United States and British Virgin Islands to identify primary causes of nest failure and investigate the influence of colony and nest site covariates on nest survival. In addition, we measured the influence of colony characteristics on chick provisioning to determine if resource competition in larger colonies affected foraging rates. Monitoring was conducted in 2017–2018 via motion-triggered cameras, which enable 24-hr monitoring with minimal nest disturbance. Nest survival was defined by both hatch success and early chick success, defined as a chick surviving from hatching through the fourth post-hatch day. We monitored 118 nests in 6 colonies over the 2 breeding seasons. We found that predation was the primary cause of nest failure. Both hatch and nest success increased with colony size, and neither nest survival nor predation probability was influenced by individual nest site characteristics. Provisioning rates were comparable among colony sites and did not vary with colony size. Our results suggest that directing management efforts toward enhancing colony size, rather than focusing on nest site characteristics, can be beneficial for tropical seabird conservation.

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 Relationships Between Black-Legged Kittiwake Nest-Site Characteristics and Susceptibility to Predation by Large Gulls

The Condor ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 103 (4) ◽  
pp. 793-801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Massaro ◽  
John W. Chardine ◽  
Ian L. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Density ◽  
Nest Location ◽  
Rissa Tridactyla ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Risk Of Predation ◽  
Breeding Failure ◽  
Larus Marinus ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract We quantified the relationship between Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) nest-site characteristics and risk of predation by Great Black-backed (Larus marinus) and Herring (L. argentatus) Gulls at Gull Island, Newfoundland, Canada, during 1998 and 1999. We monitored kittiwake nesting cliffs to identify nest sites attacked by large gulls and compared characteristics of attacked and successful nests among four study plots. We also examined which nest sites were attacked by Herring or Great Black-backed Gulls during calm (≤10 km hr−1) or windy conditions (>10 km hr−1). We found that kittiwake nests on plots with fewer nests were more likely to be attacked by gulls and less likely to fledge young. Nest density and nest location relative to the cliffs' upper edges significantly affected the risk of gull predation. Breeding success was correlated with nest density and ledge width and differed significantly among plots. Regardless of wind conditions both gull species were more likely to attack nests located on upper sections of cliffs than nests on lower sections. However, during calm conditions, nest sites located on narrow ledges were less likely to be attacked by Great Black-backed Gulls. Our results demonstrate that for kittiwake colonies where predation is an important source of breeding failure, the size of subcolonies and nest density affect the survival of kittiwake offspring. Relación entre las Características de los Sitios de Nidificación de Rissa tridactyla y la Susceptibilidad a la Depredación por parte de Gaviotas Resumen. Cuantificamos la relación entre las características de los sitios de nidificación de Rissa tridactyla y el riesgo de depredación por parte de Larus marinus y L. argentatus en la Isla Gull, Newfoundland, Canadá, durante 1998 y 1999. Con el objetivo de identificar los nidos atacados por gaviotas de gran tamaño, monitoreamos acantilados de nidificación de R. tridactyla en cuatro localidades de estudio y comparamos las características de los nidos atacados y exitosos. También examinamos qué nidos fueron atacados por L. marinus o por L. argentatus durante condiciones de viento calmo (≤10 km hr−1) o ventosas (>10 km hr−1). Encontramos que los nidos de R. tridactyla ubicados en localidades con menor número de nidos tuvieron mayor probabilidad de ser atacados y menor probabilidad de criar volantones. Tanto la densidad como la ubicación de los nidos en relación al vértice superior del acantilado afectaron significativamente el riesgo de depredación por gaviotas. El éxito de cría se diferenció significativamente entre localidades y se correlacionó con la densidad de nidos y con el ancho de la plataforma. Independientemente de la velocidad del viento, las dos especies de gaviotas atacaron con mayor probabilidad a los nidos ubicados en las secciones superiores del acantilado que en las secciones inferiores. Sin embargo, durante condiciones de viento calmo, los nidos localizados en plataformas angostas presentaron una menor probabilidad de ser atacados por L. marinus. Nuestros resultados demuestran que para colonias de R. tridactyla en las cuales la depredación de nidos es un factor importante en el fracaso reproductivo, el tamaño de las subcolonias y la densidad de nidos afecta la supervivencia de la progenie de R. tridactyla.

