Bird nest building: visions for the future

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 378(1884)

Published: July 10, 2023

Successful reproduction for most birds requires them to have built 'good' nests. The remarkable diversity of nests across approximately 10 000 species living suggests that nest design depends critically on a species' microhabitat, life history and behaviour. Unravelling the key drivers remains research priority-bolstered by renewed appreciation museum collections increasing correlational field experimental laboratory data. Phylogenetic analyses-coupled with powerful datasets traits-are increasingly shedding light evolution morphology there are functional questions yet be addressed. For birds, at least, developmental mechanistic analyses building (behaviour, hormones, neuroscience) itself, rather than measurements morphology, already becoming next major challenge. We moving towards holistic picture in which Tinbergen's four levels explanation: evolution, function, development, mechanism, being used explain variation convergence design-and, turn, could shed question how know build This article is part theme issue 'The evolutionary ecology nests: cross-taxon approach'.

Language: Английский

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A Review of the Roles Materials Play in Determining Functional Properties of Bird Nests

Acta Ornithologica, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 58(1)

Published: Nov. 10, 2023

Avian nests are crucial to reproduction as they the site for incubation of clutch eggs and, in many cases, it is location rearing chicks hatched. Despite years reports characteristics from species our understanding their functional properties has been very poor. Over past few years, interest increased and this review brings together information regarding how materials used construct nest contribute various properties. The starts with a brief consideration functions but thereafter focus on key roles that plays during incubation. Details variety construction emphasises importance quantitative data types amounts allows analysis can improve Subsequent sections explore structural thermal more detail. play maintaining humidity weather-proofing contents also explored. concept an extended phenotype role niche creation explored before concludes future directions research.

Language: Английский

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Nest traits for the world's birds

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 33(2), P. 206 - 214

Published: Nov. 27, 2023

Abstract Motivation A well‐constructed nest is a key element of successful reproduction in most species birds, and morphology varies widely across the class. Macroecological macroevolutionary studies tend to group design into small number discrete categories, often based on taxonomic inference. In reality, however, many display considerable intraspecific variation their nest‐building behaviour, broad‐level categories may include several functionally distinct types. To address this imprecision literature facilitate future broad‐scale avian parental care, we here introduce detailed, global comparative database building together with preliminary correlations between these traits species‐level environmental variables. Main types variables contained We present data for structure, location, height, material composition, sex builder, time dimensions. Spatial location grain Global. Maps are presented at 1 0 × level. Time period Included generally extant, although some recently extinct taxa. The were collected 2017–2021 was drawn from secondary sources published 1992–2021. Major taxa level measurement Partial or complete trait 8601 representing 36 orders 239 243 families. Software format Data have been uploaded as Supplementary Material .csv separated by source all (Dataset , Metadata) well summarized major structure Metadata).

Language: Английский

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Behavioural ecology of Asian paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi) with special reference to nesting and foraging within a bamboo-dominated forest patch of Damodar River floodplain, Howrah, West Bengal

International Journal of Avian & Wildlife Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 9(1), P. 28 - 32

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

The study centered upon a summer visiting population of Asian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi; Linnaeus, 1758; IUCN: Least Concern), medium-sized passerine bird nesting within bamboo-dominated habitat in flood plain Damodar river at Bangalpur, Howrah, West Bengal. Ad libitum sampling, focal group sampling and time budget analysis has been conducted for three consecutive breeding seasons (March to August 2022-24) develop an understanding their behavioural ecology related foraging nesting. Rich entomofaunal diversity around agricultural landscapes provides ample resources establishing territories.

Language: Английский

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Variation in nest-building behaviour in birds: a multi-species approach

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 378(1884)

Published: July 10, 2023

Researchers have long suggested that animals with greater behavioural flexibility will be more likely to survive in face of environmental changes. However, it is unknown how this varies across species. Nest building a behaviour directly related the reproduction and survival species by conferring protection from external conditions. The study nests offers window into birds, variation nest morphology necessarily linked behaviours. We test whether phylogenetically conserved using data on 55 passerine (>700 specimens) measuring intraspecific variability structure. found mean within-species are conserved, domed presented higher levels than cup also revealed capacity present innovative behaviours not they vary morphology. Moreover, we larger clutch size built single parents variable. Our results help understanding extended phenotypes evolve, highlight importance exploring phylogenetic history when trying predict respond novel challenges. This article part theme issue ‘The evolutionary ecology nests: cross-taxon approach’.

Language: Английский

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The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 378(1884)

Published: July 10, 2023

Nests, including the enormous structures housing colonies of eusocial insects and elaborately built nests some fishes, have long fascinated scientists, yet our understanding evolutionary ecology has lagged behind subsequent reproductive stages. There has, however, been a burgeoning amount interest in over past decade, this special issue on ‘The nests: cross-taxon approach' outlines form function diverse animal lineages. Papers mechanisms adaptive benefits' theme examine various functions nests, while papers evolution nest characteristics' nesting behaviours. Meanwhile, ‘Large communal harsh environments' how constructed by social birds enable them to inhabit arid environments, whereas ‘Nests Anthropocene' shifts architecture allow animals adapt breed age accelerating global human impacts. Finally, synthesis mixture ideas approaches from researchers studying different taxa will advance exciting field research. This article is part approach’.

