Nest desertion by Grey Fantails during nest building in response to perceived predation risk

ABSTRACT Grey Fantails (Rhipidura albiscapa), a common Australian flycatcher, commonly desert their nests before egg‐laying. We tested the hypothesis that Grey Fantails desert incomplete nests in response to the attention of predators by placing a mounted Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina), a common nest predator, near fantail nests that were under construction. As a control, we placed a mounted King Parrot (Alisteris scapularis), a nonpredatory bird similar in size to Pied Currawongs, near other fantail nests. Four of six female fantails (67%) deserted incomplete nests in response to the presentation of the Pied Currawong. In contrast, none of the seven females presented with a mounted King Parrot deserted. Female Grey Fantails may use the attention of a predator at the nest during the building stage as a cue to desert. Such desertion may be adaptive for Grey Fantails because currawongs are large predators, making successful nest defense unlikely, and they also present considerable risk to adults. In addition, fantails may raise multiple broods during a breeding season and, therefore, have a high renesting potential.     

SOCIAL ORGANIZATION AND NEST-BUILDING IN THE FOREST WEAVER BIRDS OF THE GENUS MALIMBUS (PLOCEINAE)

A comparative study was made of social organization during breeding among the genus Malimbus. In M. nitens, the male chooses the nest site, builds the nest alone, guards the nest during incubation, and feeds the young; the female incubates, broods alone and with the male feeds the young. In M. malimbicus, the male chooses the nest site, builds the nest with the female and guards the nest; the female builds the nest with the male, but incubates alone. In M. racheliae and M. cassini, the nest is built by one female and a multi-male party of two or three. One male drives off the other males when the nest is completed. One male and one female incubate alternately. The female seems to be the leader of the building group, and works like a male. In M. coronatus, the nest is built by a mixed party of males and females (3–6 birds), all working together without any overt leadership. Only one male and one female however, incubate, brood and feed the young. In their morphology and behaviour, Malimbus spp. are close to the weaver birds of the genus Ploceus. M. nitens seems the least evolved species while M. cassini and M. coronatus are behaviourally the most evolved. In the last species, which has a very elaborate nest, the pair of breeding birds is helped by one to four other birds. These helpers are birds in full adult plumage, and are probably capable of breeding and may do so at another period in the long breeding season of at least six months.     

Diet composition influences annual breeding success of Montagu's Harriers Circus pygargus feeding on diverse prey

Capsule Three similarly sized passerine species with various breeding strategies behaved differently in the presence of models of mammalian and avian predators.

Aims We tested whether solitary breeders behave in the presence of a predator in order to avoid disclosing their nest site in: hole-nesting Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca, shrub-nesting Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla and ground-nesting Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis.

Methods The behaviour of parents in response to two types of predator model (visually oriented Corvid birds and olfactory oriented Mustelid mammals) placed sequentially at 40, 5 and 1 m distance from the nest was recorded from a shelter.

Results The hypothesis was supported in open-nesting species (Meadow Pipit and Blackcap), as parents did not approach the nest in the presence of a predator. In the hole-nesting Pied Flycatcher the parents disclosed the nest site in most cases (by entering the nest). The intensity of alarm calling increased with decreasing distance of a predator from the nest in all species except Meadow Pipit in the presence of Raven Corvus corax models. The intensity of attacking changed only in Meadow Pipit with decreasing distance of Stoat Mustela erminea from the nest.

Conclusion The results showed that anti-predator behaviour was species-specific, depending on type of predator, habitat and nest inaccessibility.     

