The influence of parent body colouration and nesting habitat on bird nest predation

Author(s)

Pestana, Gabrielle Cristina ^[1] ; Mateus-Barros, Erick ^[1] ; Guillermo-Ferreira, Rhainer ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Ctr Ciencias Biol & Saude, Dept Hidrobiol, Sao Carlos - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIRD STUDY; v. 67, n. 1 MAR 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Capsule: Parent body colouration and nesting habitat may influence nest predation risk and, therefore, influence parental decisions on offspring care. Aims: To investigate the adaptiveness of bird colouration under two different habitat and light conditions. Methods: We used painted polyurethane dummies to simulate parental presence near nests, where some dummies were red, and others were cryptic brown. We placed artificial nests on trees in open and forested areas, along with two quail eggs and parental dummies. Results: The results showed major predation on nests of the open area, however, we found no significant effect of parent colour on nest predation. Conclusion: We suggest that the costs involved with nest site selection may overcome the costs of colouration in species that occur in these environments. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/12004-9 - Test of the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis Hetaerina longipes (Odonata: Calopterygidae)
• Grantee: Gabrielle Cristina Pestana
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation