Nest-site selection and predation in Savi’s Warblers, Locustella luscinioides.
Author
Summary, in English
Capsule: Savi’s Warblers preferred sites dominated by high and dense Juncus and Rubus with thick litter, and avoided pure reeds; predation was higher in sites with less litter.
Aim: To describe nest-site selection and identify which habitat and nest features influence predation risk.
Methods: Comparisons were made between habitat characteristics measured at nest-sites and random points, and between predated and successful nests.
Results: Total vegetation cover, litter thickness, habitat type, undergrowth height and undergrowth cover, which were higher or denser at nest-sites, were the most important variables influencing the distribution of Savi’s Warbler nests. Nests were most often predated in sites with low litter thickness.
Conclusion: Savi’s Warblers are dependent on the presence of dense low vegetation and litter for nesting, which should be maintained close to or within reed-beds for their benefit.
Aim: To describe nest-site selection and identify which habitat and nest features influence predation risk.
Methods: Comparisons were made between habitat characteristics measured at nest-sites and random points, and between predated and successful nests.
Results: Total vegetation cover, litter thickness, habitat type, undergrowth height and undergrowth cover, which were higher or denser at nest-sites, were the most important variables influencing the distribution of Savi’s Warbler nests. Nests were most often predated in sites with low litter thickness.
Conclusion: Savi’s Warblers are dependent on the presence of dense low vegetation and litter for nesting, which should be maintained close to or within reed-beds for their benefit.
Department/s
Publishing year
2008
Language
English
Pages
171-176
Publication/Series
Bird Study
Volume
53
Issue
2
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
British Trust for Ornithology
Topic
- Biological Sciences
Status
Published
Research group
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0006-3657