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.

Marbled salamanders (Ambystoma opacum) choose low elevation nest sites when cover availability is controlled

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Scott ◽  
Dean Croshaw
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Reproductive Behavior ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Selective Forces

AbstractNest site selection is an important part of adult reproductive behavior because growth and survival of young are often affected by the local environment. In terrestrially nesting marbled salamanders, nest elevation is likely important to reproductive success because it is directly related to the time of hatching. We tested the hypothesis that females choose nest sites based on elevation and its correlates by controlling the availability of nesting cover, a potentially important factor in nest site selection which often covaries with elevation. Breeding adults were confined to field enclosures in which natural nesting cover had been removed and replaced with equal proportions of artificial cover in each of three elevation zones. In four enclosures that spanned from lowest to highest areas of a wetland breeding site, females used artificial nesting cover most frequently at low elevations. These results contrast with other studies in which intermediate elevations had highest nest densities, but are consistent with a conceptual model in which opposing selective forces result in locally adapted nest site selection.

Nests built on power lines: Nest-site selection by long-tailed broadbills (Psarisomus dalhousiae) in Nonggang of Guangxi, China

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 63-69
Author(s):  
Bo Zhou ◽  
Changzhang Feng ◽  
Wei Liang
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Power Lines ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Survival And Development ◽  
Selection Of

The quality of breeding habitat may directly affect the survival and development of progeny. Therefore, the selection of a suitable nest-site is an important factor affecting the reproductive success of birds. The most important reason for a bird’s reproductive failure is nest predation. Predation may cause birds to change their nest-sites and even nest morphology. Here we investigated the nest-site characteristics by long-tailed broadbills ( Psarisomus dalhousiae) in Nonggang, Guangxi, southwestern China. Our results showed that long-tailed broadbills in Nonggang mainly build their nests on power lines (88.5%) and nest-site selection was mainly affected by predation pressure and food resources. At the same time, nest-site concealment was trade-off against predator avoidance. This anti-predator strategy effectively utilizes human infrastructure.

Potential Competition for Nest Sites Between Feral European Honeybees (Apis mellifera) and Common Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula).

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 377
Author(s):  
M.S. Wood ◽  
R.L. Wallis
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
High Potential ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Potential Competition ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Tree Hollows ◽  
Site Characteristics

The potential for feral Honeybees (Apis mellifera) to competitively exclude Common Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) from tree hollows was examined in the You Yangs Regional Park, Victoria. The characteristics and occupancy of 77 hollow-bearing trees and 250 hollows were recorded in six 2 ha sites and used to compare the extent of overlap in nest site selection between bees and posssums. Colonies of feral A. mellifera occupied 25 % of all hollow-bearing trees and 8 % of useable hollows, yielding a density of 1.66 colonies per ha, the highest recorded so far in Australia. Trichosurus vulpecula utilised 74 % of hollow-bearing trees and 48 % of useable hollows. Nest site characteristics of bees and possums overlapped in several dimensions, especially in the size of tree and height of nest. Relatively few vacant hollows were suitable for T. vulpecula, whereas many were available to Honeybees. Only 35% of bee nests were in hollows unsuitable for possums, indicating a relatively high potential for competition.

Nest-Site Selection and Temporal Patterns in Habitat Use of Roseate and Common Terns

The Auk ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Burger ◽  
Michael Gochfeld
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Barrier Beach ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Common Terns ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Sterna Dougallii ◽  
Roseate Tern

Abstract Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii) nest in a wide variety of habitats. We examined nest-site selection in a mixed-species colony of Roseate and Common (S. hirundo) terns on the interdune area of a barrier beach to determine species differences, to identify which characteristics at nest sites differed from the available habitat, and to compare nest-site preferences of early- and late-nesting Roseate Terns. Both species nested in the same area, but Roseate Terns nested under dense vegetation and Common Terns nested in more open sites. For Roseate Terns, cover within 0.5 m of the nest was greater than that within 1 m; the opposite was true for Common Terns. Cover within 5 m was similar for both species. Roseate and Common terns select different habitat features. Site characteristics of early- and late-nesting Roseate Tern nests differed. Late-nesting terns used sites with greater cover within 0.5 m, less cover within 5 m, taller vegetation, and with less visibility compared with early-nesting terns. Late-nesting Roseate Terns were still able to find sites in dense cover. At this colony, competition between the two species may not be limiting, and abundant sites remain available.