Food niche segregation between the Malachite Kingfisher,Alcedo cristata,and the Pied Kingfisher,Ceryle rudis,at Lake Nokoué, Bénin

Several species of kingfisher occur on Lake Nokoué, southern Bénin, including Malachite (Alcedo cristata) and Pied Kingfishers (Ceryle rudis). Here, we compare their diet and estimate the degree of overlap in food niche by analysing contents of regurgitated pellets collected near nesting sites of Pied Kingfishers or inside the nest chambers of Malachite Kingfishers. Characteristic fish skull bones were identified using a reference collection of local fish skeletons. Malachite Kingfishers feed most frequently on fish that occur around floating vegetation, mainly Kribia sp. (56%), Hemichromis fasciatus (28%) and Sarotherodon melanotheron (8%). Important differences were found between different pairs, and between adults and nestlings, the latter being fed almost exclusively on Kribia sp. Larger fish are fed to nestlings than are eaten by the adults. Pied Kingfishers prey upon 14 different fish species, some of them being caught in the pelagic region of the lake, particularly clupeids taken by hovering. By comparison with Malachite Kingfishers, Pied Kingfishers feed on a wider diversity of prey, and take larger fish, so that the dietary overlap between the species is relatively low (O = 0.181).     

THE AFRICAN SKIMMER RHYNCHOPS FLAVIROSTRIS: POPULATION COUNTS AND BREEDING IN THE NSEFU GAME RESERVE

Craig, A. J. F. K., Hulley, P. E. &; Walter, G. H. 1989. Nesting of sympatric Redwinged and Pale-winged Starlings. Ostrich 60:69-74.

Observations were made over four breeding seasons at Cradock, South Africa, where Redwinged Starlings Onychognathus morio and Palewinged Starlings O. nabouroup nest on the same cliffs. Nests were not accessible, and the stage of breeding was determined by the behaviour of the birds. Both species reuse the same nest sites, and only the females incubate, but both sexes feed the young. The timing of breedingMaybe more variable in the Palewinged Starling. A review of the available data on nest site selection and nest construction shows apparent species-specific differences: Redwinged Starlings usually nest on ledges, often on buildings, and use mud in the nest base; Palewinged Starlings favour vertical crevices, and do not use mud.     

Nestbox orientation: a species-specific influence on occupation and breeding success in woodland passerines

Capsule Nestbox orientation has species-specific influences on nestbox occupation and breeding success for woodland passerines.

Aims To determine if nestbox orientation had an influence upon nestbox selection or breeding success for three co-occurring woodland passerines.

Methods We analysed 15 consecutive years of breeding data (1990–2004) from 295 nestboxes in the UK using circular statistical analyses to examine the influence of orientation upon nestbox occupation and breeding success for three species, Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus, Great Tit Parus major and Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca.

Results The three species used nestboxes of all orientations during the 15-year period. The frequency of nestbox occupation by Great Tits correlated with orientation (the mean number of nests in boxes oriented south-southwest was lower than the mean number of nests in boxes facing other directions). There was no such relationship for Blue Tits or Pied Flycatchers. Nestbox orientation influenced the breeding success of Pied Flycatcher (the mean number of young to fledge from boxes oriented south-southwest was lower than from boxes facing other directions). There was no such relationship for Blue or Great Tits.

Conclusion Nestbox orientation can be an important influence on occupation and breeding success, but this differed between species. Intriguingly, although the directionality reduced nestbox occupation (Great Tit) and breeding success (Pied Flycatcher) was the same (south-southwest), there was a disparity in the influence of orientation for Great Tit (orientation influenced the frequency of occupation but not success) and Pied Flycatcher (orientation did not influence occupation but did affect success). We discuss these disparities, considering the possible influences of mating strategy, breeding phenology, nestbox microclimate and offspring quality.     

Gemeinsame Aufzucht von fünf jungen Tannenmeisen (Parus ater) durch Trauerschn?pper (Ficedula hypoleuca) und Tannenmeisen

Summary A female Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) built over a Coal Tits' (Parus ater) nest containing five chicks. Nevertheless, the nestlings survived on account of their parents' feedings, and because they were probably lifted up in the nest-box sitting on top of the material brought into the box by the flycatcher-. After nest-completion the Pied Flycatcher- layed four eggs, but refused breeding. Instead, and probably due to the intense begging of the five Coal Tit chicks, the Flycatcher-pair immediatly started to rear its young. Based on the good care the chicks were given by their parents and foster-parents they came along nicely and fledged some days later.     

