Nesting Behavior Research Articles

Nesting biology of Hauxwell's Thrush (Turdus hauxwelli): with notes on altitudinal variation

The genus Turdus has a nearly complete anthology of nesting descriptions for its 70 species. One species yet to have nesting described is Turdus hauxwelli, a Neotropical bird native to South America. In addition to an altitudinal range expansion, here we document 19 active T. hauxwelli nests from 2 elevational regions (400 and 1,350 m) in the Andes of Southeastern Peru. Along with detailed descriptions of nest measurements and composition, we also describe nesting behavior. We present detailed information on T. hauxwelli temperature fluctuations in nest and eggs, and nest attentiveness during incubation and nestling period. The average egg weight was 6.12 g with dimensions of 26.71 × 20.05 mm. The female conducted an average of 28 trips per day during incubation, which lasted 13.7 d while the nestling period lasted 14.25 d. The overall daily survival probability for the nests is 19.5%. Other nesting traits were also similar between sites, with only nest mass differing by 37% between elevations, and even greater at higher elevations. Nesting traits among Turdus species do not vary drastically, however, despite occupying a variety of ecosystems from sea level up to 4,500 m, suggesting a low evolutionary lability in nesting traits in this genus.

Biology of the mason bee Osmia latreillei (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) under artificial nesting conditions in Egypt

Abstract The mason bee Osmia (Helicosmia) latreillei Spinola is one of the dominant species of bees throughout Egypt, and can be found commonly in the Suez Canal Region. The species visits numerous plant species of the family Asteraceae and is considered the most important pollinator of certain crops such as sunflower. This species and some other solitary cavity nesting bees are threatened by fragmentation of their nesting habitats. Several attempts were made to establish and propagate O. latreillei, and success was achieved for re-nesting it in various artificial materials such as wood and polystyrene with rolled paper straws. These artificial nests were established at the conservation area of the Bee Research Centre, Suez Canal University, in order to study the nesting behavior and biology of O. latreillei under artificial conditions and to document their natural enemies. Biologically, there was no significance difference between the life cycle of O. latreillei under natural and artificial nesting conditions. This solitary bee was univoltine, individuals active only during Spring, and attacked by diverse enemies, with Stelis (Stelis) murina Perez and chrysidid wasps considered the two most major pests of this wild bee species.

Spatial fidelity of workers predicts collective response to disturbance in a social insect

Individuals in social insect colonies cooperate to perform collective work. While colonies often respond to changing environmental conditions by flexibly reallocating workers to different tasks, the factors determining which workers switch and why are not well understood. Here, we use an automated tracking system to continuously monitor nest behavior and foraging activity of uniquely identified workers from entire bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) colonies foraging in a natural outdoor environment. We show that most foraging is performed by a small number of workers and that the intensity and distribution of foraging is actively regulated at the colony level in response to forager removal. By analyzing worker nest behavior before and after forager removal, we show that spatial fidelity of workers within the nest generates uneven interaction with relevant localized information sources, and predicts which workers initiate foraging after disturbance. Our results highlight the importance of spatial fidelity for structuring information flow and regulating collective behavior in social insect colonies.

Substrate and structure of ground nests have fitness consequences for an alpine songbird

Songbird nests are an important life‐history component with multiple functions, including the creation of a suitable microclimate for offspring development. Thus, functional nest characteristics may influence fitness correlates, such as nestling size traits, and may co‐vary with prevailing environmental conditions. We investigated among‐ and within‐female variation in nest substrate, lining and decoration structures with associated fitness consequences (hatching success, nestling size traits, nest survival) across two breeding seasons for an alpine population of Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris. We combined these observations with explicit measures of nest temperature to address the influence of nest characteristics on microclimate. Nests in heather substrate had the coldest microclimates compared with grass and bare‐ground substrate, but also the greatest nest survival rates (68% versus 37–44% in other substrates), indicating the potential for substrate use decisions to reflect a trade‐off between microclimate and nest survival in response to prevailing weather and predation risk conditions. Furthermore, nest lining and nest decoration patterns indicated some support for a thermoregulatory function. Nests that were lined with willow (Salix sp.) seed‐down were associated with larger, heavier nestlings and the use of down lining decreased in frequency as the season warmed up. Nest decoration placed in front of the nest (e.g. stones or dirt clumps varying in mass from 5.3 to 186.6 g) was positively associated with warmer nest microclimates. Females demonstrated high phenotypic flexibility, as 61–94% of the observed variance in nest characteristics was explained by within‐female rather than among‐female differences. Such flexible nesting behaviour suggests the capacity to adjust to changing environmental conditions to maintain vital fitness correlates such as nest survival and nestling size development.

