scholarly journals Antipredator benefits of nest-site selection in Black-legged Kittiwakes

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (5) ◽  
pp. 910-915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi M Regehr ◽  
Michael S Rodway ◽  
William A Montevecchi
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Central Position ◽  
Nest Density ◽  
Chick Survival ◽  
Rissa Tridactyla ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
The Relationship

We investigated the relationship between nest-site characteristics and breeding performance of Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) on Great Island, Newfoundland, during 2 years of extreme predation pressure. The nest-site feature most consistently associated with egg and chick survival was rock overhang above the nest. The presence of rock projections beside nests was positively correlated with success in 1993, and rock protrusions below the nest were not associated with breeding success in either year. Central position in the colony was positively correlated and nest density negatively correlated with success in 1992. Consistent differences in chick production among colony regions reflected differences in large-scale cliff structure and predator accessibility. This study implicates large- and fine-scale aspects of nest-site selection by Black-legged Kittiwakes, with large-scale cliff structure being the most important.

scholarly journals Relationships Between Black-Legged Kittiwake Nest-Site Characteristics and Susceptibility to Predation by Large Gulls

The Condor ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 103 (4) ◽  
pp. 793-801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Massaro ◽  
John W. Chardine ◽  
Ian L. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Density ◽  
Nest Location ◽  
Rissa Tridactyla ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Risk Of Predation ◽  
Breeding Failure ◽  
Larus Marinus ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract We quantified the relationship between Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) nest-site characteristics and risk of predation by Great Black-backed (Larus marinus) and Herring (L. argentatus) Gulls at Gull Island, Newfoundland, Canada, during 1998 and 1999. We monitored kittiwake nesting cliffs to identify nest sites attacked by large gulls and compared characteristics of attacked and successful nests among four study plots. We also examined which nest sites were attacked by Herring or Great Black-backed Gulls during calm (≤10 km hr−1) or windy conditions (>10 km hr−1). We found that kittiwake nests on plots with fewer nests were more likely to be attacked by gulls and less likely to fledge young. Nest density and nest location relative to the cliffs' upper edges significantly affected the risk of gull predation. Breeding success was correlated with nest density and ledge width and differed significantly among plots. Regardless of wind conditions both gull species were more likely to attack nests located on upper sections of cliffs than nests on lower sections. However, during calm conditions, nest sites located on narrow ledges were less likely to be attacked by Great Black-backed Gulls. Our results demonstrate that for kittiwake colonies where predation is an important source of breeding failure, the size of subcolonies and nest density affect the survival of kittiwake offspring. Relación entre las Características de los Sitios de Nidificación de Rissa tridactyla y la Susceptibilidad a la Depredación por parte de Gaviotas Resumen. Cuantificamos la relación entre las características de los sitios de nidificación de Rissa tridactyla y el riesgo de depredación por parte de Larus marinus y L. argentatus en la Isla Gull, Newfoundland, Canadá, durante 1998 y 1999. Con el objetivo de identificar los nidos atacados por gaviotas de gran tamaño, monitoreamos acantilados de nidificación de R. tridactyla en cuatro localidades de estudio y comparamos las características de los nidos atacados y exitosos. También examinamos qué nidos fueron atacados por L. marinus o por L. argentatus durante condiciones de viento calmo (≤10 km hr−1) o ventosas (>10 km hr−1). Encontramos que los nidos de R. tridactyla ubicados en localidades con menor número de nidos tuvieron mayor probabilidad de ser atacados y menor probabilidad de criar volantones. Tanto la densidad como la ubicación de los nidos en relación al vértice superior del acantilado afectaron significativamente el riesgo de depredación por gaviotas. El éxito de cría se diferenció significativamente entre localidades y se correlacionó con la densidad de nidos y con el ancho de la plataforma. Independientemente de la velocidad del viento, las dos especies de gaviotas atacaron con mayor probabilidad a los nidos ubicados en las secciones superiores del acantilado que en las secciones inferiores. Sin embargo, durante condiciones de viento calmo, los nidos localizados en plataformas angostas presentaron una menor probabilidad de ser atacados por L. marinus. Nuestros resultados demuestran que para colonias de R. tridactyla en las cuales la depredación de nidos es un factor importante en el fracaso reproductivo, el tamaño de las subcolonias y la densidad de nidos afecta la supervivencia de la progenie de R. tridactyla.

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.

