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.

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.

scholarly journals The importance of scale-dependent ravine characteristics on breeding-site selection by the Burrowing Parrot, Cyanoliseus patagonus

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam Ramirez-Herranz ◽  
Rodrigo S. Rios ◽  
Renzo Vargas-Rodriguez ◽  
Jose-Enrique Novoa-Jerez ◽  
Francisco A. Squeo
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Patch Selection ◽  
Nest Selection ◽  
Nesting Sites

In birds, the environmental variables and intrinsic characteristics of the nest have important fitness consequences through its influence on the selection of nesting sites. However, the extent to which these variables interact with variables that operate at the landscape scale, and whether there is a hierarchy among the different scales that influences nest-site selection, is unknown. This interaction could be crucial in burrowing birds, which depend heavily on the availability of suitable nesting locations. One representative of this group is the burrowing parrot, Cyanoliseus patagonus that breeds on specific ravines and forms large breeding colonies. At a particular site, breeding aggregations require the concentration of adequate environmental elements for cavity nesting, which are provided by within ravine characteristics. Therefore, intrinsic ravine characteristics should be more important in determining nest site selection compared to landscape level characteristics. Here, we assess this hypothesis by comparing the importance of ravine characteristics operating at different scales on nest-site selection and their interrelation with reproductive success. We quantified 12 characteristics of 105 ravines in their reproductive habitat. For each ravine we quantified morphological variables, distance to resources and disturbance as well as nest number and egg production in order to compare selected and non-selected ravines and determine the interrelationship among variables in explaining ravine differences. In addition, the number of nests and egg production for each reproductive ravine was related to ravine characteristics to assess their relation to reproductive success. We found significant differences between non-reproductive and reproductive ravines in both intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics. The multidimensional environmental gradient of variation between ravines, however, shows that differences are mainly related to intrinsic morphological characteristics followed by extrinsic variables associated to human disturbance. Likewise, within reproductive ravines, intrinsic characteristics are more strongly related to the number of nests. The probability of producing eggs, however, was related only to distance to roads and human settlements. Patterns suggest that C. patagonus mainly selects nesting sites based on intrinsic morphological characteristics of ravines. Scale differences in the importance of ravine characteristics could be a consequence of the particular orography of the breeding habitat. The arrangement of resources is associated to the location of the gullies rather than to individual ravines, determining the spatial availability and disposition of resources and disturbances. Thus, nest selection is influenced by intrinsic characteristics that maximize the fitness of individuals. Scaling in nest-selection is discussed under an optimality approach that partitions patch selection based on foraging theory.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Nest records, Nest Site selection of Gyps bengalensis White-rumped Vulture and the role of Feeding Station in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Archi Sehgal ◽  
Krishan Kumar ◽  
Rubina Rajan ◽  
Upmanyu Hore
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Radial Distance ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Feeding Station ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Gyps Bengalensis

AbstractActive nests of Gyps bengalensis White-rumped Vulture depends on elevation and aspects for nest site selection, while feeding station plays a significant role for determining the position of the nesting sites.This study attempted to record nest count for the breeding period 2018, identify key variables for the nest site selection and understand the role of feeding station in the nest site selection. Nest counts were conducted during the breeding period, each nest was categorized into active and inactive nest based on assesment of different components. Simultaneously, different variables (tree height, tree species, elevation and aspect) were recorded for each nest. Aerial distance was used to determine the role of feeding station for selecting the nesting sites. From the 24 nesting sites, 352 active nests were recorded, and a significant Pearson’s correlation for elevation and aspect were drawn. We found, vulture prefer single tree species for nesting. We also found that, 71% (n = 17) nesting sites located within radial distance of 20 km of the feeding station. High congregration of active nests within short radial distance from feeding station, signify the positive impact of management of feeding station by the wildlife wing of Forest department since 2008, for the ex-situ conservation of critically endangered Gyps bengalensis White-rumped Vulture

scholarly journals Population Size And Nest Site Selection Of The Spanish Sparrow Passer Hispaniolensis In The Region Of The River Krka (Croatia)

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-10
Author(s):  
Jasmina Mužinić ◽  
Dragica Purger ◽  
Jenő J. Purger
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
National Park ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Platanus Occidentalis ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
New Localities ◽  
Good Access ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract The breeding range of the Spanish sparrow, Passer hispaniolensis, in Croatia is rapidly expanding. We studied the size of the nesting population and selection of nest site in an area partially included in the Krka National Park. Our results confirm that between 2004 and 2007 in the wider area of the Krka National Park the Spanish sparrow had occupied new localities, and that the number of 160 pairs recorded in 2003 had more than doubled (300–350) by 2007. In the study area, Spanish sparrows nest most commonly in the canopies of introduced planted trees (e.g. Morus alba, Platanus occidentalis, Populus nigra cv. italica). This strategy, with a good access to and diversity of potential nesting sites, enables a further expansion of the species.

scholarly journals Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and starling (Sturnus vulgaris) syntopics in a Mediterranean urban park: evidence for competition in nest-site selection?

