NEST INTERFERENCE BY FLEDGLING LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES

Abstract

Using video cameras, we documented at least two fledgling Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus) visiting their parent's second active nest. We recorded 70 visits during a 10-day period, with visits averaging 7 min. We observed the fledglings sitting on the nest contents on 21 occasions. We concluded that these visits were not indicative of cooperative breeding behavior, because the fledglings were destructive to the nest structure and contents, and the adult female exhibited aggressive behavior toward the fledglings. An early reduction in post-fledging parental care by their father (who was of captive-bred origin) and slow development of the fledglings' hunting skills might have caused them to seek food resources from their mother. However, this is the first time that we have observed these behaviors in this intensively managed population.