Influence of habitat structure on the nesting height of birds in urban areas

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 924-932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Pierre L. Savard ◽  
J. Bruce Falls
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Habitat Structure ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
House Sparrows ◽  
American Robin ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Selection Of

The influence of habitat structure on the nesting height of five species of birds in an urban area was investigated. All rock dove (Columba livia) nests were on two-story buildings. The nesting height of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) was influenced by building height being higher in two-story residential areas than in areas with bungalows. House sparrows were more versatile than starlings in the selection of nest sites. They occasionally nested in coniferous foliage but preferred man-made structures. The height of American robin (Turdus migratorius) nests ranged widely in response to vertical distribution of foliage. The largest number of nests in a given plot always occurred in the layer of foliage just below the layer with the largest volume of foliage. Robins nested in coniferous foliage early in the breeding season but switched to deciduous foliage as the season progressed. Common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula) nested exclusively in coniferous foliage and their nesting height was also influenced by the vertical structure. Habitat structure was found to be the main determinant of nesting height of birds in the urban environment and height in itself was not an important feature in the nest site selection of the species studied. Disturbance as measured by house density had a relatively minor influence.

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.

scholarly journals Crop Depredation by Birds in Deccan Plateau, India

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Ashokrao Kale ◽  
Nandkishor Dudhe ◽  
Raju Kasambe ◽  
Prosun Bhattacharya
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
House Sparrows ◽  
Psittacula Krameri ◽  
Ploceus Philippinus ◽  
Field Assessment ◽  
Actual Field ◽  
Deccan Plateau ◽  
Sowing Period

Extent of crop depredation in agricultural fields of groundnut, pearl millet, peas, sorghum and sunflower was assessed in Pune, Akola and Amravati, the three productive districts of Maharashtra, India. The study included interviews with the farmers, identification of the bird species responsible for the crop depredation and actual field assessment of damage. The problem of crop depredation is severe for the crops mostly during harvesting season. Most farmers were not satisfied with the conventional bird repelling techniques. A maximum depredation was observed by Sorghum crops by house sparrows Passer domesticus, baya weavers Ploceus philippinus, and rose-ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri, accounting to 52% of the total damage. Blue rock pigeons Columba livia damaged 42% of the peas crop (chick peas and pigeon peas), while house sparrows and baya weaver damaged the groundnut crop by 26% in the sampling plots. House sparrow Passer domesticus and baya weaver Ploceus philippinus damaged the groundnut crop in the sampling plots just after the sowing period. The sustainable solution for reducing crop depredation is a need for the farmers and also such techniques will help avoid direct or indirect effects of use of lethal bird control techniques on bird species.

scholarly journals Does habitat partitioning by sympatric plovers affect nest survival?

The Auk ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 137 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly S Overduijn ◽  
Colleen M Handel ◽  
Abby N Powell
Keyword(s):  
Nest Survival ◽  
Elevational Gradient ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Nesting Habitat ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract The vertical structure and composition of vegetation can influence the quantity and quality of potential nesting sites for birds. Interspecific competition for high-quality nesting habitat may force some individuals into suboptimal habitat and lead to reduced reproductive success, eventually leading to changes in distribution or abundance. Large climate-mediated shifts in vegetation, including the rapid expansion of shrubs onto tundra, are occurring in the Arctic across important breeding grounds of many shorebird species of conservation concern. We investigated effects of vegetation structure and composition on nest-site selection and nest success of sympatrically breeding American Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific Golden-Plovers (P. fulva), which nest along an elevational gradient ranging from coastal tundra meadows to alpine tundra. Both species strongly selected nest sites with less cover of tall shrubs and other tall vegetation than available at random sites within their territories. American Golden-Plovers selected territories and nest sites that were higher in elevation and had more rocky substrates and less graminoid vegetation than those selected by Pacific Golden-Plovers. The daily nest survival rate was equivalent in the 2 species (0.966, 95% CI: 0.955, 0.975) and similar to that found in other Arctic-breeding shorebirds; however, contrary to predictions, nest survival was not associated with habitat features selected for nest sites for either species. Strong selection of open habitat for nest sites suggests that continued climate-related shrub expansion may reduce the amount of suitable breeding habitat for both species, but partitioning along the elevational gradient and differences in body size suggest that impacts may be more severe for Pacific Golden-Plovers. Additional research is needed to determine if differential selection of nesting habitat is related to survival of the adults or their young.

