Abstract
ABSTRACT The detrimental effects of nest ectoparasites on breeding birds have been well documented, but interactions between birds' parasites and their environment are less well understood. The Saltmarsh Sparrow, Ammodramus caudacutus is a ground-nesting bird endemic to tidal wetlands in the eastern USA, where the majority of nests are lost to tidal flooding. This study examined evidence that Saltmarsh Sparrows face a trade-off between flood-risk and ectoparasite exposure in nest-site selection and nest initiation. We monitored nesting attempts during the breeding season, and collected 23 nests from which we extracted, described and analyzed the invertebrate communities. Many invertebrate taxa were present in nests, especially Acari, Amphipoda and Isopoda. Flooding-failure was by far the best predictor of nest parasite load (specifically Acari), superior to the investigated characteristics of habitat, nest construction, phenology and research methods. Nests that failed because of flooding had 15% fewer ec...
Published Version
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