Plasticity in the Nesting Behavior of Ontherus sulcator (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)

Ontherus sulcator (Fabricius) is a species of Dichotomiini sensu lato, which usually constructs paracoprid nests composed only one brood ball per nesting chamber, conforming to Nesting Pattern II. The typical brood ball is spherical with a thin wall and a cylindrical, flattened T-shaped protrusion at the egg chamber pole. This study revealed that females of O. sulcator are capable of showing activational behavioral plasticity when, instead of constructing their stereotyped brood balls, they elaborate simpler brood balls, and even more, cylindrical brood masses. This is the first recorded case of a dung beetle having the ability to change its nesting behavior in experimental conditions, from constructing brood balls (Nesting Pattern II) to constructing brood masses (Nesting Pattern I). Cylindrical brood masses are also constructed by species of some other genera within Dichotomiini sensu lato, which were proposed as phylogenetically more closely related to Ontherus. The capability of construction of these brood masses in O. sulcator, shown by activational plasticity, supports these proposed relationships.

Peptide YY Causes Apathy-Like Behavior via the Dopamine D2 Receptor in Repeated Water-Immersed Mice

Apathy is observed across several neurological and psychiatric conditions; however, its pathogenesis remains unclear. We clarified the involvement of brain–gut signaling in the disruption of goal-directed behavior. Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to water immersion (WI) stress for 3 days. Food intake and nesting behavior were measured as indexes of motivation. Repeated WI caused decrease in food intake and nesting behavior. Plasma levels of peptide YY (PYY), IL-6, and ratio of dopamine metabolites in the striatum were significantly elevated after WI. PYY and IL-6 administration significantly decreased nesting behavior. The reductions in feeding and nesting behavior were blocked by PYY receptor (Y2R) antagonist or dopamine agonist. The ameliorative effect of the Y2R antagonist was diminished by the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) antagonist. The reduction in goal-directed behavior is associated with dysfunction of D2R signaling via increased peripheral PYY, suggesting that PYY antagonism is a novel candidate for decline of motivation in several depressive diseases.

Laying hens performing gregarious nesting show less pacing behaviour during the pre-laying period

The phenomenon of gregarious nesting occurs when hens choose to enter and lay their eggs in a nest box which is already occupied by one or more hens, even when an empty nest box is also available. It has been suggested that inexperienced hens copy the nest selection preferences of experienced hens until their own preferences have developed. In addition, gregarious nesting has been found to be an anti-predator behaviour, indicating that fear may be a factor inducing gregarious nesting. Individual differences in sociality and dominance hierarchy may also be important factors. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between the individual level of fearfulness, sociality and hierarchical dominance, and the performance of gregarious nesting behaviour in laying hens. Fifteen-week-old laying hens (Isa Warren, n = 180) were housed in groups of 15 individuals. At 20–21 weeks of age, nesting behaviour and agonistic interactions were recorded. Furthermore, behavioural tests reflecting fearfulness (tonic immobility and novel object tests) and sociality (social reinstatement test) were performed. Based on their choices of nest boxes (occupied v. unoccupied), the hens were classified as gregarious, solitary or intermediary nesters. A dominance hierarchy was formed based on the data on agonistic interactions. The results showed that intermediary nesters, i.e. those who visited both occupied and unoccupied nest boxes roughly equally often, performed significantly more pre-laying pacing behaviour compared to gregarious nesters (P = 0.028). There was no effect of categorisation of nesting behaviour (gregarious, solitary or intermediary nesters) on body weight, responses to tonic immobility test, novel object test, social reinstatement test or dominance hierarchy (P > 0.06). The results may suggest that intermediary nesters experience more frustration compared to hens that are predominantly gregarious nesters as indicated by the increased pre-laying pacing behaviour. Alternatively, the increased pre-laying pacing behaviour could be a reflection of a longer decision-making process in unexperienced hens. In light of these different possible explanations, the cause-and-effect relationship between frustration/stress and nesting behaviour remains to be assessed.