Nestling Of House Sparrow Passer Domesticus In Nest Boxes In Zielona Góra Preliminary Report

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-26
Author(s):  
Damian Markulak
Keyword(s):  
Preliminary Report ◽  
House Sparrow ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
House Sparrows ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
European Cities ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Nesting Sites

Abstract The population of House Sparrows in most of European cities declined in the end of the XX century (De Laet & Summers-Smith 2007). One of the presumable reasons of this decline is loss of nest sites. The House sparrow is a secondary hole-nester (Anderson 2006) and places its nest in holes of buildings, shrubs and nest boxes. The rate of nest box occupation depends on the location and competition with other species (Anderson T.R. 2006). The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of nest box occupation by House sparrows in Zielona Góra, Western Poland, which can provide information about the availability of nesting sites.

Settlement patterns and nest-site selection of Cliff Swallows, Hirundo pyrrhonota: males prefer to clump but females settle randomly

1996 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 1394-1401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan B. Meek ◽  
Robert M. R. Barclay
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Settlement Patterns ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Arrival Date ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Probability Of Success ◽  
Selection Of

We assessed the settlement pattern of colonial Cliff Swallows (Hirundo pyrrhonota) to examine whether they avoid settling near to each other or prefer to nest in close proximity. Male Cliff Swallows occupied and defended nests before females paired with them, and males settled next to other males significantly more often than expected by chance. In contrast to that of males, female settlement was not significantly different from random: females neither preferred nor avoided settling next to other Cliff Swallows, nor did females select old nests on the basis of nest stability. Neither males nor females chose nests in the same order from year to year, suggesting that quality of old nests was not an important factor affecting settlement patterns. Male arrival date is related to quality in some species, but female Cliff Swallows did not select the earliest arriving males. There was also no correlation between the order in which females chose mates and male traits. All nest sites may have offered females an equal probability of success, leading to random settlement with respect to other females, nests, and males.

scholarly journals Roosting patterns of House Sparrow Passer domesticus Linn., 1758 (Aves: Passeridae) in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 20209-20217
Author(s):  
Foram P. Patel ◽  
Pravinsang P. Dodia
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
House Sparrow ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Artificial Nest ◽  
Major Focus ◽  
House Sparrows ◽  
Suburban Areas ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
The World

The House Sparrow Passer domesticus is widely distributed across the world, and local alarming declines in sparrow populations have prompted studies focused on this species. An understanding of fundamental life history aspects such as roosting patterns is necessary for the development of efficient conservation strategies. This study examined House Sparrow roosting patterns in urban, suburban and rural areas of Bhavnagar during 2017–2018. Potential roosting sites were identified, and peak arrival/ departure times and roosting duration of sparrows were recorded. We found that peak arrival and departure times were correlated with solar timings, indicating a strong influence of photoperiod on sparrow behaviour. Little variation was observed in sparrow arrival and departure times across the urban, suburban and rural gradient. However, arrival duration was significantly larger in urban and suburban areas. This may be due to the restricted availability of suitable patches within these habitats, requiring birds to spend more time foraging. House Sparrows mostly preferred thick vegetation for pre-roosting activities and roosting, and the loss of thick vegetation poses a threat to sparrow populations worldwide. In addition to increasing nesting opportunities by providing artificial nest sites, the importance of retaining appropriate habitats should be a major focus of conservation strategies.

scholarly journals Effect of replacing surface with underground rubbish containers on urban House Sparrows Passer domesticus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Bernat-Ponce ◽  
David Ferrer ◽  
José A. Gil-Delgado ◽  
Germán M. López-Iborra
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Household Waste ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
House Sparrows ◽  
Abundance Index ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Green Cover ◽  
General Locality ◽  
Distribution Composition

