Abstract
The response of female red-winged blackbirds to nests of long-billed marsh wrens was studied by placing wren courtship nests near redwing nests. Agitated redwings frequently approached experimental nests; some landed on the nests and examined them, but only two females pecked at them. Because redwings respond specifically to wren nests (as opposed to a strange object), it is proposed that redwings associate wren nests with marsh wrens. This, and independent evidence that marsh wrens destroy redwing nests, suggest that redwings go to wren nests to search for marsh wrens.The response of redwings to wren nests is influenced by their previous experience with marsh wrens. This is supported by two observations: (1) individuals become more responsive through the breeding season; and (2) banded (experienced) females are more responsive than unbanded (mostly inexperienced) females. Redwing response to wren nests also increases with increasing wren density and decreasing redwing–wren internest distance. Examination of marsh wren nests by redwings and redwing aggression towards marsh wrens probably play a role in reducing the nesting success of marsh wrens.
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