scholarly journals Spatio-temporal structure and reproductive success in a rook (Corvus frugilegus) colony

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orsolya Feró ◽  
Miklós Bán ◽  
Zoltán Barta
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Temporal Structure ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Nest Density ◽  
Nest Location ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Game Theoretical Approach ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Individual Decisions ◽  
Colonial Breeding

SUMMARYWe have studied how individual decisions about timing of breeding and nest location affected the reproductive success of rooks by tracing the formation of a rook breeding colony in Hortobágy NP (Hungary), during the breeding season in 1999.We have found that birds who built nests earlier also laid eggs earlier and had larger clutch size but had no had more offspring than late nesters. Distance of the nest from the centre or edge of the colony did not affect the reproductive success though rooks generally settled closer to the centre and further from the edge than it can be expected by assuming random distribution. The colony showed high breeding synchrony since date of egg laying varied less than date of nesting but synchrony did not influence the breeding success. Hatchling’s survival rate and number of offspring increased with local nest density and rooks clustered their nests more than it can be expected by random settlement. Nest sites of early and late nesters did not differ regarding the distance from the centre or the edge of the colony but late nesters chose nest sites in more densely populated regions.The results indicate that individuals may follow different strategies to increase their reproductive success. It is prospectively advantageous to build the nest and lay eggs earlier, in turn, it’s worth nesting in already more densely nested areas for late beginners. We suggest that a game theoretical approach may be useful if we try to understand the adaptive significance of colonial breeding.

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.

scholarly journals Feral pigeons as a nest competitor for a small seabird

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beneharo Rodríguez ◽  
Airam Rodríguez ◽  
Felipe Siverio ◽  
Juan Manuel Martínez ◽  
Enrique Sacramento ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Success ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Nest Density ◽  
Nest Location ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Breeding Failure ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Calonectris Borealis

Abstract Due to their life-history traits, the petrels are particularly sensitive to predation by introduced species. Therefore, many populations have constricted their original breeding distribution range, currently only occupying predator-free sites. In this scenario, interspecific competition for nesting sites can be detrimental for the petrel’ conservation. Here, we evaluate how the presence of introduced mammals (cats Felis catus and rats Rattus spp.) and potential competitors for nest sites (Cory’s shearwaters Calonectris borealis and feral rock pigeons Columba livia) shape the distribution, breeding density, and breeding performance of the Bulwer’s petrel Bulweria bulwerii on Tenerife, the largest and most densely populated of the Canary Islands. We estimated nest density, assessed the role of nest location and nest characteristics on breeding success, and determined causes of breeding failure by exotic predators and competitors. Nest density was higher in predator-free colonies on marine rocks. Cat presence was the best predictor for nest density, while presence or abundance of competitors had no correlation to nest density. Breeding success varied between years and colonies, but was not related to nest characteristics. Of the unequivocally determined causes of breeding failure, pigeon competition for nests was the most frequent (7.3%), followed by rat predation (6.3%). We also compared petrel and pigeon nest cavities and found a considerable overlap in nesting niche. Our study provides insight on an overlooked impact of the invasive rock pigeon: nest competition with small seabirds. We encourage more research on the effects of pigeons on nest density, disease and pathogen transmission, and vegetation changes within petrel colonies.

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.

The Breeding System of the Three-Spined Stickleback, Gasterosteus Aculeatus (Forma Leiura) With Reference To Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Nesting Activity

Behaviour ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 126 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 97-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sechi Mori
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
Nest Building ◽  
Lifetime Reproductive Success ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
Small Stream ◽  
Nest Distribution ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Sexual Characteristics ◽  
Individual Success

