Effect of Japanese lesser sparrowhawks Accipiter gularis on the nest site selection of azure‐winged magpies Cyanopica cyana through their nest defending behavior

Abstract

The frequency of azure‐winged magpies Cyanopica cyana that nest in association with breeding Japanese lesser sparrowhawks Accipiter gularis was compared between the 1990s and 2000s. During 1990–1994 azure‐winged magpies nested within 50 m of their nests in all of the hawk nest sites studied. During 2005–2006, however, the magpies nested in only two of nine hawk nest sites. During the 1990s Japanese lesser sparrowhawks chased jungle crows away when they intruded within 50 m of their nest. During the 2000s, on the other hand, the hawks attempted to expel few crows at a distance of more than 10 m from their nest. As a result of it, the predation rate of simulated magpie nests located in the hawk nest sites was significantly higher during the 2000s. This suggests that the magpies have the ability to assess the defending behavior of the hawks and judge whether they can rely on their defense. Most azure‐winged magpies may stop nesting in association with breeding Japanese lesser sparrowhawks because of the reduced defending range of their nest sites.