Density-dependent nest predation in waterfowl: the relative importance of nest density versus nest dispersion

When nest predation levels are very high or very low, the absolute range of observable nest success is constrained (a floor/ceiling effect), and it may be more difficult to detect density-dependent nest predation. Density-dependent nest predation may be more detectable in years with moderate predation rates, simply because there can be a greater absolute difference in nest success between sites. To test this, we replicated a predation experiment 10 years after the original study, using both natural and artificial nests, comparing a year when overall rates of nest predation were high (2000) to a year with moderate nest predation (2010). We found no evidence for density-dependent predation on artificial nests in either year, indicating that nest predation is not density-dependent at the spatial scale of our experimental replicates (1-ha patches). Using nearest-neighbor distances as a measure of nest dispersion, we also found little evidence for "dispersion-dependent" predation on artificial nests. However, when we tested for dispersion-dependent predation using natural nests, we found that nest survival increased with shorter nearest-neighbor distances, and that neighboring nests were more likely to share the same nest fate than non-adjacent nests. Thus, at small spatial scales, density-dependence appears to operate in the opposite direction as predicted: closer nearest neighbors are more likely to be successful. We suggest that local nest dispersion, rather than larger-scale measures of nest density per se, may play a more important role in density-dependent nest predation.     

Black-capped vireo nest predator assemblage and predictors for nest predation

Nest predation is a major limiting factor for songbird productivity, including the federally endangered black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla). However, nest predator information is limited across the range of the black-capped vireo in central and southwest Texas. We monitored nests in 3 counties within the breeding range of black-capped vireos in Texas in 2008 and 2009 and used continuous recording digital video cameras to record predation events. We video-monitored 115 nests and documented 39 predation events by at least 9 predator species. Overall, we observed avian species (51%, n = 39), specifically brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater; n = 12), and snakes (26%, n = 39) as the most frequent nest predators. The estimated daily nest survival rate during the laying and incubation stage was 0.985 (95% CI = 0.967–0.993) and 0.944 (95% CI = 0.921–0.961) during the nestling stage. In addition, we analyzed models of predator-specific nest predation using multinomial logistic regression. Effect of nest height on predation rate was significant for snakes; nest stage was significant for nests depredated by avian predators. By identifying and increasing our knowledge of nest predators and vegetation characteristics associated with greater risk of predation in multiple locations within the black-capped vireo's range, we can effectively manage habitat to benefit recovery efforts of the species. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.     

Handling of uncertain nest fates and variation in nest survival estimates

Researchers are moving their attention away from the Mayfield method of estimating nest success to advanced nest survival models that can be implemented within statistical software packages. In spite of this, little attention has been paid to developing formal rules for handling of ambiguous nesting data within these software-based methods. I compared the variation caused by differential handling of data between the hand-calculated Mayfield estimates and those obtained using the constant survival logistic-exposure method. Four variants of each of the two methods were applied to sets of nest records (n = 5,476) of nine open-nesting passerines. Of all nest fates, 57% (unweighted mean across species) were categorized as failed, 29% as successful and 14% as uncertain, according to either age criterion or combination of all fate evidence criteria. Different methods yielded survival estimates that differed as much as 6% over a 25-day nesting cycle. Variation in logistic-exposure survival estimates caused by the four variants of interval coding was higher (range = 4.4%) than variation in the Mayfield estimates (range = 2.7%) caused by the four variants of exposure termination. Researchers are urged to consider different handling of ambiguous nesting data as one of the many possible sources of bias when implementing any method of nest survival analysis.     

Female Black GrouseTetrao tetrix shift nest site after nest loss

Female Black Grouse that lost their nest to predation had a longer breeding dispersal distance between consecutive nests within and between seasons than successful females between seasons. This response might be a tactic to avoid egg predation, because predators may revisit those sites where they have been previously successful. Switching of nesting habitat was not associated with nest fate, suggesting that nest predation risk was not related to habitat type. However, the benefits of switching nest site remained somewhat obscure.