OBSERVATIONS ON THE BREEDING OF THE PIED CROW AND GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Mundy. P. J. & Cook, A. W. 1977. Observations on the breeding of the Pied Crow and Great Spotted Cuckoo in northern Nigeria. Ostrich 48:72-84.

The breeding cycle of the Pied Crow Corvus albus was studied in 1971. The birds bred in the wet season and all of 23 pairs were single-brooded. They appeared to nest territorially, and mostly close to human habitations. Average clutch size was 4.8 eggs and the greenish eggs were either pale and lightly marked, or darker and heavily marked. The average incubation and fledging periods were 181/2 and 38 days respectively. Chicks hatched asynchronously. Five crow nests were found parasitised by the Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius and it appeared that only one hen cuckoo was responsible. The cuckoo apparently did not remove, or even crack, host eggs. One instance of an adult cuckoo feeding a juvenile was seen. In terms of growth increments a cuckoo chick substituted for one-half a crow chick but developed faster and fledged in nearly one-half the time. The cuckoo reduced host breeding success practically to zero apparently by indirect means, which contrasts with its situation in Europe.     

6. GENERAL NOTES

Stutterheim, C. J. 1982. Breeding biology of the Redbilled Oxpecker in the Kruger National Park. Ostrich 53:99-90.

The nest of the Redbilled Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus in the Kruger National Park is a natural hole in a tree where no excavation is required. No evidence of a territorial system WBS observed and only the nesting tree is defended. Mammal hair, dung, grass and rootlets are used for nesting material. The average clutch size was 2.8 eggs with a mean incubation period of 12,6 days. The average nestling period was 30 days. The Redbilled Oxpecker can raise three broods in a season of 176 days such as in the 1973/74 breeding season. The activity area of one breeding group was 7,0 km². The breeding unit consists of two to five birds with helpers of both sexes. All the birds in a group help to select a nest site, build the nest and feed the young. Only one male and one female participate in incubation. Post-hatching development was studied in 13 chicks.     

THE SOCIABLE WEAVER,PART 4: PREDATORS,PARASITES AND SYMBIONTS

Maclean, G. L. 1973. The Sociable Weaver, Part 4: Predators, parasites and symbionts. Ostrich 44: 241–253.

The main nest predator of the Sociable Weaver in the Kalahari sandveld is the Cape Cobra Nala nivea. This snake causes great losses of eggs and chicks; one cobra may eat the contents of an entire nest mass at one feed. Another nest predator which causes smaller losses of eggs and chicks but great destruction to the nest masses is the Honey Badger Mellivora capensis. These are the only two nest predators on the Sociable Weaver in the study area. Predators on adult Sociable Weavers include several birds of prey and some small carnivorous mammals.

Adult Sociable Weavers have few ectoparasites and hardly any Mallophaga. A common ectoparasite on the legs of chicks is a blood-sucking Dermestes larva, which appears not to be harmful. The only endoparasite found was the nematode, Diplotriaena ozouxi, which infected the abdominal air sacs of the adults.

The nest material of the Sociable Weavers' communal nest masses was inhabited by a wealth of invertebrate animals and a few harmless reptiles such as skinks and geckos.

Some of the chambers in a Sociable Weaver nest mass may be taken over by other species of birds. Most of these, such as Redheaded Finches Amadina erythrocephala, use the chambers for breeding purposes only, but the most important avian symbiont, the Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus, is a permanent resident in the chambers. The presence of Pygmy Falcons is resented by the weavers but the falcons may help to keep snakes away from the nest mass. Adult Sociable Weavers are not normally preyed on by Pygmy Falcons, although the falcons may occasionally take young weavers in the nest chambers.

The tops of the nest masses may be used as nest sites by the Giant Eagle Owl Bubo lacteus. Barn Owls Tyto alba may use cavities in the superstructure of nest masses for roosting in. Neither of these owls appeared to prey on the weavers.     