Nest-site materials affect nest-bowl use by Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima)

2010 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter L.F. Fast ◽  
H. Grant Gilchrist ◽  
Robert G. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Somateria Mollissima ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Common Eiders ◽  
Nesting Material

Nest-site characteristics influence reproductive success in birds. Most studies of nest-site selection evaluate nest characteristics following the commencement of egg-laying, possibly overlooking the importance of pre-existing nest-site features that may be altered during the nesting process. Because Common Eiders ( Somateria mollissima (L.,1758)) often lay their eggs in nest bowls created in previous years, we were able to experimentally place moss or feather down in nest bowls prior to nesting. We then quantified whether these materials increased nest establishment or advanced laying dates relative to control nests and nests where material was removed prior to arrival of nesting females. We found no difference in the likelihood of successful nest establishment between groups. However, the onset of incubation occurred 2–3 days earlier in nest bowls that contained feather down versus nest bowls with little or no nesting material. Nest bowls containing feathers or vegetation may be selected first if they increase nest survival, perhaps by enhancing egg concealment during the critical early-laying period. The presence of material for egg concealment may be particularly important in nesting environments where tall or dense vegetation is not available to provide nest cover.

scholarly journals Seasonal patterns in nest survival of a subtropical wading bird, the Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni)

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10399
Author(s):  
Kristen C. Harmon ◽  
Nathaniel H. Wehr ◽  
Melissa R. Price
Keyword(s):  
Nest Site ◽  
Parental Behavior ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Vegetation Height ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Himantopus Mexicanus ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nesting Season

Nest survival is influenced by where and when birds decide to breed. For ground-nesting species, nest-site characteristics, such as vegetation height and proximity to water, may impact the likelihood of nest flooding or depredation. Further, habitat characteristics, and thus nest survival, may fluctuate across the breeding season. The Hawaiian Stilt (‘Ae‘o; Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) is an endangered Hawaiian waterbird that nests in wetlands across the Hawaiian Islands. In this study, we used observational surveys and nest cameras to examine the impact of nest-site characteristics and day of nesting season on nest survival of the Hawaiian Stilt. Early nests had a higher chance of survival than late nests. For most of the nesting season, taller vegetation was correlated with increased nest survival, while shorter vegetation was correlated with increased nest survival late in the nesting season. Seasonal patterns in nest survival may be due to changes in parental behavior or predator activity. Nest depredation was responsible for 55% of confirmed nest failures and introduced mammals were the primary nest predators. Our study is the first to examine seasonality in nest survival of Hawaiian Stilts and suggests that, despite longer nesting seasons and year-round occupation of wetlands, late nesters in subtropical regions may have lower nest survival than early nesters, similar to trends observed in temperate regions.

scholarly journals Renesting Decisions and Annual Fecundity of Female Dickcissels (Spiza Americana) in Illinois

The Auk ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 121 (4) ◽  
pp. 1250-1261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffery W. Walk ◽  
Kevin Wentworth ◽  
Eric L. Kershner ◽  
Eric K. Bollinger ◽  
Richard E. Warner
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Nest Failure ◽  
Spiza Americana ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Abstract Renesting decisions and annual fecundity are crucial for interpreting other demographic information, yet are infrequently reported. We used radiotelemetry to monitor female Dickcissels (Spiza americana) throughout the 1999 and 2000 breeding seasons in southeastern Illinois. Overall fecundity (regardless of whether females remained in the study area throughout the breeding season) was 0.61 ± 0.13 female fledglings per year. Of females that remained within the study area, 94% fledged young (1.25 ± 0.15 female fledglings per year). Most females (62%) that experienced nest failure emigrated from the study area (moved >10 km) in 2.8 ± 0.6 days; others (36%) initiated subsequent nests in 8.5 ± 0.8 days. After fledging ≥1 young, 95% of females ceased breeding for the season. Successful and failed nest sites were indistinguishable on the basis of vegetative characteristics. Moreover, replacement nests had similar vegetative characteristics and were similar distances from habitat edges, compared with initial nests, which suggests that female Dickcissels do not or cannot “improve” nest-site characteristics in response to nest failure. We observed two behaviors unusual in female Dickcissels: one bird that fledged two broods in one season, and the return of five females banded in 1999 to the study site in 2000.