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Zusammenfassung Birkhennen, die ihre Nester durch Nestraub verloren, legten ihre Nester in weiteren Entfernungen zwischen sukzessiven Brutversuchen sowohl innerhalb eines Jahres als auch in Folgejahren an, als erfolgreiche Hennen zwischen den Jahren. Dieses Verhalten kann eine Anpassung sein, Nestraub zu vermeiden, weil Nesträuber möglicherweise dieselben Plätze wieder besuchen, an denen sie Nester gefunden haben. Ein Wechsel des Nisthabitats hatte jedoch nicht mit dem Bruterfolg korreliert, so daß wahrscheinlich kein Zusammenhang zwischen Nestraub und Typus des Nisthabitats besteht. Es konnte nicht eindeutig geklärt werden, ob der Wechsel des Nistplatzes für die Hennen erfolgreich war.

     

Adaptive nest clustering and density‐dependent nest survival in dabbling ducks

Density‐dependent population regulation is observed in many taxa, and understanding the mechanisms that generate density dependence is especially important for the conservation of heavily‐managed species. In one such system, North American waterfowl, density dependence is often observed at continental scales, and nest predation has long been implicated as a key factor driving this pattern. However, despite extensive research on this topic, it remains unclear if and how nest density influences predation rates. Part of this confusion may have arisen because previous studies have studied density‐dependent predation at relatively large spatial and temporal scales. Because the spatial distribution of nests changes throughout the season, which potentially influences predator behavior, nest survival may vary through time at relatively small spatial scales. As such, density‐dependent nest predation might be more detectable at a spatially‐ and temporally‐refined scale and this may provide new insights into nest site selection and predator foraging behavior. Here, we used three years of data on nest survival of two species of waterfowl, mallards and gadwall, to more fully explore the relationship between local nest clustering and nest survival. Throughout the season, we found that the distribution of nests was consistently clustered at small spatial scales (?50–400 m), especially for mallard nests, and that this pattern was robust to yearly variation in nest density and the intensity of predation. We demonstrated further that local nest clustering had positive fitness consequences – nests with closer nearest neighbors were more likely to be successful, a result that is counter to the general assumption that nest predation rates increase with nest density.     

旅游对鸡形目鸟类巢成功率的影响——基于人工巢试验

旅游快速发展对野生动物的繁衍和种群发展造成的影响不容忽视。鸡形目鸟类大多为地面营巢,易受人为活动的影响。为揭示旅游对鸡形目鸟类巢成功率的影响,于2018年3—5月在河南董寨国家级自然保护区采用地面人工巢进行了两轮模拟试验,分析了试验轮次、巢密度、代表旅游活动强度的客流量和车流量,及植被类型、海拔等栖息地影响因子对人工巢成功率的影响。结果显示:客流量和海拔在繁殖成功巢和失败巢之间均存在不同程度的差异,繁殖成功巢的客流量较大、海拔较小,且在客流量较大、海拔较小的区域中人工巢的表观存活率明显较高。其中客流量是影响巢成功率的主导因素。此外,第二轮试验人工巢表观存活率显著低于第一轮试验,捕食者组成在不同试验轮次上也存在明显的差异,第一轮试验主要是鸟类,第二轮试验则是哺乳动物。白颈鸦、貉和野猪在本研究中是对巢威胁最大的捕食者。结果表明旅游活动可能会影响鸡形目鸟类的繁殖。因此建议在开展旅游活动时应综合考虑该区域所分布的野生动物及优先保护政策,注意控制旅游活动强度,以免对野生动物造成不良影响,并加强栖息地的保护。     

Intraseasonal patterns in shorebird nest survival are related to nest age and defence behaviour

