Which characteristics might selection favour as cues of female choice of mate in Red-winged Blackbirds?

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (9) ◽  
pp. 1616-1624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maynard L. Milks ◽  
Jaroslav Picman
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Female Mate Choice ◽  
Nest Defense ◽  
Agelaius Phoeniceus ◽  
Genetic Quality ◽  
Cistothorus Palustris ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Nest Height

In this study, we investigated potential cues determining choice of mate by female Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) by examining male and nest-site characteristics that (i) affect the reproductive success of females, (ii) can be assessed by females prior to mating, and (iii) vary among potential mates, in 1983–1985. The 17 characteristics considered reflected the accessibility of redwing nests to mammalian predators and to Marsh Wrens (Cistothorus palustris), the importance of cooperation between female redwings in nest defense, and the paternal quality (feeding and defense of nestlings), genetic quality, physical condition, and size of redwing males. Only 4 characteristics, distance to nearest wren nest, distance to nearest simultaneously active conspecific nest, height of vegetation supporting the nest, and nest defense effort of males, met all of the above criteria in at least 1 year. Of these, proximity to wren nests appeared to satisfy the requirements most consistently in time and space, and thus might be the most likely to affect female redwing choice of mate. However, experimental manipulations are needed to ascertain whether any of these characteristics are cues of female mate choice in Red-winged Blackbirds.

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.

Harem size, territory quality, and reproductive success in the redwinged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

1977 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 1261-1267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick J. Weatherhead ◽  
Raleigh J. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Selective Advantage ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Territory Size ◽  
Agelaius Phoeniceus ◽  
Breeding Density ◽  
Territory Quality ◽  
Fledging Success ◽  
Harem Size

The relationships between harem size, territory size, nest site suitability, and fledging success were studied for a breeding population of redwinged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus). Reproductive success was correlated negatively with female breeding density within territories and positively with territory quality as determined from nest site parameters. Harem size was not correlated with differences in either territory area or quality. From these results we suggest that some females were attracted to nest in territories in which their chances of successful reproduction were lower than if they had chosen other available territories. To explain the selective advantage of such choices, we postulate that females were choosing mates which would enhance their ultimate fitness rather than their immediate reproductive success.

Coexistence of three species of hawks (Buteo spp.) in the prairie–parkland ecotone

1980 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 1075-1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Schmutz ◽  
S. M. Schmutz ◽  
D. A. Boag
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Sympatric Species ◽  
Ecological Segregation ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Competition For Space ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Average Size

We investigated the extent of ecological segregation in the use of the food, space, and habitat resources of three sympatric species of the genus Buteo (red-tailed, ferruginous, and Swainson's hawks) coexisting in the prairie–parkland ecotone of southeastern Alberta. We concluded that food was not a resource for which the hawks were competing because the overlap in diets exceeded 80%, and because ferruginous hawks successfully fledged supernumerary broods and Swainson's hawks, broods of at least average size. Furthermore, there was no evidence that each species hunted prey at different times of the day or concentrated on different-sized prey. Each of the three species exhibited a dispersed distribution of nest sites which suggests competition for space; this pattern was not as evident when the distribution of nests among species was considered. Nevertheless, when pairs of different species nested in close proximity their reproductive success declined significantly, suggesting interspecific competion for space. The three species exhibited differences in nest site characteristics, suggesting that, although sympatric, they tended to segregate on the basis of habitat. Ferruginous hawks appear to inhabit arid and open landscapes, red-tailed hawks woodland habitat, and Swainson's hawks the interface.

scholarly journals Nesting Habitat and Reproductive Success of Southwestern Riparian Birds

The Condor ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 823-831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian F. Powell ◽  
Robert J. Steidl
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Nest Success ◽  
Molothrus Ater ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Riparian Birds ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Cowbird Parasitism ◽  
Nest Height