Predation risk affects the levels of maternal immune factors in avian eggs

Predation risk is an environmental stressor that can induce changes in prey behavior and physiology. Perception of predation risk may indirectly affect offspring traits and future fitness prospects via impacts on the condition of parents. Females may influence the survival of their offspring via maternal effects, especially when breeding in stressful conditions. We investigated the effects of continuous predation risk perceived by mothers on the maternal allocation of immune factors and carotenoids in eggs of the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca. We collected eggs from wild pied flycatchers that bred in the vicinity of a predator nest (pygmy owl Glaucidium passerinum), were exposed to cues of a mammalian nest predator (urine of least weasel Mustela nivalis), or received appropriate controls for these two groups. Pied flycatchers transferred more immunoglobulin in eggs under high predation risk in both owl and mammalian predator treatments. The presence of owl nests also lowered the level of lysozyme transferred in the eggs in one of the two study years. Predation risk did not modify egg size or overall carotenoid levels. Our results show that continuous predation risk perceived by females during egg‐laying affects egg composition. This different allocation of maternal immune factors may be an adaptive response evolved to increase the probability of offspring survival.     

Differential Begging and Locomotory Behaviour by Early and Late Hatched Nestlings Affecting the Distribution of Food in Asynchronously Hatched Broods of Altricial Birds

Distribution of food to early and late hatched nestlings was studied in asynchronously hatched broods of the great tit Parus major, the blackbird Turdus merula, and the fieldfare T. pilaris. Food distribution is related to the locomotory and begging behaviour and positions in the nest of these nestlings. Late hatched (small) nestlings were found to beg more often per feed than bigger nestlings and move more towards favoured positions in the nest to counteract selective feeding of bigger young. The functional significance of these differences in the behaviour of early and late hatched nestlings are discussed. It is argued that they are adaptive by 1) ensuring that each nestling survives when food supplies are ample, and 2) by mediating an optimal brood reduction when food is insufficient to raise the entire brood. The roles of asynchronous hatching, and selective feeding which follows from differential behaviour of early and late hatched young are discussed in relation to food conditions during the breeding season.     

Advanced breeding dates in relation to recent climate warming in a Mediterranean montane population of Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus

Trends in the onset of breeding, clutch size and numbers of hatchlings and fledglings are examined for a Mediterranean montane population of Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) subject to recent warming in springtime monitored during 20 years. Blue Tits advanced their breeding dates in relation to mean air temperatures in April and, as a consequence, laid larger clutches. However, increases in the numbers of hatchlings and fledged young over time were not statistically significant after accounting for variables of influence. The entire breeding season seems to have been displaced towards earlier dates by adjusting breeding time to increased temperatures in prebreeding time, to which Blue Tits have been more responsive than Pied Flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) in the same area. The alternative hypothesis, that interference competition with Pied Flycatchers for nestboxes and caterpillars, the main common food base of nestlings, has been the driving force behind the advancement of laying of the Blue Tit population, was not supported. However, the significant advance of breeding dates in Blue Tits has not been sufficient to overcome the precipitous decline in reproductive fitness with the advancement of the season.     

笼养条件下冠斑犀鸟合作繁殖行为

在2003~2005年,每年的2~10月,通过对南宁动物园犀鸟园一窝处于繁殖中的冠斑犀鸟(Anthracoceros albirostris)生殖合作的观察。结果发现,冠斑犀鸟的生殖合作行为属于“巢中帮手”类型。帮手鸟的介入方式是通过食物传递为纽带,从接触雄亲鸟为起点,帮助雄亲鸟运送食物、哺育和护巢。它们之间无亲缘关系,合作是一种互惠合作式的利它行为。帮手的存在主要是性比率失调。     