Nest survival may vary throughout the breeding season for many bird species, and the nature of this temporal variation can reveal the links between birds, their predators, and other components of the ecosystem. We used program Mark to model patterns in nest survival within the breeding season for shorebirds nesting on arctic tundra. From 2000 to 2007, we monitored 521 nests of five shorebird species and found strong evidence for variation in nest survival within a nesting season. Daily nest survival was lowest in the mid-season in 5 of 8 years, but the timing and magnitude of the lows varied. We found no evidence that this quadratic time effect was driven by seasonal changes in weather or the abundance of predators. Contrary to our prediction, the risk of predation was not greatest when the number of active shorebird nests was highest. Although nest abundance reached a maximum near the middle of the breeding season, a daily index of shorebird nest activity was not supported as a predictor of nest survival in the models. Predators’ access to other diet items, in addition to shorebird nests, may instead determine the temporal patterns of nest predation. Nest survival also displayed a positive, linear relationship with nest age; however, this effect was most pronounced among species with biparental incubation. Among biparental species, parents defended older nests with greater intensity. We did not detect a similar relationship among uniparental species, and conclude that the stronger relationship between nest age and both nest defence and nest survival for biparental species reflects that their nest defence is more effective.     

Assessing nest building in mice

For small rodents, nests are important in heat conservation as well as reproduction and shelter. Nesting is easily measured in the home cages of mice, particularly with the advent of pressed cotton materials. The mice first shred the tightly packed material, then arrange it into a nest. Published studies have often used materials such as hay, twine or tissues, sometimes preshredded, and have assigned scores of the quality of the resulting nest with rather rudimentary rating scales; e.g., 0, no nest; 1, flat nest; 2, nest covering the mouse. The protocol described here uses pressed cotton squares and a definitive 5-point nest-rating scale. Any unshredded material left after a bout of nesting can also be weighed, providing a semi-independent objective assay of nesting ability. Nesting has been shown to be sensitive to brain lesions, pharmacological agents and genetic mutations. This is a simple, cheap and easily done test that, along with other tests of species-typical behavior, is a sensitive assay for identifying previously unknown behavioral phenotypes. The test needs to be done overnight, but it should take no more than 5 minutes to set up plus 1 minute to assess one nest and weigh the untorn residue.     

Assessment of variation of nest survival for grassland birds due to method of nest discovery

Capsule Interpretation of nest survival estimates may be improved by incorporating the search method used to locate nests as a covariate.

Aims To compare annual survival estimates for Dickcissel Spiza americana nests and determine if incorporating search method (structured, opportunistic, or behavioural searches) improved model fit.

Methods Dickcissel nests were located using structured, opportunistic, or behavioural searches over three years (2011–2013) in Mississippi, USA. Models were used to estimate daily survival rates (DSRs) and to analyse factors influencing nest survival.

Results DSRs for Dickcissels were best explained by quadratic date, nest age, age found, and year, but incorporating search method improved model fit. Daily survival was 1.51 times greater for nests located using opportunistic search methods relative to structured searches, but was not significantly different between structured and behavioural searches.

Conclusions Survival estimates varied by search method, specifically between structured searches and opportunistically located nests. This might have arisen because heterogeneity in nest placement or parental behaviour may influence the sample of nests located with a given search method. Researchers may be able to account for this potential source of bias by including search method as a model covariate when using standard survey designs or modelling approaches.     

The different roles of the roof density and nest size in the Iberian magpie nest

Nest volume in magpies is modulated by sexual selection. However, density of material that compounds the nest could also affect sexual signalling, and we may expect that high-quality pairs build larger and denser nests, with these two variables being positively correlated. As found for nest volume, density of nest thatching should be negatively related with laying date, which is indicative of pair quality. Alternatively, these traits could be subjected to different selective pressures and, hence, indicate different qualities. Results of the present study on a population of magpies in the Iberian Peninsula showed no relationship between nest volume and roof density. However, roof density was positively correlated to laying date, so that those nests that are built at later dates tend to have denser roof material. These data support the theory that density of roof material is related to nest predation, as there is a greater risk of predation at the end of the breeding season. Thus, nest volume and roof density could be two independent elements of a magpie’s nest, which have different ecological roles, as they would be subjected to different selection pressures. I suggest that nest size is a predictor of parental quality as has been previously demonstrated, while roof structure (roof density) is related to predation risk.     