AbstractVegetation structure and floristic composition strongly influence the structure of bird communities. To assess the influence of vegetation and other environmental characteristics on songbirds, we quantified nest-site characteristics and reproductive success of a riparian songbird community in Arizona. Although we found interspecific variation in characteristics associated with nest sites, we identified two suites of species that chose sites with similar characteristics. These “nest groups” were explained largely by nest height and characteristics of nest trees. Overall, nest success was low for songbirds in this community, and averaged 23%. The most common cause of nest failure was predation (81%), although brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) was highest at nests of Bell's Vireos (Vireo bellii) (29%). No vegetation or environmental features were associated with the likelihood of cowbird parasitism for any species; nest success for Bell's Vireos was negatively associated with the amount of netleaf hackberry (Celtis reticulata) in the understory. Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii) and netleaf hackberry trees contained 41% and 17% of all nests, respectively, and therefore provide critically important nesting substrates for birds in this rare yet diverse vegetation community.

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.

Colony characteristics influence nest survival of Caribbean Roseate Terns

The Condor ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paige A Byerly ◽  
Susan Zaluski ◽  
Daniel Nellis ◽  
Paul L Leberg
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Colony Size ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Resource Competition ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
The United States ◽  
Nest Density ◽  
Nest Failure ◽  
Nest Location ◽  
Site Characteristics

Abstract Determining how site characteristics influence reproductive success can help guide conservation planning for declining wildlife populations. For colonially breeding seabirds, nest survival and predation risk can be influenced by both colony and nest site characteristics such as colony size, nest density, and nest location. We evaluated the reproductive success of a declining population of Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii) in the United States and British Virgin Islands to identify primary causes of nest failure and investigate the influence of colony and nest site covariates on nest survival. In addition, we measured the influence of colony characteristics on chick provisioning to determine if resource competition in larger colonies affected foraging rates. Monitoring was conducted in 2017–2018 via motion-triggered cameras, which enable 24-hr monitoring with minimal nest disturbance. Nest survival was defined by both hatch success and early chick success, defined as a chick surviving from hatching through the fourth post-hatch day. We monitored 118 nests in 6 colonies over the 2 breeding seasons. We found that predation was the primary cause of nest failure. Both hatch and nest success increased with colony size, and neither nest survival nor predation probability was influenced by individual nest site characteristics. Provisioning rates were comparable among colony sites and did not vary with colony size. Our results suggest that directing management efforts toward enhancing colony size, rather than focusing on nest site characteristics, can be beneficial for tropical seabird conservation.

scholarly journals Coevolution between Himalayan cuckoos and two sympatric Pycnonotidae hosts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Canchao Yang ◽  
Qihong Li ◽  
Tongping Su ◽  
Anders Pape Møller ◽  
Wei Liang
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Nest Defense ◽  
Egg Rejection ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Interspecific Differences ◽  
Parasitism Rates ◽  
Alternative Responses ◽  
Nest Height

Abstract Selection due to cuckoo parasitism is responsible for the evolution of anti-parasitism defenses in hosts. Different host species breeding sympatrically with a single parasitic cuckoo may evolve different strategies to reduce the risk or counter cuckoo parasitism, resulting in different interactions between cuckoos and hosts in areas of sympatry. Here, we studied the coevolutionary interactions between Himalayan cuckoos Cuculus saturatus and two sympatric and closely related potential hosts belonging to the family Pycnonotidae, the brown-breasted bulbul Cuculus saturatus and the collared finchbill Spizixos semitorques. We investigated parasitism rates and nest site selection (nest height, nest cover, human disturbance, perch height, forest distance, and degree of concealment) related to parasitism risk, nest defense against a cuckoo dummy, and egg rejection against cuckoo model eggs. Bulbuls used specific nest sites that were further away from forests than those of finchbills, and they behaved more aggressively toward cuckoos than finchbills. In contrast, bulbuls possessed moderate egg rejection ability, while the finchbill rejected 100% of cuckoo model eggs. We suggest that selection of a nest site away from forests by the bulbul explains the absence of parasitism by Himalayan cuckoos. We suggest that these interspecific differences in nest site selection and nest defense indicate alternative responses to selection due to cuckoos.

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