Foraging-substrate use by house wrens nesting in natural cavities in a riparian habitat

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Guinan ◽  
Spencer G. Sealy
Keyword(s):  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Riparian Habitat ◽  
Substrate Use ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
House Wrens ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Dune Ridge

Foraging behaviour and substrate use by the primarily insectivorous house wren (Troglodytes aedon) were studied during the 1982 breeding season at 10 natural nesting sites in the dune-ridge forest, Delta Marsh, Manitoba. The foraging variables, i.e., time of season, gender, nesting stage, nest site, and time of day, interacted significantly. Wrens gleaned prey off substrate in 82.5% of the prey captures observed. Foraging behaviour varied greatly among the nest sites studied because of prevailing local differences in habitat, and possibly prey availability. The plant species from which wrens gleaned their prey correlated closely with the availability of the substrates in the habitat surrounding each nest site.

Nest site selection by ants in a flooded Mexican mangrove, with special reference to the epiphytic orchid Myrmecophila christinae

2003 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Dejean ◽  
Sébastien Durou ◽  
Ingrid Olmsted ◽  
Roy R. Snelling ◽  
Jérôme Orivel
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Niche Differentiation ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Epiphytic Orchid ◽  
Ant Community ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Red Mangrove ◽  
Nesting Sites

The distribution of the arboreal ant community plus a termite species of the genus Nasutitermes was inventoried on 938 red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle L., trees in a completely flooded mangrove forest of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Colonies sheltered in dry hollow branches of the trees and the pseudobulbs of the epiphytic orchid, Myrmecophila christinae. Two size classes of dry hollow tree branches were categorized in order to test differences in ant distribution. As some trees remained unoccupied by either an ant or a termite colony, we deduced that the competition for nesting sites was low. Differences in the composition of the ant community corresponded to the nature of the shelters (i.e. diameter of the hollow branches or orchid pseudobulbs). The ant fauna was richer in the large dry hollow branches of R. mangle than in the smaller ones, with certain ant species belonging to the subfamilies Ponerinae and Formicinae being significantly more frequent in the large dry hollow branches than in the small ones. Cephalotes and Pseudomyrmex were the most frequent ant genera inhabiting the dry branches of R. mangle, while Dolichoderus bispinosus was the most frequent ant species inhabiting the orchid pseudobulbs. Arboreal Nasutitermes sp. selected mostly the orchid pseudobulbs and thus indirectly interfered with ant nest-site selection. Our results highlight niche differentiation through the selection of nest sites among different types of shelter.

The Functions of Song in Male House Wrens (Troglodytes Aedon)

Behaviour ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 116 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 190-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Henry Kermott ◽  
L. Scott Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Nest Site ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Breeding Cycle ◽  
Troglodytes Aedon ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
House Wrens ◽  
Breeding Cycles ◽  
Routine Basis ◽  
Correlative Studies ◽  
Male House

AbstractTo assess the functions of song in male house wrens (Troglodytes aedon), we examined the pattern of song output during different stages of the breeding cycle and behaviour patterns of focal males and conspecifics that were associated with song. We recorded 2093.5 bouts of song from 11 different males in 12 breeding cycles during 3 years. Most song sung prior to pairing is sung at a high volume and is given spontaneously (i.e. is apparently not produced in response to the behaviour of any conspecific). Production of high volume spontaneous song ceased immediately for at least 7 days when the male paired, but resumed immediately upon loss of the mate. Paired males sang high volume spontaneous song after mates began incubating, and almost always sang this song within 10 m of an unoccupied nest site. Several males attracted second mates to these nest sites and immediately ceased their output of high volume spontaneous song. These observations strongly suggest that high volume spontaneous song functions in mate attraction. Male house wrens do not appear to use song on a routine basis to communicate with neighbours or other males. However, they do appear to direct song at other males when territories are threatened. Song is sung at intruders in the territory and at neighbours just establishing a territory of their own. Most song sung after pairing appears to be directed towards mates. We suspect than males use song to inform mates that there is no immediate threat of predation, allowing mates to move quickly to and from nest sites. We discuss the role and benefits of descriptive, correlative studies in assessing song function.