A new genus and species of the subfamily Pemphredoninae (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in Upper Cretaceous amber from Myanmar

A new genus and species from the subfamily Pemphredoninae (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) is described from the Upper Cretaceous amber of Myanmar, commonly known as Burmese amber. A complete, illustrated description is provided. Colmepsiterona cumcarena n. gen. et sp. represents the third record of the subfamily in the deposit, as well as the tenth of the family Crabronidae in Mesozoic. This taxon is morphologically close to Cretospilomena familiaris, previously described in the same deposit. However, although numerous features are shared, a number of unique features justify the proposition of a new genus. The co-occurrence of three specimens belonging to the same taxon could be interpreted as an example of a social behavior, compact nesting behavior, or possibly a sexual congregation.

Curtained nests facilitate settled nesting behaviour of laying hens in furnished cages

Egg location can be used to determine the nests that hens prefer, but it does not indicate whether the design of that nest satisfies a hen’s nesting motivation. Hens that are satisfied with the nest resources exhibit characteristic settled nesting behaviour including less activity and longer sitting phases during the hour pre-lay. The current experiment compared the nesting behaviour of hens housed in large furnished cages given two surfaces either enclosed with plastic curtains or open. We hypothesized that hens with curtained nests would be more settled in their pre-laying behaviour than hens only provided with plastic nest surfaces. Furthermore, we hypothesized nest-naïve hens would benefit from having an enclosed nest added, demonstrating more settled nesting behaviour. After being conventionally reared, 996 pullets were placed in 24 furnished cages at week 15 (large: 41,296 cm2; small: 20,880 cm2). Each FC had two nests, one with a plastic mesh surface and one with a smooth plastic surface (3368 cm2). Half of the FC had both nest surfaces enclosed with plastic red curtains (ENCL, n = 12) and half had two open surfaces (OPEN, n = 12). All FC were subsequently modified at week 28 to have one enclosed and one open surface. Egg location was recorded from the first egg to week 36. Focal hens were marked at week 20 and observed from week 22–24 and 31–33. Oviposition times were recorded during week 21, 27, 30, 36. Scan samples of sitting and aggressive behaviour were conducted during weeks 25–26 and 34–35. Hens with two curtained nests were less active (P = 0.0219), less aggressive (P = 0.0055), displaced less (P = 0.0269), and sat more (P < 0.0001) than hens with two OPEN nest surfaces. When hens from OPEN FCs were subsequently given an enclosed nest, the percentage of hens sitting increased (P < 0.0001) and the proportion of time spent active decreased (P = 0.02). Therefore, nest areas enclosed with simple plastic curtains facilitate the expression of more settled nesting behaviour, even for hens that had laid for three months without access to enclosed sites.

Mesocricetus Auratus Preference for Substrate Quantity vs Enriched Commercial Housing Options: A Case Report

M. auratus is a common companion and laboratory animal in many countries around the world. Many guidelines recommend housing M. auratus in enriched enclosures that are as large as possible with a bedding depth of approximately 2.5 cm. However, given that wild M. auratus will build intricate burrows it is uncertain whether M.auratus would actually prefer to nest in an enclosure that provides enrichment relative to an enclosure that provides a greater substrate depth to facilitate natural behaviours. We provided a female M.auratus with an 8 m2 pen containing a 30L tub containing recycled paper bedding, an enriched 3-storey commercially available cage that included a running wheel and 2.5 cm of bedding in the bottom, and enrichment derived from a mixture of commercial products and recycled household products (RHPs; e.g. cardboard boxes). When randomly sampling the location of M. auratus during a 3-month study period, we found that virtually all nesting behaviour, including hoarding, sleeping, and burrow construction occurred within the tub. While approximately 31% of non-nesting behaviour centred around the cage, no nesting behaviour occurred there. Moreover, of the interactions with external enrichment in the pen, we found that over 90% of interactions were with RHPs rather than commercial products. We conclude that M. auratus is likely to prefer housing conditions that provide greater quantities of substrate in which they can emit their natural burrowing behaviours, that they value burrowing and nesting opportunities to a greater extent than even multi-level above-ground enriched areas, and those simple cardboard boxes may provide better enrichment than expensive commercial products.