Abstract1) The breeding succes of three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L., forma leiura) males in a small stream of the Tsuya River, Gifu Prefecture, Central Japan, was studied with reference to timing of nesting initiation, use of space for nesting and social interactions. The observations were made almost daily during March to early July 1988 along the shore at a distance of 1-2 m from the fish and nests. 2) All the males in an enclosed study pool were individually marked (99 males). Furthermore, a total of 67 females were marked and observed weekly. The males were individually observed and their agonistic, courtship and parental behaviour as well as their reproductive success were quantified. Reproductive success of individual male was measured as the number of nests built, the number of successful nests, the number of hatched fry per nest. Nest sites were categorized in six types (A-F) on the basis of the proportion of vegetation cover around the nest and distance from the shore. 3) Body size and environmental factors (water temperature, water depth, changes in water level) were not correlated with reproductive success. Flooding was not a major cause of unsuccessful nesting. The brightness of nuptial colouration at the onset of breeding correlated significantly with individual success. Individual variation in the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as a nuptial colouration may have an important consequence for the lifetime reproductive success of the individuals. There was no relationship between fish density and reproductive success. 4) All males that nested more than once had begun breeding early in the season. The sooner a male started nest-building, the more opportunities he had to complete breeding cycles. 5) After an unsuccessful nest, males were significantly more likely to move their nest sites than after a successful nest. The subsequent nesting cycle was not always successful. 6) There was variation in nest-sitc location. The spatial pattern of nest distribution was strongly related to the temporal pattern, because the first males which settled, more often built their nests at sites along the shore where the nest was covered on one or two sides by vegetation. The location of nest site was significantly correlated with reproductive success. When males nested in partly concealed places along the shore, they could sometimes obtain a high reproductive success irrespective of the date of breeding initiation. Thus, reproductive success was largely determined by the timing of nest-building and nest position.

Settlement patterns, foraging behavior, and reproductive success of ospreys along a heterogeneous riverine corridor

2007 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Harmata ◽  
Marco Restani ◽  
Alan R. Harmata
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Foraging Behavior ◽  
Settlement Patterns ◽  
Missouri River ◽  
Nest Density ◽  
River Section ◽  
Pandion Haliaetus ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Spatial Use ◽  
Gill Netting

In 1998 and 1999, we determined the spatial distribution, foraging behavior, and reproductive success of ospreys ( Pandion haliaetus (L., 1758)) nesting along the upper Missouri River, Montana. We combined our data with that collected in the same area in 1981–1982 and 1990–1991 to investigate factors influencing settlement patterns. The study area was composed of four distinct habitats, three reservoirs and one free-flowing river section. Although number of occupied nests on each habitat increased from 1981–1982 to 1998–1999, the greatest percentage increases in nest density occurred on habitats previously hypothesized to contain the least prey. Osprey reproductive success was positively related to foraging rates, which differed across habitats, being highest on reservoirs and lowest on the free-flowing river. However, reproductive success was adequate for replacement on each habitat. Most fish consumed by ospreys on each habitat were suckers (Catostomidae), followed by salmonids and cyprinids. Fish density, determined from gill netting, was highest on the largest and shallowest reservoir. Over two decades, ospreys shifted their relative spatial use of the upper Missouri River such that reservoirs were occupied first and the free-flowing river section was occupied last. The degree to which presence of conspecifics, distribution of nest trees and prey, and dispersal affected settlement patterns probably varied by spatial scale.

Breeding biology of the Critically Endangered Tahiti MonarchPomarea nigra, a bird with a low productivity

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 606-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
CAROLINE BLANVILLAIN ◽  
THOMAS GHESTEMME ◽  
TEHANI WITHERS ◽  
MARK O’BRIEN
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
French Polynesia ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Tropical Island ◽  
Island Endemics ◽  
Nest Activity ◽  
Considerable Length ◽  
One Year

SummaryWe studied the breeding biology of Tahiti MonarchPomarea nigra, a ‘Critically Endangered’ forest bird endemic to Tahiti (French Polynesia). Nest activity was monitored from 1998 to 2002, and again from 2008 to 2015. During these 12 years, only 2–13 breeding pairs per year produced hatchlings. Egg-laying occurred all year, but usually increased between August and January, peaking around November. Of the 200 nests monitored, 33 (16%) were abandoned shortly after construction, 71 had an egg laid immediately after the nest were completed (34 %) and 96 nests (46 %) had a pre-incubation phase of 18.9 ± 1.9 days (3–62 days;n= 47 nests), during which the birds visited the nest on an irregular basis. Half (49 of 96) of these nests were abandoned before an egg was laid, with incubation subsequently commencing at the remaining nests (n= 47). Although both sexes incubated for an average of 13.6 ± 0.3 days (range 13–15), the female usually spent more time incubating than the male. Only one young per nest was ever observed. The average nestling phase was 15.5 ± 0.7 days (range 13 to 20 days). Parents continue to feed the young after fledging for 74 ± 4.7 days (range 42–174). As with many tropical island endemics, the Tahiti Monarch has low reproductive productivity as indicated by the fact that: 1) only 56% of pairs attempt to lay an egg in any one year, 2) most pairs attempt only one brood per year and 3) the considerable length of the nesting and fledging phases. Because of its low productivity, maximising the reproductive success of the Tahiti Monarch is essential to secure its recovery.

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