scholarly journals Preference of rabbit does among different nest materials

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 81 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.P. Farkas ◽  
Zs. Szendrő ◽  
Zs. Matics ◽  
I. Radnai ◽  
I. Nagy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Nest Building ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Nest Material ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Wood Shavings ◽  
Nest Materials ◽  
Nest Quality

Nest quality is important for the survival of new-born rabbits. Nesting material in rabbit farms generally consists of wood shavings, which is completely different from the dry grass used by the European wild rabbit (<em>Oryctolagus cuniculus</em>). The aim of the experiments was to examine which nest materials are preferred by rabbit does when building their nest. In experiment 1, the choice of multiparous rabbit does (n=37) among nest boxes bedded with different nesting materials was monitored. In each pen (1.0×1.83 m) 1 doe and 4 nest boxes (0.37×0.23×0.31 m) with different nest materials (meadow hay [H], wheat straw [S], fine fibre material [Lignocel<sup>®</sup>, L] or wood shavings [W]) were placed 3 days before the expected parturition (gestation length is about 31 d in the Pannon White breed). Some 48.6% of the does kindled in nest boxes that contained pure materials (L: 40.5%, S: 5.4%, H: 2.7%), and 51.3% of the does kindled in nest boxes where the nest materials of different nest boxes were mixed by the does (S with L: 21.5%, S with L and H: 5.4%, W with L: 8.1%, L with H and S: 5.4%). Does preferred kindling in the nest box bedded with L, and most of them refused the nest box with W. In experiment 2/a (n=32 does) and 2/b (n=25 does), each pen (1×0.91 m) was equipped with 3 and 2 hay racks and filled with H, S or L, and H or S, respectively. The experiments lasted from the 27<sup>th</sup> day of pregnancy until the day of parturition and 24-h video recordings (10 does/experiment) were evaluated throughout the experiment. The events of carrying the nest materials from the hay racks were registered. In experiment 2/a, the frequency of nest material carrying was highest on the day of parturition. The preferred nest material was L (compared to H and S) on each experimental day except day 30 of pregnancy. At the day of kindling, 87.5, 6.3 and 6.3% of the nests contained pure L, mixed L-H and L-S, respectively. In experiment 2/b, the frequency of nest material carrying (mostly S) was highest on the day of parturition, and on days 27 and 30 of pregnancy. More does built nests with only S (72%) than H (16%), and in 12% of the cases the S and H were mixed. For the purpose of nest building, material S was the most frequently used (72%) compared to other possibilities (H: 16%, S-H: 12%). It can be concluded that rabbit does showed the following clear preferences for specific nest building materials: L&gt;S&gt;H&gt;W.

scholarly journals Nest decoration: birds exploit a fear of feathers to guard their nest from usurpation

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tore Slagsvold ◽  
Karen L. Wiebe
Keyword(s):  
Tree Swallow ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Cyanistes Caeruleus ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Structural Support ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Nest Usurpation ◽  
Nest Materials

Many species of birds incorporate feathers into their nest as structural support and to insulate the eggs or offspring. Here, we investigated the novel idea that birds reduce the risk of nest usurpation by decorating it with feathers to trigger a fear response in their rivals. We let prospecting birds choose between a dyad of nest-boxes in the wild, both containing some nest materials, but where one had a few white feathers and the other had none. All three species of cavity-nesting birds studied, the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca , the blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus , and the tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor , hesitated to enter boxes with white feathers. A similar avoidance of white feathers was found when the alternative nest-box of a dyad held black feathers. However, the birds readily collected white feathers that we placed in front of their nest-box, showing the fear of such feathers was context-dependent. We suggest that naive prospecting birds may perceive feathers in nests as the result of a predation event, and that owners decorate nests with bright feathers that can be seen from the opening to deter others from entering.

scholarly journals Cereal pests among nest parasites – the story of barley thrips, Limothrips denticornis Haliday (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 221-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Fedor ◽  
Martina Doričová ◽  
Michal Dubovský ◽  
Jozef Kisel'ák ◽  
Milan Zvarík
Keyword(s):  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Statistical Analyses ◽  
Nest Building ◽  
Nest Size ◽  
Transport Mechanisms ◽  
Nest Material ◽  
Vertebrate Species ◽  
Sticky Traps ◽  
Migration Dynamics ◽  
Nest Materials