2020 ◽  
Vol 144 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Dodaro ◽  
Corrado Battisti
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Sturnus Vulgaris ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Urban Park ◽  
Psittacula Krameri ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Nest Height ◽  
Ornamental Trees

Introduced species may compete with indigenous ones, e.g. for space resources, but evidence for syntopic cavity-nester birds is limited, at least for Mediterranean urban parks. In this work we report data on nest-site habitat use, availability and selection in two species: the introduced rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and the autochthonous starling (Sturnus vulgaris) nesting in ornamental tree (Cedrus libanotica) patches occurring in an historical urban park (Rome, central Italy). In particular, in our study we hypothesize that parakeets negatively affect starling nest-site selection. On 55 trees, we detected 73 available holes for nesting (38.4 % of which hosted nests: 9 of rose-ringed parakeet, 16 of starling, 3 of house sparrow). Birds utilized for nesting only a limited number ( 20%) of the ornamental trees (all larger than 80 cm in diameter). Compared to the total number of available trees, nesting trees had a significantly larger diameter at breast height. We observed a shift in the frequency distribution of nest hole height classes between starlings and parakeets suggesting competition for nesting sites between these two species. Starlings located their nests significantly lower than did rose-ringed parakeets, resulting in a higher specialization for starlings (as measured by the Feinsinger index) than for rose-ringed parakeets. The analysis of co-occurrence highlights a spatial segregation in nest holes. We argue that these differences in preferred nest height are indicative of parakeet dominance over starlings in cavity selection for nesting.

scholarly journals Selective interspecific information use in the nest choice of solitary bees

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olli J. Loukola ◽  
Elia Gatto ◽  
Ana C. Híjar-Islas ◽  
Lars Chittka
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Species Coexistence ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Information Use ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Solitary Bees ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Nest Choice ◽  
Ideal System ◽  
In The Wild

Abstract Most of the studies on learning in bees have focused on the foraging context; we know little about the preferences and cognitive processes in nest-site selection, especially in solitary bees. The majority of the bee species are solitary and in contrast to eusocial bees, solitary bees’ cognition and social information use have remained largely unstudied. Solitary cavity-nesting mason bees (Osmia spp.) are an ideal system to study interspecific information use in nest choice in the wild as many species share similar nesting requirements. Here, we show that the blue mason bee (O. caerulescens) and the orange-vented mason bee (O. leaiana) examine hallmarks of parasitization of the nests of red mason bees (O. bicornis) before deciding where to establish their own nests. They were also presented with contextual cues (geometric symbols) that could be linked to parasitization by observational learning. Subjects subsequently had the choice of nesting in a nest site marked by the symbol that matched, or did not match, the one seen at the parasitized or healthy nest. We show that the bees copied and rejected the symbol of the examined nest manipulated to exhibit successful and unsuccessful nesting, respectively. We conclude that solitary bees use interspecific information in their nest-site selection. In contrast with current theories of species coexistence, niche overlap between species may dynamically change depending on the observed success of surrounding individuals.

Nest-site selection and the factors influencing hatching success and offspring phenotype in a nocturnal skink

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
David G. Chapple ◽  
Susan N. Keall ◽  
Charles H. Daugherty ◽  
Kelly M. Hare
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Hatching Success ◽  
Incubation Temperature ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Nest Location ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Nest Site Choice ◽  
Incubation Temperatures ◽  
The Impact

Nest-site selection in ectothermic animals influences hatching success and offspring phenotype, and it is predicted that females should choose nesting sites that maximise their reproductive fitness, ultimately through the reproductive success of their offspring. We completed nest-site choice experiments on a nocturnal lizard, the egg-laying skink (Oligosoma suteri), to determine whether eggs (and subsequent hatchlings) from cooler nests do better at cooler incubation temperatures, and conversely if those laid in warmer nests perform better at warmer incubation temperatures. We provided a simple nest-choice experiment, with oviposition-retreat sites available in either a hot or a cool sector of the enclosure; in the wild females nest under objects. Female O. suteri laid eggs both during the day and night, and nested more in the hot than cool sector. Eggs from each clutch were split across three egg incubation temperatures (18°C, 22°C, 26°C) to decouple the impact of initial nest-site choice from the subsequent incubation temperature regime. Whether eggs were initially laid in the hot or cool sector was not related to hatching success, offspring phenotype or offspring locomotor performance. We conclude that offspring phenotype and performance is primarily influenced by the temperature during incubation, rather than the initial thermal environment of the nest location. Thus, female O. suteri may select warmer nesting sites to ensure higher incubation temperature and enhanced offspring fitness.

VIEWING HABITAT THROUGH ANOTHER LENS: BIRD NEST-SITE SELECTION AND PRODUCTIVITY ACROSS A BEACH THERMAL LANDSCAPE

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Schaale ◽  
◽  
Joseph Baxley ◽  
Narcisa Pricope ◽  
Raymond M. Danner
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Bird Nest
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