BREEDING BEHAVIOUR OF OSPREYS PANDION HALIAETUS IN SCOTLAND

Ospreys Pandion haliaetus nested at a site near Loch Garten, Inverness-shire continuously from 1959 to 1973. Each year the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has organized a continuous watch on the eyrie in the breeding season. The detailed records kept of the activities of Ospreys at the nest by those participating in the watch were analysed and the results presented here. Ospreys are migratory and arrived in the breeding area in early April. Nesting material was usually added to an existing eyrie platform. The male collected more material than the female. The female lined the nest cup. The extent of nest building activity and the frequencies of mating and other activities prior to laying varied markedly from year to year. These differences may have been related to changes in the identity of the nesting female, but the birds were not individually marked. Both sexes incubated but the female took the greater share and normally incubated at night. When the young hatched they were brooded by the female. The female stayed in the vicinity of the nest for most of the time until the young fledged at about 53 days old. The male Osprey caught almost all the fish eaten by his mate and young during the breeding season. The number of fish caught per day increased markedly after the young hatched. Pike Esox lucius and Trout Salmo trutta were the main species taken, and some Rainbow Trout Salmo gairdnerii were identified. There were seasonal and diurnal changes in the size and the species composition of the catch. The effects of weather conditions on hunting are examined. The occurrence of Ospreys other than the resident birds at the nest site is described. The behaviour of another pair of Ospreys which repeatedly failed to hatch eggs is described. There was an instance of egg eating in this pair, and some differences in behaviour were found between these birds and those at Loch Garten whose breeding success was good. The breeding biology of Ospreys is compared with that of other British diurnal birds of prey. In other species the female leaves the young unguarded at some stage in the nestling period and hunts food for them, whereas female Ospreys do not usually hunt in the nesting period.     

Distribution and reproductive success of the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca in relation to forest patch size and vegetation characteristics; the effect of scale

We studied habitat choice, distribution and reproductive success in the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca in relation to the spatial structure of a fragmented forest area. Two hierarchical levels of forest habitat structure were used: (1) forest patch size (macrohabitat) and (2) vegetative structure within forest patches (microhabitat). In spring, both males and females settled preferentially in large and medium-sized forest stands (>1 ha) where breeding density was also higher than in small stands (<1 ha). Stands <5 ha were occupied later, and the proportion of unpaired males was higher there than in large stands (>5 ha). The known age distributions of breeding birds and breeding success were independent of forest patch size. Nest predation rate was not associated with stand size or nest distance from the forest edge. The preference of breeding birds for large forest patches was presumably related to the higher amount of resources (nest sites, mates, food) a large patch can offer for reproduction compared with a small patch. At the microhabitat level, territories of old males were characterized by relatively more deciduous trees that contained more invertebrate food than coniferous tree-dominated territories of yearling males. The reproductive success of old males, as measured by the number of fledged young per male, was higher than that of yearling males. This suggests that the larger body size and blacker plumage of old males possibly contributed to male dominance and that old males excluded younger males from preferred habitats through territorial behaviour. Our results suggest that habitat choice of the Pied Flycatcher was affected by both micro- and macrohabitat. On the basis of settlement pattern, density and reproductive success, the distribution of Pied Flycatchers across forest stands of different sizes followed the ideal-free distribution model, whereas at the microhabitat level, age-related unequal distribution of males followed the ideal-despotic model of Fretwell and Lucas.     

6. ANOTHER NOTE ON SAROTHRURA ELEGANS

Summary

Dowsett-Lemaire, F. 1983. Studies of a breeding population of Waller's Redwinged Starlings in montane forests of south-central Africa. Ostrich. 54:105-112.

