Trends in closed nest entrance orientation of the Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus along an altitudinal gradient in South America

ABSTRACT

The orientation of the nest entrances of 464 nests of the Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus were explored in relation to vegetation cover along an altitudinal gradient in Argentina. There was no correlation between altitude and orientation for covered nests, since they were well protected from direct solar radiation, however, uncovered nests were orientated more towards the north with increasing altitude, probably to take advantage of warming solar radiation at colder, higher altitudes.