Factors Affecting Nesting Ecology ofApalone spiniferain a Northwestern Great Plains River of the United States

Abstract The nesting ecology of Apalone spinifera in large North American rivers is largely unknown despite the wide distribution of the species in these naturally dynamic ecosystems. We describe the nesting locations, timing, behavior, and habitat of A. spinifera in relation to natural and anthropogenic factors in the Missouri River. Nesting followed annual peak river stage, mostly occurred in the afternoon when air temperatures were 25°–30°C, and did not occur when human activity was nearby. Apalone spinifera nested in June in a year with average discharge (2012), but nested 20 d later in a year with a large flood event (2011). During the average discharge year, 90% of nests were found on islands, but similar proportions of nests were found on island and mainland habitats during the flood year because many islands were inundated. Nests were mostly in mixed-gravel substrates where vegetation cover was sparse or absent. Depredation occurred only after the emergence of hatchlings (∼ 60 d after nesting) and...

A new approach to automated incubation recess detection using temperature loggers

ABSTRACT Nest attendance during incubation is an important facet of avian nesting behavior, and understanding the number, timing, and duration of incubation recesses can improve our understanding of the factors determining avian reproductive success. Temperature loggers are a low-cost, noninvasive method for studying nest attendance, but processing and interpreting the data present logistical challenges for investigators. We developed an accurate automated method for processing data from temperature loggers to identify incubation recesses. This automated method combines absolute changes in nest temperature over time and changes relative to daily nest-specific variation in temperature to identify incubation recesses. We validated this method through comparison with recesses observed during continuous infrared video monitoring of 3 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and 7 Gadwall (Mareca strepera) nests in northern California, USA. Of 116 recesses observed on camera, we detected 102 (88%) with automated recess de...

Nesting behaviour of the endangered Mary River turtle: monitoring and modelling to inform e-flow strategies

The Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus) is an endemic, monotypic species with multiple impacts across its life-history, including overharvesting of eggs, nest predation and habitat degradation. Long-term recruitment failure has led to protection measures established under state, federal and international authority. Previous research has demonstrated that E. macrurus lives instream but nests on river banks, requiring specific habitat for breeding, nesting and recruitment. Ecohydrological rules represent the critical water requirements contributing to a species’ life history and can be used to develop and assess environmental flow strategies for species affected by water resource development. This study investigated the nesting behaviour of E. macrurus, including the environmental drivers that affect nest inundation. Monitoring showed that nesting by E. macrurus peaked in October and November, driven by rainfall events (&gt;10 mm), with potential impacts from flow events (20% of nests established &lt;2.5 m above water level at time of nesting). These ecohydrological rules were modelled against 109 years of simulated natural flow and rainfall data. The ‘potential nesting and nest inundation’ (PNNI) indicator revealed that nesting for E. macrurus was assured in a majority of years under the natural flow scenario. The results of this study will inform the development and assessment of e-flow strategies for nesting by E. macrurus in terms of current, and future water resource development, along with climate change impacts.

Ecology and protection of a flagship species, the Siberian flying squirrel

Having clear ecological knowledge of protected species is essential for being able to successfully take actions towards conservation, but this knowledge is also crucial for managing and preventing conservation conflicts. For example, the Siberian flying squirrel, Pteromys volans , listed in the EU Habitats Directive and inhabiting mature forests that are also the target for logging, has had a major role in political discussions regarding conservation in Finland. This species has also been well-researched during recent decades, providing knowledge on the ecology and management of the animal. Herein, we review knowledge on habitats, demography, community interactions and spatial ecology of this flagship species. We compare the ecology of flying squirrels with that of other arboreal squirrels, and summarize conservation management and policy related to flying squirrels. Reviewed research on the Siberian flying squirrel shows that the species has many similarities in behaviour to other arboreal squirrels. For instance, arboreal squirrels deviate from the general pattern of male-biased sexual size dimorphism in mammals, which perhaps relates to the mating system of arboreal squirrels. Important differences are found in the response of Siberian flying squirrels to tree mast, i.e. pulsed food resource, compared to that of red squirrels, and in communal nesting behaviour compared to that of North American flying squirrels. The extensive knowledge on dispersal behaviour of the flying squirrel, well-studied habitat associations and the proved need for evidence-based conservation may guide researchers and managers working with other similar species. For conservation, the case of the Siberian flying squirrel demonstrates that habitat protection becomes both ineffective and uneconomical if ecological knowledge is not applied in the conservation planning process. The cost-effective conservation of the species requires both landscape-level conservation planning and flexible conservation options to increase the motivation of land owners for conservation.