The breeding biology and behaviour of Waller's Redwinged Starling Onychognuthus walleri was studied for two seasons in forest patches on the Nyika Plateau, 2 200 m ad. (Mala?i-Zambia). In general behaviour (e.g. strong pair bond, fidelity to the nest site), O. walleri resembles other species of the genus. Twenty-six egg-laying records are from late August to mid-November (i.e. end of dry season to early rains). Suitable nest sites (natural holes in trees) seem to be in short supply, and the non-breeding population is far in excess of the breeding one. Incubation periods lasted 13 days (2) to 16 days (1). One nestling period was 29 days. Insects are more important than fruits in the diet of nestlings. Annual breeding productivity is low (0,5-0,6 young/breeding pair) because of heavy nest predation, and at tunes insect-food shortages leading to starvation of young. There were few re-laying attempts, and only one abnormal attempt at a second brood.

Two other congeneric species, the Slenderbilled Redwinged Starling O. tenuirostris and the African Redwinged Starling O. morio also breed on the Nyika. Notes on their feeding habits, numbers and nest sites are given. One nest site of O. tenuirostris on a wet rock face by waterfalls was taken over by O. morio in the following season.     

Plural Breeding in the Splendid Fairy-wren,Malurus splendens (Aves: Maluridae), a Cooperative Breeder

Groups of the cooperatively breeding splendid fairy-wren Malurus splendens may include more than one female. Previously this species has been described as singular breeding (only one female breeds). This paper describes the occurrence of plural breeding (PB) groups in 10% of group years, in which two females had separate nests. In all cases, the secondary female (Y) was related to the primary breeding female (X) and was generally a 2-year old female which had helped in the group during the previous breeding season. Plural breeding was correlated with an increase in population density and in the number of female helpers; PB groups were larger than singular-breeding groups. In most cases, the X female was occupied with her own nest or offspring when the Y female began to nest, and there was no aggression between them. Which birds helped the Y female to feed at her nest depended on the time between the hatching of the two nests. If the interval was small, some group members helped at each nest; with longer intervals, the group members began to feed at the earlier nest, and the other female was left to raise her brood alone. Female helpers were very active in feeding at single nestings, and the cost to an X female of a Y female breeding was mainly a loss of this assistance. The success of individual X nests was not affected. Effects on productivity were slight, but fewer X females in PB groups raised second broods than did experienced singular breeding females. Y females were less productive than X females, but no less productive than singular breeding novice females without helpers. It is not known whether Y females copulated with primary or secondary males within their group, or with males from outside the group. Certainly, they did not form an observable pairing with any male in the group. Plural breeding occurred in a minority of group years in response to extrinsic conditions and the current demographic situation, and shows the extreme plasticity of the mating system in M. splendens.     

No short‐ or long‐term effects of geolocator attachment detected in Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca

Tracking small passerines using miniaturized location tags is a rapidly expanding field of study. In a 1‐year study, we tested whether there were any short‐ or longer‐term effects of fitting geolocators weighing 3% of body mass on male Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca. In the deployment year, we compared adult provisioning rates to nestlings, nestling growth and nest success between nesting attempts in which adult males were fitted with a geolocator, with control nests where males had the same capture history but were not tagged. We found no difference between treatments in provisioning effort by males or their associated female 2 days after geolocator fitting, in terms of nestling growth, subsequent brood reduction or nest success. Return rate, arrival date on territories, nest timing and breeding parameters were compared between tagged and untagged males in the following breeding season. We found no difference in return rate or arrival date, and no difference in nest timing, fecundity or outcome. Our study suggests that fitting lightweight tags to small passerines need not affect behaviour, breeding or apparent between‐year survival. However, tagging new species should still require assessment and comparison with well‐matched control cohorts, and it should be recognized that tag effects could vary between years and populations, mediated by environmental conditions.     

喀斯特森林石壁营巢冠斑犀鸟繁殖行为初报

2019和2020年,在广西崇左恩城观察了喀斯特森林一对冠斑犀鸟(Anthracoceros albirostris)的繁殖行为.此对冠斑犀鸟每年4～7月在石壁上的洞穴里营巢,其孵卵期约为35 d,育雏期约为55 d.每年均有2只幼鸟成功离巢.幼鸟及雌鸟食物以植物性食物为主,雄鸟喂食时缺少明显的高峰.结果表明,冠斑犀鸟...