Abstract
AbstractThe greenery and arthropod nest composition has been studied in a population of Bonelli's eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus in south‐east Spain, relating them to the plant availability within territories and breeding success of pairs. Greenery was invariably from trees and shrubs, with pine and oak species accounting for 78% of the nest composition in weight. All eagle pairs with Pinus pinaster availability in territories actively selected it for nest greenery. This pine species is characterized by a high level of aromatic compounds, particularly β‐pinene, highly repellent for insects. The amount of pine greenery in the nest was correlated with a lower presence of ectoparasites in that nest (blow fly larvae, Protocalliphora), and higher breeding success of pairs. We discuss whether a coevolutionary process between parasites and their hosts has guided a particular nesting strategy of the eagles to improve their breeding success.
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