Barley thrips, Limothrips denticornis, Haliday, 1836 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), a grass-dwelling Holarctic species represents a model example to study transport mechanisms of Thysanoptera into nests. In samples from more than 1,500 nests, barley thrips were recorded in nests of 20 vertebrate species, both birds and mammals. Applying appropriate statistics (nonparametric methods) clear clustering among nest materials and a strong relationship between presence of thrips and grass as the nest material was found. Occurrence of thrips was not associated with nest size, location or height. To validate our statistical analyses 15 wooden boxes were installed and equipped with sticky traps to record the whole year migration dynamics. Barley thrips infiltrate nests by various ways (e. g. dwelling on bark, landing from atmosphere), however most of them (88%) invade passively on nest material (grass) in spring (1st summer nesting) and autumn (winter nest building).

scholarly journals Old nest material functions as an informative cue in making nest-site selection decisions in the European Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingju E ◽  
Tuo Wang ◽  
Shangyu Wang ◽  
Ye Gong ◽  
Jiangping Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Nest Material ◽  
Falco Tinnunculus ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Selection Decisions ◽  
Nest Materials ◽  
Organic Remains

Abstract Background For secondary cavity-nesting bird species that do not add lining materials to nests, the presence of old nest material or organic remains that have accumulated within nest cavities from previous breeding events may be a cue of nest-site quality. These materials potentially contain information about past breeding success in con- and heterospecifics and may improve the thermal insulation of eggs during incubation. However, few studies have addressed whether the presence of old nest materials serves as a cue for cavity-nesting raptors when choosing specific nest sites. Methods We conducted a 9-year nest box experiment to test whether old nest materials from con- and heterospecifics serve as informative cues to the European Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) when making nest selection decisions, as this species uses nest boxes without adding nesting material. Results The presence of old nest materials and entrance size best discriminated nest boxes occupied by European Kestrels from unoccupied boxes. Nest boxes containing conspecific organic remains, artificial dry leaf and branch material, and material left behind by Great Tits (Parus major) were reused at higher rates, especially those containing conspecific nest material, than nest boxes containing true or simulated nest materials from predators. In 2010, no single nest box was occupied by the same banded individual that occupied the box in the previous year (10 females and 2 males were banded in 2009). Conclusions European Kestrels preferred nest boxes containing old nest material over empty boxes, which is consistent with previous findings that they exploit con- and heterospecific cues when deciding where to settle and breed, as old nest or organic material provides substrate for incubating females. Kestrels may be able to assess the predation risks associated with a specific nest site based on experience or the presence of prey remains. The repeated use of nest boxes across breeding seasons by kestrels cannot be entirely ascribed to philopatry. This study provides evidence that old nest materials are potentially used as informative cues when making nest-site selection decisions in European Kestrels.

scholarly journals Neural Circuits Underlying Nest Building in Male Zebra Finches

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 943-954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie C Edwards ◽  
Zachary J Hall ◽  
Eira Ihalainen ◽  
Valerie R Bishop ◽  
Elisa T Nicklas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Behavior ◽  
Nest Building ◽  
Lateral Septum ◽  
Early Gene ◽  
Zebra Finches ◽  
Nest Material ◽  
Motor Pathway ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
The Social ◽  
Behavior Network

Abstract Nest building consists of a series of motor actions, which are concomitant with activity in regions of the anterior motor pathway, the social behavior network, and the reward circuity in nest building adult male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). It is not clear, however, whether this activity is due to nest building, collection, and/or manipulation of nest material. To identify which areas of the brain are specifically involved, we used immunohistochemistry to quantify the immediate early gene c-Fos in male zebra finches that were nest building (Building), birds given a nest box but could interact only with tied down nest material (Fixed), and birds that were not given a nest box or nest material (Control). We investigated the following brain regions: the anterior motor pathway (anterior ventral mesopallium [AMV], AN, anterior striatum [ASt]), areas of the social behavior network (bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, dorsomedial subdivision [BSTmd], lateral septum [LS]), the dopaminergic reward circuitry (ventral tegmental area), and the cerebellum. We found that there was greater Fos immunoreactivity expression in the BSTmd, LS, and AMV with increased material deposition; in LS, AMV ASt, and Folium VI with increased material carrying; in LS, AMV, and ASt with increased nest material tucking; and in LS and all folia (except Folium VIII) with increased tugging at tied down material. These data confirm a functional role for areas of the anterior motor pathway, social behavior network, and the cerebellum in nest material collection and manipulation by birds.