AbstractUrbanisation processes are increasing worldwide at surprising rates affecting wildlife in many ways: changing habitat structure, reducing resources, and modifying the distribution, composition and abundance of local biota. In different countries, urban waste collection techniques are evolving and surface rubbish containers (neighbourhood receptacles for temporarily storing anthropogenic household waste located above-ground on the streets) are being replaced with underground ones (metal boxes with steel chutes that fed into large underground containers) to improve sanitation measures, to avoid bad smells and waste scattering by animals. We aimed to detect if House Sparrows were more abundant close to surface rubbish containers than close to the underground ones. We recorded an abundance index of House Sparrows during two visits in winter 2018–2019 to point counts located in groups of both container types (80 and 85 groups of underground and surface containers, respectively) in eight towns of Eastern Spain. We modelled the abundance index according to rubbish container type, and 14 other environmental variables at four scales: container, nearest buildings, near urban features, and general locality features using GLMMs. House Sparrows were more abundant close to surface than to underground rubbish containers, which may be linked with higher food debris availability. The presence of other urban features (bar terraces, private gardens, mature trees) interacting with the rubbish containers also influenced the abundance of House Sparrows. The replacement of above-ground rubbish containers with underground ones may deprive House Sparrows resources, which could lead to the decline of this species, especially in urban areas with little green cover.

Polymorphism in the White-throated Sparrow: habitat occupancy and nest-site selection

1982 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 452-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard W. Knapton ◽  
J. Bruce Falls
Keyword(s):  
Discriminant Function ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Zonotrichia Albicollis ◽  
White Stripe ◽  
Habitat Occupancy ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Tolerant Plants ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Discriminant Function Analyses

We analysed several vegetational variables in four populations of White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) to determine if differences exist between the white-stripe (WS) and tan-stripe (TS) morphs at the level of the macrohabitat (territory) and the microhabitat (nest site). Univariate and discriminant function analyses revealed that trees were farther apart, more light penetrated to the forest floor, and fewer shade-tolerant plants occurred in territories of WS than TS males. There was little difference between females of the morphs in selection of nest sites. The distribution of territories of WS males along the discriminant function axis (macrohabitat analysis) was narrower than that of TS males, and was concentrated toward the "open" habitat end of the axis. The distribution of territories of TS males spanned the length of the axis, from "open" to "dense" habitat. The question why WS male × TS female pairs occupy a relatively narrow range of habitat whereas TS male × WS female pairs occupy a much broader range is discussed.

scholarly journals Reproductive performance and nest-site selection of White-naped Cranes Grus vipio in the Ulz river valley, north-eastern Mongolia

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
UTE BRADTER ◽  
SUNDEV GOMBOBAATAR ◽  
CHULUUNBAATAR UUGANBAYAR ◽  
TRACY E. GRAZIA ◽  
KLAUS-MICHAEL EXO
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Eastern Mongolia

North-eastern Mongolia is an important breeding area for the globally threatened White-naped Crane Grus vipio. We studied reproductive performance and the influence of factors related to livestock grazing on reproduction and nest-site selection of the White-naped Crane population in the Ulz river valley, north-eastern Mongolia in 2000 and 2001. In 2001, 42 territorial pairs were found in 270 km of river basin. Recruitment was 18–22% resulting in 0.5–0.6 juveniles per territorial pair. The years 2000 and 2001 were within a dry period and recruitment might have been below the long-term average. White-naped Crane nests were significantly associated with river basin sections containing shallow water-bodies. The number and extent of shallow water-bodies are likely to be a limiting factor for breeding population size. Nest-sites in water-bodies were selected for high nest concealment, but nests were initiated even when concealing vegetation was not available. Only 26% of nests were >90% concealed suggesting that appropriate cover was often not available. Nest-sites were also selected for low grazing intensity. No correlation was found between hatching or fledging success and nest concealment or grazing intensity. Brood-size of successful pairs was higher if the home range was ungrazed, but further investigations are needed to clarify whether this was caused by absence of livestock grazing or other factors. Both because of internationally important numbers and because of a potentially high reproductive output, the study area is of high importance for the species.

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