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 nest design of Iberian bullfinches Pyrrhula pyrrhula iberiae in northwestern Spain

2021 ◽  
pp. 175815592110375
Author(s):  
Ángel Hernández ◽  
Pilar Zaldívar
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Nest Habitat ◽  
Northwestern Spain ◽  
Nest Design ◽  
First Time

Nest-habitat selection and nest design in a Eurasian bullfinch population in the Iberian Peninsula are thoroughly addressed in this study for the first time. Hedgerows and meadows were found around all of the nests and most of them were supported by hedgerows, so bullfinches consistently used the general woody vegetation available as reproduction habitat and site. Also, poplar plantations appeared preferentially in the immediate surroundings of the nests. Partly reflecting these results, bullfinches chose zones with greater shrub and tree cover than that available. Bullfinches placed their nests on a wide variety of plant species, but showed predilection for thorny species. Overall mean height of nests above the ground was 1.43 m and large-sized shrubs/trees were preferred. The most predominant bullfinch nest orientations were S, E and centered, which arguably provided thermal benefits and protected from severe weather. In general, there were no significant temporal variations in nest-site selection. With the exception of thorny support and favourable orientation, acting jointly, there was no significant association between nest-site characteristics and nesting success, presumably because many nests were already located in the most advantageous places at each time, and because despite this, predation pressure was high. Nest external dimensions were relatively variable, whereas internal width was the least variable nest dimension. No significant monthly or interannual variations in nest weight were observed. Larger nests did not hold larger clutches. Successful nests were larger than unsuccessful ones. The bullfinch nests were of simple construction, with two clearly different regions, the outer nest and the internal cup, with no significant temporal variations in the weight of either. The outer, structural nest consisted mainly of twigs, whereas roots and herbaceous shoots were the highest fractions lining the cup. Hair was the only animal-derived material used by bullfinches.

scholarly journals Greater Scaup, Aythya marila, Nest Site Characteristics on Grassy Island, New Brunswick

2012 ◽  
Vol 126 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Jon T. McRoberts ◽  
Nicole T. Quintana ◽  
W. Andrew Smith ◽  
Warren B. Ballard ◽  
F. Patrick Kehoe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Ecological Understanding ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Nesting Sites

We studied Greater Scaup (Aythya marilla) nest site selection on Grassy Island, New Brunswick, during 1995 and 1996 by describing site selection in relation to habitat characteristics and association with larids using univariate comparisons. We pooled nesting data from both years and found that nesting sites were significantly closer to larid colonies and the edge of the patch of vegetation in which the nests were situated, had less forb canopy cover, more sedge cover, greater overhead concealment and lateral cover at 0–0.25 m, and less ground moisture than random sites. We evaluated Greater Scaup nests delimited as close to or far from larid colonies at 30 m and documented that nests closer to larid colonies were found in shorter vegetation that was closer to the edge of the patch of vegetation with less lateral cover at 0.25–0.5 m, but had greater overhead concealment than nests farther away. Advancements in the ecological understanding of the species, including habitat use patterns and species associations, will increase the likelihood of conservation successes.

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.

scholarly journals Large-scale investment in the excavation and “camouflaging” phases by nesting Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea)

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (6) ◽  
pp. 443-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Burns ◽  
Hannah Davidson ◽  
Malcolm W. Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Dermochelys Coriacea ◽  
Leatherback Turtles ◽  
Scattering Phase ◽  
Nesting Season

Nesting female Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761)) are ungainly and vulnerable to predation, stranding, and physiological stress, dangers encountered repeatedly in a nesting season. Minimising these risks must be balanced against optimising investment in nest-site selection, excavation, refilling, and concealment of their egg clutches. We investigated the relative investment in the different phases of nesting in Leatherback Turtles by recording the duration of, and respiratory frequency during, each phase. Nest excavation and the final sand scattering (usually termed “camouflage” or “disguise”) phases were the longest in duration. By combining the relative durations of nesting phases with literature estimates of oxygen consumption, we found that these may be the most expensive phases energetically, sand scattering in particular. Leatherback Turtles follow convoluted paths during the sand scattering phase, which were mapped and measured. They disturb large areas (mean (±SD) 30.3 ± 11.1 m2, maximum 57 m2), the centroids of which were always offset from the nest itself. Interestingly, in none of 26 nestings observed did the centre line of females move over the nest itself. Nesting Leatherbacks therefore invest heavily in obscuring the egg clutch, and the pattern of their movements in doing so suggests decoy behaviour.

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.

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