The effect of straw on farrowing site choice and nest building behaviour in sows

1992 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. S. Arey ◽  
A. M. Petchey ◽  
V. R. Fowler
Keyword(s):  
Nest Building ◽  
Important Influence ◽  
Nest Material ◽  
Significant Preference ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nesting Behaviour ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Building Behaviour ◽  
Group 1

AbstractFarrowing site choice was examined in 40 sows. In group 1, the preference of 16 sows was tested for pre-formed lying areas which incorporated the characteristics of previously observed farrowing nests: a hollow (H), a mattress (M), a nest box (B) and a flat control (C). None of the sows farrowed on C which indicated that choice was based on some evaluation of the lying surface. However, there was no significant preference for the three nest features: H6, M6, B 4. In group 2, C was replaced by a straw area (S). Four different amounts of straw were offered: 18, 9, 4·5 and 2·25 kg with four, four, eight, eight sows on trial at each amount respectively. All the sows farrowed on S at the 18, 9 and 4·5 levels; at 2·25 kg, three farrowed on S and five moved the straw to other lying areas on which they farrowed. The results indicated that the location of nest material has an important influence on farrowing site choice because it allows the performance of nesting behaviour. Although performance of the behaviour was not affected by the amount of straw available, 2·25 kg appeared to be inadequate for a satisfactory nest.

Effects of Testosterone On Nest-Box Occupation and Associated Behaviours By Male European Starlings (Sturnus Vulgaris)

Behaviour ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 129 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 141-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eberhard Gwinner ◽  
Helga Gwinner
Keyword(s):  
Sturnus Vulgaris ◽  
Nest Building ◽  
The Other ◽  
First Year ◽  
General Increase ◽  
European Starlings ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Colonial Nesting ◽  
Nesting Habits

AbstractIn an aviary experiment carried out at the beginning of the breeding season in March and April, nest-box occupation and associated behaviours were observed in a group of 18 adult and 18 first-year male European starlings. Nine birds of each group carried a testosterone implant (T-males) and the other 9 an empty implant (C-males). When analyzed for effects of age, first year birds were significantly more active with regard to nest-box inspection and nest-building than adults. When analyzed for effects of treatment, T-males occupied more nest-boxes and visited their nest-boxes more often than C-males. Other activities like singing, nest-box inspection, nest-building and aggressive behaviour were not significantly different between T-males and C-males. We suggest that the absence of a significant effect of T on aggression may be related to the colonial nesting habits of the starling. Since T-males tended to be more active with regard to all behaviours studied testosterone may have led to a general increase in frequency and persistence of behaviour which in turn facilitated nest-box occupation.

scholarly journals Egg covering in cavity nesting birds may prevent nest usurpation by other species

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tore Slagsvold ◽  
Karen L. Wiebe
Keyword(s):  
Nest Predation ◽  
Parus Major ◽  
Great Tit ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Nest Material ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Nest Usurpation ◽  
New Hypothesis

Abstract Some birds cover their eggs with nest material when they leave to forage. It has been suggested that such egg-covering aids thermoregulation or prevents predation but here we present a new hypothesis, that secondary cavity-nesting species cover their eggs to prevent nest usurpation by other birds. When the bottom of the cavity is dark, as when eggs are covered by nest material, it may be difficult for a prospecting competitor to see whether a defending nest owner or a predator is hiding inside the cavity. Competitors may therefore hesitate to enter dark cavities. We filmed 21 great tit (Parus major) nests during the egg-laying period and found that the female spent bouts of highly variable length outside the nest box (range 0.3–250 min, n = 51), so prospecting small passerines would have difficulty predicting whether an aggressive tit owner was in the box or would soon return. We presented prospecting male pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) with a dyad of boxes (n = 93), each containing a great tit nest but only one with visible eggs. Flycatchers hesitated more to enter a nest box with no visible tit eggs than a box with exposed eggs. This was most evident for nest boxes with dark versus light interior paint, supporting the idea that better interior illumination makes prospecting birds more confident about entering an unfamiliar cavity. The usurpation and predation hypotheses are not mutually exclusive because both competitors and small predators may hesitate to enter dark, enclosed spaces if visibility is low. Significance statement Some birds deposit a layer of material on top of the eggs when they leave the nest. Several hypotheses have been proposed for such egg covering, for example that it may insulate the eggs and reduce the risk of nest predation. We propose a new hypothesis, namely that secondary hole-nesting birds cover their eggs when they leave the nest to prevent usurpation of the cavity by other birds. Great tits that we filmed at the nest during the egg-laying period could be absent for long periods. To test the hypothesis, we presented male pied flycatchers, potential nest competitors, with a dyad of nest boxes, each containing a great tit nest but only one with visible tit eggs. In support of the prediction, prospecting flycatchers hesitated to enter dark cavities with dark floors relative to boxes with exposed, reflective eggs.

