Abstract
The identification of predators of birds' nests, crucial to a better understanding of predator-prey interactions, remains poorly known. Here we provide evidence that birds, and especially passerines, may depredate birds' nests in the Cerrado (Neotropical Savannah) of Central Brazil. Data was collected primarily in a Conservation Unit (Estação Ecológica de Águas Emendadas) during the breeding season, between 2003 and 2007. We report and discuss details on 14 events of nest predation, 12 of which by passerines, mostly by curl-crested jays - Cyanocorax cristatellus (Temminck, 1823). The results of our study suggest that the role of birds as nest predators in the Cerrado has been underestimated and needs to be further investigated.
Highlights
Predation is the main cause of nest failure in tropical birds (ONIKI 1979, MARTIN 1996) with predation rates around 80-90%
The results of our study suggest that the role of birds as nest predators in the Cerrado has been underestimated and needs to be further investigated
It has been suggested that mammals, snakes and birds are the most important nest predators in tropical and temperate zones (ROBINSON & ROBINSON 2001, STAKE et al 2004, ROBINSON et al 2005)
Summary
Predation is the main cause of nest failure in tropical birds (ONIKI 1979, MARTIN 1996) with predation rates around 80-90% (reviewed in STUTCHBURY & MORTON 2001). We provide evidence that birds, and especially passerines, may depredate birds’ nests in the Cerrado (Neotropical Savannah) of Central Brazil. It has been suggested that mammals, snakes and birds are the most important nest predators in tropical and temperate zones (ROBINSON & ROBINSON 2001, STAKE et al 2004, ROBINSON et al 2005).
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