scholarly journals Low renesting propensity and reproductive success make renesting unproductive for the threatened Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)

The Condor ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose J Swift ◽  
Michael J Anteau ◽  
Megan M Ring ◽  
Dustin L Toy ◽  
Mark H Sherfy
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reproductive Failure ◽  
Northern Great Plains ◽  
Charadrius Melodus ◽  
Piping Plovers ◽  
Daily Nest Survival

Abstract Upon reproductive failure, many bird species make a secondary attempt at nesting (hereafter, “renesting”). Renesting may be an effective strategy to maximize current and lifetime reproductive success, but individuals face uncertainty in the probability of success because reproductive attempts initiated later in the breeding season often have reduced nest, pre-fledging, and post-fledging brood survival. We evaluated renesting propensity, renesting intervals, and renest reproductive success of Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) by following 1,922 nests and 1,785 unique breeding adults from 2014 to 2016 in the Northern Great Plains of the United States. The apparent renesting rate for individuals was 25% for reproductive attempts that failed in the nest stage (egg laying and incubation) and only 1.2% for reproductive attempts when broods were lost. Renesting propensity declined if reproductive attempts failed during the brood-rearing stage, nests were depredated, reproductive failure occurred later in the breeding season, or individuals had previously renested that year. Additionally, plovers that nested on reservoirs were less likely to renest compared to other habitats. Renesting intervals declined when individuals had not already renested, were after-second-year adults without known prior breeding experience, and moved short distances between nest attempts. Renesting intervals also decreased if the attempt failed later in the season. Overall, reproductive success and daily nest survival were lower for renests than first nests throughout the breeding season. Furthermore, renests on reservoirs had reduced apparent reproductive success and daily nest survival unless the predicted amount of habitat on reservoirs increased within the breeding season. Our results provide important demographic measures for this threatened species and suggest that predation- and water-management strategies that maximize success of early nests would be more likely to increase productivity. Altogether, renesting appears to be an unproductive reproductive strategy to replace lost reproductive attempts for Piping Plovers breeding in the Northern Great Plains.

Coexistence of three species of hawks (Buteo spp.) in the prairie–parkland ecotone

1980 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 1075-1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Schmutz ◽  
S. M. Schmutz ◽  
D. A. Boag
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Sympatric Species ◽  
Ecological Segregation ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Competition For Space ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Average Size

We investigated the extent of ecological segregation in the use of the food, space, and habitat resources of three sympatric species of the genus Buteo (red-tailed, ferruginous, and Swainson's hawks) coexisting in the prairie–parkland ecotone of southeastern Alberta. We concluded that food was not a resource for which the hawks were competing because the overlap in diets exceeded 80%, and because ferruginous hawks successfully fledged supernumerary broods and Swainson's hawks, broods of at least average size. Furthermore, there was no evidence that each species hunted prey at different times of the day or concentrated on different-sized prey. Each of the three species exhibited a dispersed distribution of nest sites which suggests competition for space; this pattern was not as evident when the distribution of nests among species was considered. Nevertheless, when pairs of different species nested in close proximity their reproductive success declined significantly, suggesting interspecific competion for space. The three species exhibited differences in nest site characteristics, suggesting that, although sympatric, they tended to segregate on the basis of habitat. Ferruginous hawks appear to inhabit arid and open landscapes, red-tailed hawks woodland habitat, and Swainson's hawks the interface.

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