scholarly journals A parasite reduction conservation intervention does not improve fledging success or most condition metrics for Purple Martins

The Condor ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather M Williams ◽  
Katharina Dittmar ◽  
Susan Smith Pagano
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Uric Acid Concentration ◽  
Nest Material ◽  
Current Conservation ◽  
Parasite Abundance ◽  
Fledging Success ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Nest Materials ◽  
Ectoparasite Load

Abstract Eastern Purple Martins (Progne subis subis) have an unusually close relationship with humans, as they nest exclusively in man-made nest boxes. Current conservation policy directly promotes further interaction with this species by advocating regular replacement of nest materials during the nestling phase to reduce ectoparasite load and increase nestling fitness. We conducted the first test of the efficacy of this recommendation and found that it was partially effective in reducing parasite abundance, but had no effect on nestling fledging success, body mass, leukocyte count, or triglyceride or uric acid concentration. We found a small but significant increase in nestling hematocrit associated with nest material replacement, implying that parasites may induce nestling anemia. Contrary to our expectations, we also found elevated heterophil/lymphocyte ratios in nestlings with replacements, possibly indicating elevated physiological stress associated with nest replacements. Based on our results, we do not recommend nest material replacements to combat routine parasite infestations.

scholarly journals Autoclaving Nest-Material Remains Influences the Probability of Ectoparasitism of Nestling Hoopoes (Upupa epops)

Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 306
Author(s):  
Mónica Mazorra-Alonso ◽  
Manuel Martín-Vivaldi ◽  
Juan Manuel Peralta-Sánchez ◽  
Juan José Soler
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Nest Material ◽  
Avian Reproduction ◽  
Fledging Success ◽  
Upupa Epops ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
Nest Materials ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Nest bacterial environment influences avian reproduction directly because it might include pathogenic- or antibiotic-producing bacteria or indirectly because predators or ectoparasites can use volatile compounds from nest bacterial metabolism to detect nests of their avian hosts. Hoopoes (Upupa epops) do not build nests. They rather reuse holes or nest-boxes that contain remains of nest-materials from previous breeding seasons. Interestingly, it has been recently described that the nest’s bacterial environment partly affects the uropygial gland microbiota of hoopoe females and eggshells. Blood-sucking ectoparasites use chemical cues to find host nests, so we experimentally tested the hypothetical effects of microorganisms inhabiting nest-material remains before reproduction regarding the intensity of ectoparasitism suffered by 8-day-old nestling hoopoes. In accordance with the hypothesis, nestlings hatched in nest-boxes with autoclaved nest-material remains from the previous reproductive seasons suffered less from ectoparasites than those hatched in the control nest-boxes with nonautoclaved nest-material. Moreover, we found a positive association between the bacterial density of nest-material during the nestling phase and ectoparasitism intensity that was only apparent in nest-boxes with autoclaved nest-material. However, contrary to our expectations, nest bacterial load was positively associated with fledgling success. These results suggest a link between the community of microorganisms of nest-material remains and the intensity of ectoparasitism, and, on the other hand, that the nest bacterial environment during reproduction is related to fledging success. Here, we discuss possible mechanisms explaining the experimental and correlative results, including the possibility that the experimental autoclaving of nest material affected the microbiota of females and nestlings’ secretion and/or nest volatiles that attracted ectoparasites, therefore indirectly affecting both the nest bacterial environment at the nestling stage and fledging success.

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