Effects of nest paper hydrocarbons on nest and nestmate recognition in colonies ofPolistes metricus say

The role of nest paper hydrocarbons in nest and nestmate recognition for the social waspPolistes metricus was examined. Newly emergedP. metricus workers maintained in the laboratory spent four days alone on a fragment of nest paper that was subjected to one of the following tretments: untreated, extracted with hexane to remove surface hydrocarbons, or extracted with extract reapplied. Test wasps were returned to their natal nest with nestmates and observed for 1 h. Time spent on nest by test wasp and its behaviors were recorded. Wasps exposed to untreated and reapplied nest fragments spent an average of 34.13 and 31.75 min on their nests, respectively, while wasps from extracted fragments averaged 17.19 min. Behavior of wasps exposed to extracted paper differed significantly from wasps exposed to paper with hydrocarbons. These results suggest that exposure to nest paper hydrocarbons is important for both nest and nestmate recognition.     

Artificial nest box use by the North Island saddleback: Effects of nest box design and mite infestations on nest site selection and reproductive success

Abstract

The pests and weeds that can affect conservation values in New Zealand are mostly introduced species, including 31 species of mammals, a small number of birds, a few fish and amphibians, an unknown number of invertebrate species (but particularly two wasps), and at least 75 introduced plants capable of permanently altering native ecosystems.     

Bayesian hierarchical model assessment of nest site and landscape effects on nest survival of aplomado falcons

We investigated potential effects of nest site and landscape scale factors, including anthropogenic disturbance and habitat patchiness, on the nesting success of a reintroduced population of northern aplomado falcons (Falco femoralis septentrionalis) in southern Texas. We monitored 62 nesting attempts during 2002–2004 in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. We developed hierarchical models describing daily nest survival rates (DSR) and compared the models using a Bayesian approach in R and WinBUGS. We considered possible effects of nest age, temporal trends, nest site variables, landscape structure, territory (a random effect), and 3 measures of anthropogenic disturbance: distance to paved road, proximity to power pole, and nocturnal light intensity. Whether evaluated by Deviance Information Criterion (DIC) scores or the models' overall posterior probabilities as estimated with a reversible jump Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm, none of our landscape or disturbance measures affected DSR. Rather, variation in DSR was best described by nest height, overhead cover, and nest source (artificial or natural). These nest site level factors may be manipulated by managers through provision of artificial nests. We recommend that artificial nests continue to be provided, as such nests are highly successful when located on moderately tall substrates, and they permit researchers to access nest contents for population monitoring. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

Parent birds assess nest predation risk: influence of cavity condition and avian nest predator activity

Skutch hypothesized that nest predators visually assess parental activities to locate a prey nest, whereas parents modify fitness‐related traits to reduce the probability of nest predation. We examined how cavity condition and parental activity interact with avian nest predators to shape the nest success of two coexisting parid species, marsh tits Poecile palustris and oriental tits Parus minor, breeding in nest‐boxes during the incubation period. Nest‐boxes were manipulated to create a prolonged risk of nest predation (entrance diameter 2.6 cm control vs 5.5 cm treatment) soon after clutch completion. To measure changes in parental behavior, we also simultaneously simulated a pulsed risk of nest predation, using sound playbacks of a coexisting control bird and an avian nest predator. We found that the parent tits merely responded the pulsed risk, presumably due to an environment with high avian nest predator encounters, compared to the prolonged risk. Instead, both species spent more time on vigilance at the nest, only under prolonged risk conditions. The activity of corvids near the nest‐box was higher in the marsh tit than that in oriental tits. This activity was also higher in the treatment nest box than that in the control nest‐box. Nest predation during the incubation period was higher in marsh tits than in oriental tits, presumably due to higher and more plastic vigilance in oriental tits, compared to marsh tits. Our results highlight that the differences in cavity condition and parental activities at the nests of two coexisting non‐excavators may contribute to differential nest predation by attracting avian nest predators.