Nest-site selection of a subarctic-breeding shorebird: evidence for tree avoidance without fitness consequences

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (9) ◽  
pp. 573-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.I. Holmes ◽  
L. Koloski ◽  
E. Nol
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Vegetation Change ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
The North ◽  
Fitness Consequences ◽  
Site Characteristics

Vegetation communities in the subarctic are at risk of change due to climate-driven tree and shrub encroachment. Vegetation change may lead to unsuitable habitat for arctic-breeding birds, many of whom are declining. Although many possible factors are contributing to their decline, loss of breeding habitat could be a major contributor. We examined nest-site selection in Dunlin (Calidris alpina hudsonia (Todd, 1953)), a shorebird that nests in open fen habitats in the Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, region. Our objective was to determine whether this species avoids treed habitats and the possible fitness consequences for this. We examined the role of vegetative horizontal and vertical concealments on nest-site selection and nest fate. Dunlin selected nest sites with lower densities of trees than present at unused sites (40 m radius). Both horizontal and vertical concealments were significantly greater at nests than at unused sites, and horizontal concealment was greatest in the north. No measure of tree density or height, or concealment, significantly predicted nest fate. Although Dunlin appear to select nest sites that may minimize exposure to northerly winds and that may provide cover against potential predators, the current nest-site characteristics are not reinforced by contemporary selection.

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.

Reproductive success is a misleading indicator of nest-site preferences in the Red-winged Blackbird

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (12) ◽  
pp. 2227-2234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanislav Pribil
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Agelaius Phoeniceus ◽  
Erroneous Conclusion ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Site Preferences ◽  
Limited Variation ◽  
Nest Site Preferences

Several methods are used to detect nest-site preferences of birds. One method postulates that individuals will prefer those nest-site features that increase their reproductive success. To determine which features affect reproductive success, and hence should be preferred, the method examines correlations between reproductive success and various nest-site features. When a statistically significant correlation is found, it is concluded that individuals exhibit a preference for that feature. In the absence of a correlation, it is concluded that individuals are indifferent to the feature. Here, I argue that this method may lead to misleading conclusions. If good sites are abundant, all individuals should choose them. Consequently, there will be little variation in the features of the chosen sites. This limited variation, when related to reproductive success, may fail to yield a statistically significant correlation and thus lead to the erroneous conclusion that individuals have no preference. An alternative method of detecting nest-site preferences is to compare features of chosen sites with features of available sites. In this study, I used both methods to investigate nest-site selection in the Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). I compared vegetation features of nest sites with those of randomly selected sampling sites and found significant differences. The differences imply that Red-winged Blackbirds prefer vegetation that grows in small patches and is tall and sparse, and the plants have thick stems. I found no relationship between these vegetation features and reproductive success. These results suggest that Red-winged Blackbirds have strong preferences for certain vegetation features, but these preferences cannot be detected from correlations with reproductive success.

Nest-site selection of the long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) in a postfire environment

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher I. MacGregor ◽  
Ross B. Cunningham ◽  
David B. Lindenmayer
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Fire Effects ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Nest Size ◽  
Nest Location ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Species Survival ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Burnt Areas

Access to nest sites is critical to species survival and habitat suitability for most faunal species worldwide. We report on nest-site selection and use by the long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) following a wildfire in late 2003. Thirty-eight bandicoots were tracked to 213 nests. The number of nests, frequency of nest use, nest range, nest size and nest site microhabitat in burnt and unburnt habitat were analysed. The mean number of nests used in burnt areas was 5.9, not significantly different from the number used in non-burnt areas (5.3). However, there were significant fire effects on nest location and frequency of use. Six months after the wildfire, 60% of nests in burnt forest and woodland habitat were in patches of unburnt microhabitat. These nests were significantly larger and were used more frequently than nests located in burnt microhabitat. After fire, P. nasuta typically uses nests under dense grasses and midstorey in unburnt microhabitat in burnt areas. However, the species will also nest in open areas and respond to fire-affected areas by constructing smaller nests. When conducting prescribed fires, the practice of ‘burning out’ should be minimised and patchiness at a microhabitat level be a desired outcome for bandicoot management.

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 and Consequences for Reproductive Success of the Endangered Mariana Crow (Corvus kubaryi)

2011 ◽  
Vol 123 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renee Robinette Ha ◽  
John M. Morton ◽  
James C. Ha ◽  
Lainie Berry ◽  
Sheldon Plentovich
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection
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