Savanna chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) nesting ecology at Bagnomba (Kedougou, Senegal).

We studied the nesting behavior of the critically endangered West African chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus). We assumed that the nesting data stemmed from a single, unhabituated community at the Bagnomba hill site in the savanna-woodlands of southeastern Senegal. The aim of this study was to examine chimpanzees' nesting habits in terms of the tree species utilized and sleeping nest heights. We recorded a total of 550 chimpanzee nests at Bagnomba between January 2015 and December 2015. The chimpanzees here made nests in particular tree species more often than others. The majority of nests (63%) were in two tree species: Diospyros mespiliformis and Pterocarpus erinaceus. The average height of nesting trees was 10.54m (SD 3.91, range, 0.0-29.0m) and average nest height was 7.90m (SD 3.62, range, 0.0-25.0m). The result of a linear regression analysis (r=0.7874; n=550; p<0.05) is consistent with a preference for nesting at a particular height. Bagnomba chimpanzees rarely made ground nests (0.36% of nests), but the presence of any ground nesting was unexpected, given that at least one leopard (Panthera pardus) also occupied the hill. This knowledge will enable stakeholders involved in the protection of chimpanzees specifically and of biodiversity in general to better understand chimpanzee ecology and inform a conservation action plan in Senegal where the survival of this species is threatened.

Nesting Biology of the Black-Throated Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus granadensis) With Notes On Mating Displays

ABSTRACT.— There is limited information on the breeding biology of members of the speciose genus Hemitriccus (Aves: Tyrannidae), published nest descriptions exist for only six of the 22 species. The Black-throated Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus granadensis) is one of these species that lacks information regarding its nesting biology. We provide the first nest, egg, nestling, and incubation behavior descriptions for the species with notes on its courtship behavior. We found three nests and observed one courtship display at three field sites, two in Colombia and one in Peru. The nest of H. granadensis is an enclosed “purse-like” pendant pouch inside of a moss ball suspended from a small branch with a side entrance and obscured by vegetation. Two nests had a single egg, which averaged 18.1 × 12.9 mm and 1.55 g. Egg appearance varied between nests, the egg at the Colombian site was tan and unmarked, whereas the egg at the Peruvian site was bright white with a few scattered, red specks. We cannot describe the full i...

Breeding biology and novel reproductive behaviour in the Hainan Partridge (Arborophila ardens)

BackgroundThe Hainan Partridge (Arborophila ardens) is endemic to Hainan Island, China, and is listed as vulnerable (VU) because its population size is steadily decreasing due to illegal hunting and habitat loss. Its breeding biology is poorly known.MethodsThis study was conducted in three sites in the major tropical primary rainforest in Hainan. Nests of the Hainan Partridge were found by monitoring radio-tracked individuals. Video recorders were set up to monitor reproductive behaviour of Hainan Partridge when nests were found.ResultsHere for the first time we report the breeding biology of Hainan Partridge by providing information on its nest site, nest, eggs, and reproductive behaviour. We found that Hainan Partridges laid immaculate white eggs in ground nests which were totally covered by dry leaves and small branches forming arches that provided optimal concealment. A novel and regular behaviour was found in Hainan Partridges since they grasped leaves and small branches and then threw them on or around their nests to provide cover during incubation and after hatching of chicks.ConclusionsRecruitment behaviour in Hainan Partridges benefit from supplementation of nest arch material to nests, cover the nest entrance and thus maintain or increase nest concealment. However, it may also contribute to concealment of the track which could expose their activities and clues for predators. Our finding implies that the Hainan Partridge has evolved such a novel reproductive behaviour under the strong selection of predation pressure. Due to habitat fragmentation and habitat loss, we suggest setting up arch structures and provide small branches and leaves in degraded or fragmented habitats to improve their suitability for partridge reproduction. This method may contribute to increasing the reproductive success of Hainan Partridge and thus compensate for its continuous population decrease.