Territory dynamics and patterns of female recruitment in Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus)

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. E. Dickinson ◽  
M. R. Lein
Keyword(s):  
Mating Systems ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Territory Size ◽  
Agelaius Phoeniceus ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Harem Size ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Territory Dynamics

The territorial boundaries defended by male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) shifted over the course of the breeding season. The establishment of new males in a colony, the redefinition of boundaries among neighbors, and the recruitment of new females were all related to changes in boundary locations. No significant correlations were found between harem size and either territory size or the abundance of preferred nesting sites. High rates of aggressive interactions did, however, coincide with the recruitment of new females and accompanied territory shifts. Many boundary changes were associated with the guarding by males of females that were showing interest in nest sites outside the area formerly defended by the male. If a female's behavior in an area precipitates conflicts among neighboring males, then it could be a mechanism whereby females simultaneously compare the attributes of males and influence the quality of their territories. Such a mechanism would ensure that a female obtains what she has determined to be the best available nest site and a male that can defend her choice. A more active role for females should be included in models of the evolution of mating systems.

The importance of grasstrees (Xanthorrhoea preissii) as habitat for mardo (Antechinus flavipes leucogaster) during post-fire recovery

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marnie L. Swinburn ◽  
Patricia A. Fleming ◽  
Michael D. Craig ◽  
Andrew H. Grigg ◽  
Mark J. Garkaklis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fire Management ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Important Resource ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Single Feature ◽  
Management Policies ◽  
Nesting Resources ◽  
Selection For ◽  
The One

Grasstrees (Xanthorrhoea) are an important structural component of many Australian ecosystems and also an important resource for many fauna species. Grasstrees have distinctive morphologies, with a crown of long thin leaves and skirts, the latter of which are accumulated dead leaves; both are incinerated by fire. This study determined the morphological features of Xanthorrhoea preissii, which change in response to fire from 6 months to 21 years post-burn. In addition, using radio-telemetry and spool-tracking, we determined that grasstrees are utilised as foraging and nesting resources for mardos (Antechinus flavipes leucogaster (Gray, 1841), Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Recently burnt grasstrees (6 months post-burn) appeared not to be used by mardos at all. We found few mardos in these recently burnt sites, and the one individual we managed to track for 126 m utilised only a single grasstree: a 2-m-tall multiple-crowned grasstree that had escaped the fire was used as a nest site. For sites 5 years post-burn, mardos selectively utilised grasstrees with larger crown areas and those with a greater number of crowns compared with a random sample of available trees. At the 14-year post-burn sites, mardos still demonstrated some selection for grasstrees, although no specific single feature could be determined as most significant. We recorded humidity and temperature buffering effects in association with post-burn accumulation of grasstree skirt material and found that even dead grasstree ‘logs’ were an important resource for nests. We conclude that mardos utilise both live and dead grasstrees for foraging and nest sites, possibly owing to the availability of dense cover, a buffered microclimate, and potentially also food resources. Fire-management policies that promote habitat heterogeneity and retain several intact-skirted grasstrees within the landscape are likely to benefit mardos.

NEST SITE SELECTION BY BUMBLE BEES (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE) IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA

1978 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. W. Richards
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Bumble Bees ◽  
Social Parasites ◽  
Southern Alberta ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Coexisting Species ◽  
Nesting Preferences

AbstractThe niche breadth and overlap in nesting preferences of 15 species of bumble bees were investigated in Alberta. Some of the factors that influence the distribution of nesting sites and abundance of species and permit the species to coexist in sympatry are discussed. Artificial domiciles were used as potential nesting sites. Some species were specialists in terms of nest site selection while others were generalists. The few natural nests found, the long periods spent by queens searching for nests, the high frequency of usurpation or direct interference and death of intruders, and the frequency of high niche overlap values between species are evidence that nesting sites are limited and are incompletely partitioned among the coexisting species. Usurpation also demonstrates the competition among individuals and species. Phenological differences in nest establishment influence the competition among the species. Camouflaging of tunnels presumably reduces the intensity of usurpation and protects queens and the brood from inclement weather and from social parasites (e.g., Psithyrus) and predators.

scholarly journals Predictors of invertebrate biomass and rate of advancement of invertebrate phenology across eight sites in the North American Arctic

Polar Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-257
Author(s):  
Rebecca Shaftel ◽  
Daniel J. Rinella ◽  
Eunbi Kwon ◽  
Stephen C. Brown ◽  
H. River Gates ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prey Availability ◽  
Population Level ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
Chick Survival ◽  
The North ◽  
Phenological Mismatch ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
North American Arctic

