scholarly journals Interspecific competition affects evolutionary links between cavity nesting, migration and clutch size in Old World flycatchers (Muscicapdae)

Ibis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 157 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahas Barve ◽  
Nicholas A. Mason
Keyword(s):  
Interspecific Competition ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Old World ◽  
Cavity Nesting

scholarly journals How Many Baskets? Clutch Sizes That Maximize Annual Fecundity of Multiple-Brooded Birds

The Auk ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 973-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
George L. Farnsworth ◽  
Theodore R. Simons ◽  
J. Brawn
Keyword(s):  
Clutch Size ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Nest Predation ◽  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Season Length ◽  
Deterministic Models ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Theoretical Issues

Abstract We developed deterministic models on the basis of nest survival rates and renesting behavior capable of predicting annual fecundity in birds. The models calculate probabilities of fledging from one to four nests within a discrete breeding season. We used those models to address theoretical issues related to clutch size. In general, birds require at least one day to lay an egg, and many species delay incubation until their entire clutch is laid. Because it takes longer to complete a larger clutch, and fewer such clutches can fit into a limited breeding season, there exists a clutch size for which annual fecundity is maximized. We asked, for a given amount of reproductive effort (i.e. a set number of eggs), does the age-old maxim “don't put all your eggs in one basket” apply? If so, in how many “baskets” should a nesting bird place its eggs? The answer depends on both likelihood of nest predation and length of the breeding season. Those results are consistent with the observed increase in clutch size with latitude (shorter breeding season length) and larger clutch sizes characteristic of cavity-nesting species (with higher nest survival rates). The models also predict that the size of replacement clutches should decrease as the breeding season progresses, and that intraseasonal decline in clutch size should be more pronounced when the breeding season is short.

The shape of eggs in different-sized clutches of the house wren (Troglodytes aedon)

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (8) ◽  
pp. 1527-1531 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Scott Johnson ◽  
Jennifer E Leyhe ◽  
Caryn Werner
Keyword(s):  
Clutch Size ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Troglodytes Aedon ◽  
House Wren ◽  
House Wrens ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Egg Shape ◽  
Specific Variation

The substantial inter- and intra-specific variation that occurs in the shape of birds' eggs remains largely unexplained. Several researchers have hypothesized that selection will favour a shape that results in the most compact fit of eggs under the incubating parent. Mathematical modeling has suggested that optimal egg shape depends on the number of eggs laid. We tested predictions of one previously published model by comparing the shape of eggs in clutches of 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 eggs in a Wyoming, U.S.A., population of the house wren (Troglodytes aedon), a small, cavity-nesting songbird whose eggs vary considerably in shape. Contrary to predictions of the model, the typical shapes of eggs from different-sized clutches were very similar. Moreover, slight differences in shape detected were not in directions predicted by the model. There may be less selection on house wrens to adjust egg shape to clutch size because they lay eggs that are small relative to female body size, because eggs are placed in a deep spherical cup that conforms to the shape of the female's abdomen and because nests are to some degree insulated, being located in tree cavities. Full evaluation of the model will require comparisons of egg shape and clutch size in a large set of species that differ in natural-history characteristics such as egg size, nest shape, and nest placement.

Effect of Nest Characteristics on Thermal Properties, Clutch Size, and Reproductive Performance for an Open-Cup Nesting Songbird

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Akresh ◽  
Daniel R. Ardia ◽  
David I. King
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Properties ◽  
Heat Loss ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Nest Structure ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Nestling Condition ◽  
Hot Days ◽  
Fitness Benefits ◽  
Prairie Warbler

Maintaining avian eggs and young at optimum temperatures for development can increase hatching success and nestling condition, but this maintenance requires parental energetic demands. Bird nests, which often provide a structure to safely hold the eggs and nestlings and protect them from predators, can additionally be designed to help maintain eggs’ optimum temperatures by minimising heat loss, especially in climates where eggs cool rapidly when unattended. We collected and measured Prairie Warbler ( Setophaga discolor) nests in western Massachusetts, U.S. in 2009 and conducted a climate-controlled, nest-cooling experiment to determine how nest characteristics affect thermal properties for small, open-cup nesting birds. We then assessed if nests with better insulation properties resulted in any fitness benefits, and also tested if nest structural characteristics affected birds’ fitness. We found that nest characteristics influenced their thermal properties, with thicker, heavier, and larger nests having slower cooling rates and higher predicted equilibrium egg temperatures. Both nest cup depth and clutch size significantly declined over the breeding season, and we observed a trend, although non-significant, that nests with shallower cups had smaller clutches. Contrary to studies on cavity-nesting birds, we found no significant effects of nest thermal properties or nest structure on hatching and fledging success, nestling condition, brood parasitism, or nest survival. Prairie Warblers in our study site may already be adapted to build nests within a range that maximises their fitness. Furthermore, studies have shown that open-cup nests of other species are relatively thicker and more insulated in colder environments at higher latitudes than our study. Instead of building nests to solely minimise heat loss, open-cup nesting birds in temperate climates may also be driven by opposing selection pressures when building their nests, such as to prevent nestlings from overheating during hot days.