The Role of Celestial Compass Information in Cataglyphis Ants during Learning Walks and for Neuroplasticity in the Central Complex and Mushroom Bodies.

Central place foragers are faced with the challenge to learn the position of their nest entrance in its surroundings, in order to find their way back home every time they go out to search for food. To acquire navigational information at the beginning of their foraging career, Cataglyphis noda performs learning walks during the transition from interior worker to forager. These small loops around the nest entrance are repeatedly interrupted by strikingly accurate back turns during which the ants stop and precisely gaze back to the nest entrance—presumably to learn the landmark panorama of the nest surroundings. However, as at this point the complete navigational toolkit is not yet available, the ants are in need of a reference system for the compass component of the path integrator to align their nest entrance-directed gazes. In order to find this directional reference system, we systematically manipulated the skylight information received by ants during learning walks in their natural habitat, as it has been previously suggested that the celestial compass, as part of the path integrator, might provide such a reference system. High-speed video analyses of distinct learning walk elements revealed that even exclusion from the skylight polarization pattern, UV-light spectrum and the position of the sun did not alter the accuracy of the look back to the nest behavior. We therefore conclude that C. noda uses a different reference system to initially align their gaze directions. However, a comparison of neuroanatomical changes in the central complex and the mushroom bodies before and after learning walks revealed that exposure to UV light together with a naturally changing polarization pattern was essential to induce neuroplasticity in these high-order sensory integration centers of the ant brain. This suggests a crucial role of celestial information, in particular a changing polarization pattern, in initially calibrating the celestial compass system.

Foraging behavior and at-sea distribution of White-Tailed Tropicbirds in tropical ocean.

We used miniaturized GPS loggers and site observations to access foraging patterns and nest behaviour of the White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus (WTTB), an endangered species at its South Atlantic breeding colony. Dual foraging pattern was observed with alternation between long and short foraging trips. Birds responsible for nest attendance engaged in short foraging trips with mean distance from colony of 25 ± 17 km, total distance covered of 79 ± 65 km and mean duration of 4.02 ± 5.28 hours. Birds flew by dawn and returned before dusk while partners were at sea for long foraging trips that ranged from four to 11 days, with mean maximum distance from colony of 105 ± 47.48 km. Chicks were usually left alone for hours and chick predation by Land Crab Johngartia lagostroma, egg consumption by Goniopsis cruentata and intra-specific competition are suspected to be responsible for high chick mortality rates.

The impact of the introduced Digitonthophagus gazella on a native dung beetle community in Brazil during 26 years

Following successful establishment in Australia and North America, the South African dung beetle (DB) Digitonthophagus gazella was introduced in Brazil in 1990. We investigated the impact of the exotic species on the native community of 42 native DB species using a unique weekly data set spanning 26 years, including 4 years of pre-invasion data. The invasion of D. gazella was very rapid with abundances increasing by 4 orders of magnitude during the first few years following establishment. We show that the DB diversity shrank to sixty percent of the pre-invasion level. Results from multivariate analyses identified three distinct periods of changes in composition and abundance: before the invasion (BI); after invasion I (AI-I); and AI-II each one characterized by a particular dynamic of the native species. The impacts on the native species differed according to their nesting behavior. Species with the same behavior as D. gazella (tunneler) became less abundant and five species went locally extinct. Dweller species, in contrast, became more abundant. Although the analysis of all species combined showed an increase in abundance and a less oscillatory dynamic in AI-II compared to BI, this was the case only for the dweller species, as the tunnelers showed a tendency to continued decrease throughout the 26-year study. Our results show that a new community was originated as a consequence of the invasion, in which dweller species, particularly Labarrus pseudolividus, are the dominant species and all the tunnelers, including D. gazella, are decreasing in abundance.