AbstractAverage annual temperatures in the Arctic increased by 2–3 °C during the second half of the twentieth century. Because shorebirds initiate northward migration to Arctic nesting sites based on cues at distant wintering grounds, climate-driven changes in the phenology of Arctic invertebrates may lead to a mismatch between the nutritional demands of shorebirds and the invertebrate prey essential for egg formation and subsequent chick survival. To explore the environmental drivers affecting invertebrate availability, we modeled the biomass of invertebrates captured in modified Malaise-pitfall traps over three summers at eight Arctic Shorebird Demographics Network sites as a function of accumulated degree-days and other weather variables. To assess climate-driven changes in invertebrate phenology, we used data from the nearest long-term weather stations to hindcast invertebrate availability over 63 summers, 1950–2012. Our results confirmed the importance of both accumulated and daily temperatures as predictors of invertebrate availability while also showing that wind speed negatively affected invertebrate availability at the majority of sites. Additionally, our results suggest that seasonal prey availability for Arctic shorebirds is occurring earlier and that the potential for trophic mismatch is greatest at the northernmost sites, where hindcast invertebrate phenology advanced by approximately 1–2.5 days per decade. Phenological mismatch could have long-term population-level effects on shorebird species that are unable to adjust their breeding schedules to the increasingly earlier invertebrate phenologies.

Riparian habitat disturbed by reservoir management does not function as an ecological trap for the Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)

2012 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 320-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.P. Quinlan ◽  
D.J. Green
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ecological Trap ◽  
Riparian Habitat ◽  
Yellow Warbler ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Selection Decisions ◽  
Yellow Warblers ◽  
Setophaga Petechia

Ecological traps arise when anthropogenic change creates habitat that appears suitable but when selected reduces the fitness of an individual. We evaluated whether riparian habitat within the drawdown zone of the Arrow Lakes Reservoir, British Columbia, creates an ecological trap for Yellow Warblers ( Setophaga petechia (L., 1766)) by investigating habitat preferences and the fitness consequences of habitat selection decisions. Preferences were inferred by examining how habitat variables influenced settlement order, and comparing habitat at nest sites and random locations. Males preferred to settle in territories with more riparian shrub and tree cover, higher shrub diversity, and less high canopy cover. Females built nests in taller shrubs surrounded by a greater density of shrub stems. Habitat preferences were positively associated with fitness: nest sites in taller shrubs surrounded by higher shrub-stem densities were more likely to avoid predation and fledge young, whereas territories with more riparian cover, higher shrub diversity, and less high canopy cover had higher annual productivity. We therefore found no evidence that riparian habitat affected by reservoir operations functions as an ecological trap. Current habitat selection decisions may be associated with fitness because Yellow Warblers are adapted to breeding in a heterogeneous environment subject to periodic flooding.

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.

Should I stay or should I go? Indirect effects of livestock on bird nest-site selection in arid environments

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Tadey
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Vegetation Structure ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Nest Abundance

Introduced livestock may indirectly affect bird species by decreasing vegetation structure and affecting the selection of nesting sites. This is especially true for birds that use shrubs as the raw material for nest construction or for nest placement. Nesting in inadequate supporting structures or the use of inadequate raw material for nest building may increase nest vulnerability (e.g. increasing structure weakness, falling and nest exposure to predation). Accordingly, bird species show a great variation in the selectivity of nesting sites and the raw material they use. Furnariidae family members exhibit an extraordinary diversity in nest placement and structure, which allows them to survive in different arid environments. I report here on a study of nest site selection of two common furnariid species, Leptasthenura aegithaloides and Pseudoseisura gutturalis, across a grazing gradient composed by nine independent paddocks within the same arid habitat. These species use large closed-nests (>40 cm long) built with thorny branches, placed on spiny shrubs. I measured nest abundance and supporting plants characteristics, vegetation structure, browsing intensity and compared the plants selected by the birds with the surrounding vegetation. These bird species used only few plant species for nest building and location. Livestock significantly reduced vegetation cover of the species used to build and place the nests, affecting nest site selection and reducing nest abundance. As livestock density increased, both species selected aggregated plants and the tallest plants for nesting, which may increase nest exposure. Therefore, livestock may indirectly affect nest-site selection of birds ultimately affecting their nesting ecology. This work illustrates how domestic livestock, through decreasing plant cover, may affect native biota with consequences on key species within an ecosystem.

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