scholarly journals A Comparison of the Characteristics and Fate of Barrow's Goldeneye and Bufflehead Nests in Nest Boxes and Natural Cavities

The Condor ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 610-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew R. Evans ◽  
David B. Lank ◽  
W. Sean Boyd ◽  
Fred Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Clutch Size ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Nesting Success ◽  
The Other ◽  
Nesting Ecology ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Bucephala Islandica ◽  
Cavity Nests

Abstract Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) and Bufflehead (B. albeola) are cavity-nesting waterfowl that have received considerable attention in studies using nest boxes, but little is known about their nesting ecology in natural cavities. We found larger clutch size, lower nesting success, and different major predators for Barrow's Goldeneyes nesting in boxes versus those nesting in natural cavities, but few differences for Bufflehead. These differences are attributed to the location and physical differences between Barrow's Goldeneye nest boxes and natural cavities that affect their conspicuousness to predators and conspecific nest-parasitizing females. Goldeneye boxes were concentrated in highly visible locations such as trees at water or forest edge. Natural cavity nests, on the other hand, were often abandoned Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) cavities, which were more dispersed throughout the forest interior and concealed under dense canopy cover. Bufflehead natural cavity nests were typically closer to edges, which may account for their similarity with boxes. We conclude that in some respects, studies of Barrow's Goldeneye that use nest boxes may not be representative of birds nesting in natural cavities, whereas those of Bufflehead are more likely to be so. Comparación de la Ecología de Nidificación de Bucephala islandica y B. albeola en Nidos Artificiales y en Cavidades Naturales Resumen. Los especies de patos Bucephala islandica y B. albeola anidan en cavidades, por lo que con frecuencia han sido estudiadas usando nidos articificales, pero poco se conoce sobre su ecología de nidificación en cavidades naturales. Los individuos de B. islandica que anidan en nidos artificiales presentaron nidadas más grandes, menor éxito reproductivo y distintos depredadores que los individuos que anidan en cavidades naturales, pero detectamos pocas diferencias para B. albeola. Estas diferencias son atribuidas a la ubicación y a las diferencias físicas entre los nidos artificiales y las cavidades naturales de B. islandica que afectan su visibilidad para deprededores y hembras coespecíficas que parasitan los nidos. Los nidos artificiales de B. islandica estuvieron concentrados en lugares muy visibles como árboles al borde del bosque o a la orilla del agua. Por el contrario, las cavidades naturales frecuentemente fueron cavidades abandonadas de Dryocopus pileatus, las cuales se presentaron más dispersas por el interior del bosque y ocultas bajo un dosel denso. Las cavidades naturales de B. albeola se ubicaron típicamente más cerca del borde, lo que tal vez explica la semejanza con los nidos artificiales. Concluimos que en algunos casos, los estudios de B. islandica que utilizan nidos artificiales pueden no ser representativos de individuos que anidan en cavidades naturales, mientras que los estudios de B. albeola probablemente sí sean más representativos.

Variation in the Relationship between Lay Date and Clutch Size in Three Cavity-Nesting Woodland Passerines

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E. Goodenough ◽  
Simon L. Elliot ◽  
David P. Maitland ◽  
Adam G. Hart
Keyword(s):  
Clutch Size ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Lay Date

A comparison of the breeding ecology of a secondary cavity nesting bird, the Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), in nest boxes and natural cavities

1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 1046-1052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raleigh J. Robertson ◽  
Wallace B. Rendell
Keyword(s):  
Interspecific Competition ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Tree Swallow ◽  
Life History Strategies ◽  
Tree Swallows ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Second Year

Several studies concerned with mate choice, reproductive performance, and life history strategies have been conducted with secondary cavity nesting birds breeding in nest boxes. Although the need for comparative studies has been recognized, populations breeding in nest boxes often have not been compared with those breeding in natural cavities. We compared the ecology of Tree Swallows breeding in nest boxes and natural cavities to determine if nest box populations of Tree Swallows are accurate models of natural populations. Two nest site characteristics, nest site dispersion and cavity height, were similar for birds in both nesting environments. Greater cavity entrance area at natural cavities resulted in increased interspecific competition in natural populations, involving larger competitors, more species, and a greater abundance of each species. Clutch size was smaller in natural cavities compared with nest boxes, likely because floor area was smaller in natural cavities. Fledging success did not differ between populations. Disproportionately more after-second-year females bred in nest boxes, and more second-year females bred in natural cavities, as estimated by a model of Tree Swallow survivorship. Tree Swallows settle at nest boxes before natural cavities in our study area, perhaps as a result of the greater potential for reproductive success and reduced interspecific competition in the nest boxes as opposed to natural cavities. For some aspects of the ecology of secondary cavity nesters, nest boxes do not provide an accurate representation of natural populations. Therefore, evolutionary interpretations of nest box studies should be compared with observations of birds in natural environments.

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