Anti‐predator adaptations in nesting Marsh Tits Parus palustris: the role of nest‐site security

Abstract

A proposal that nest predation is the most important selective pressure shaping nest‐site use of Marsh Tits Parus palustris was checked in a long‐term study (almost 500 nests) carried out in the Białowieża National Park (eastern Poland) in primeval conditions, where the birds breed in natural holes and their nests are at risk from a variety of predators. It was predicted that predation rates would depend on hole attributes, so that Marsh Tits should use the most secure holes. Predation was responsible for 70% of total nest losses. Predation risk depended on hole attributes. Nests in dead wood were predated significantly more often than those in live wood. Nests in old woodpecker holes were predated more frequently than nests in holes of other origin, and nests situated closer to the entrance were more at risk than ones further from it. The entrance size did not influence overall predation risk, but small entrance size was important in preventing access by larger predators. These differences can account for the very rare use of holes in dead wood or of woodpecker holes, the fact that they nest in holes with small entrances and relatively far from the entrance. It is concluded that the patterns of nest‐site use found in this species are best explained as anti‐predator adaptations, which have evolved and are maintained by the pressure of nest predators. This study also indicates the possible limits of, and constraints on, these adaptations.