Language: Английский

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Evolutionary lability of food caching behaviour in mammals

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 93(7), P. 862 - 875

Published: June 3, 2024

Food hoarding provides animals access to resources during periods of scarcity. Studies on mammalian caching indicate associations with brain size, seasonality and diet but are biased a subset rodents. Whether the behaviour is generalizable at other taxonomic scales and/or influenced by ecological factors less understood. Population density may influence food due competition or pilferage, this remains untested in comparative framework. Using phylogenetic analyses, we assessed role morphology (body size), climate, breadth population evolution multiple scales. We also used long-term dataset red squirrels (Tamiasciurus fremonti) test key (climate density) intensity. Consistent previous smaller scale studies, found ancestral state for was larderhoarding, scatterhoarding derived. Caching strategy strongly associated climate. Mammals larger brains hippocampal volumes were more likely scatterhoard, species living higher densities colder climates larderhoard. Finer-scale analyses within families, sub-families tribes indicated that evolutionary labile. Brain size family Sciuridae tribe Marmotini scatterhoarders, not tribes. Scatterhoarding lower while Sciurini warmer climates. Red squirrel larderhoarding intensity positively related implicating pilferage as an important mechanism mediating behaviour. Our results consistent smaller-scale studies patterns broadly generalizable. Given lability evidenced variability our finer scales, must consider scale. Applying conservation could prove useful changes climate select different strategies thus can inform management threatened endangered their habitats.

Language: Английский

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Nest characteristics of African crowned eagles and black sparrowhawks in urban mosaic landscapes: Potential constraints in finding nesting sites and implications for exotic tree management

Landscape and Urban Planning, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 242, P. 104946 - 104946

Published: Nov. 4, 2023

The increase in human population and continuous landscape transformations, especially urban areas, will result most of the natural habitats being degraded, significantly reduced size lost. Consequently, constraints acquiring resources such as nesting sites food may occur. In this study, we investigated site characteristics two raptor species mosaic Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, to determine potential affecting sites. Between October 2020 July 2021, visited a total 52 nests occupied by African crowned eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus, hereafter eagle) black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) our study area compared nest raptors. Our results showed that exotic tree plantations were commonly used both species, suggesting trees be crucial providing for highly modified landscape. Furthermore, there was no significant difference height, cover, cover distance (i) road, (ii) building (iii) water species. However, between height nearest neighbour distance. Tall, mature trees, slightly isolated from other influenced use Innovative conservation measures strategies could vital protecting (i.e., plantations) landscapes with managed green spaces.

Language: Английский

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Breeding Ecology and Adaptive Nest-building Behavior in Indian White-spotted Fantail Flycatcher (Rhipidura Albogularis)

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 9, 2024

Abstract This study investigates the nesting behavior and ecological dynamics of White-Spotted Fantail Flycatcher ( Rhipidura albogularis ) in India, providing extensive insights into its breeding ecology. Conducted Indore, Madhya Pradesh, research involved meticulous observation fifteen nests, documenting nest construction, materials used, site characteristics. These passerines, known for aerial feeding, exhibited distinctive nest-building behaviors, constructing cup-shaped nests with unique tail-like structures using a combination organic such as plant fibers, grasses, human hairs, spider cobwebs. Particularly noteworthy was discovery adaptive response to predation risks: species demonstrated ability modify architecture during subsequent attempts by increasing cup depth height, resulting improved fledgling success. Detailed observations egg laying, clutch sizes, incubation periods, stages revealed dimensions 16.2 x 12.5 mm diverse spot patterns colours. Initial encountered challenges, including cats or raptors, highlighting vulnerabilities. However, underscored species' remarkable adaptability through altered positively impacting success exemplifying responses environmental pressures. comprehensive understanding emphasizes pivotal role mitigating risks underscores significance continuous avian adaptation challenges. The findings offer crucial contributions ecology, laying groundwork conservation strategies further scientific exploration aimed at preservation Flycatcher.

Language: Английский

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Biología de anidación de la Rosita canora (Rhodinocichla rosea) con registros de parasitismo de cría en los Andes Colombianos

Ornitología colombiana, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 26, P. 15 - 21

Published: Sept. 26, 2024

La biología reproductiva de la Rosita canora (Rhodinocichla rosea) se ha limitado a descripción inicial sus nidos y huevos, un reporte cuidado biparental en Centro América. Pese ser una especie distintiva, asociada con sistemas agroforestales, que podrían impactar su uso hábitat éxito reproductivo, no existen estudios sobre aspectos básicos historia natural. En este trabajo aportamos información cinco eventos reproductivos. Los tenían forma taza, los huevos fueron azules claro manchas café oscuro más hacia base, tanto hembra como macho participaron activamente todo el evento anidación. Reportamos depredación documentamos intenso parasitismo cría por Chamón común (Molothrus bonariensis) plantaciones café. Ninguna nidada fue exitosa, lo sugiere documentar reproductivo esta otras especies, anidando hábitats sería importante para determinar potencial impacto negativo poblaciones aves ambientes expuestos depredadores.

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