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Does the Presence of a Predator Model Affect Nesting Behaviors of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia Sialis)?
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Event Type
Research Presentation
Academic Department
Biology, Environmental Studies
Start Date
5-2021 12:00 AM
Description
Snakes are one of the most significant nest predators of cavity nesting birds, and this has a major impact on their reproductive success. This study aims to investigate whether the presence of a predator model has an effect on Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) nesting behaviors, such as nest building, time until first egg lay, and nest abandonment. From March 12th through April 29th, nesting activity of bluebirds was recorded every other day at 26 nesting box locations. Nesting materials and height were recorded, and nests were exposed to predator (snake) or neutral (snapping turtle) models in a balanced chronological design. Exposure to models was discontinued following the first egg lay. No difference in nest abandonment, nest thickness, nor time until first egg lay was noted in response to exposure to either model. Additionally, there was no difference between nesting success in old and new boxes or by the presence of ants. Our findings are similar to those of Stanbeck et al. (2018), but differ from a similar pilot study on the Hollins campus in 2019 that suggested the relationship between predator exposure and nest abandonment trended toward significance. Our methodological approaches differed from the previous two studies, and therefore procedures consistent with past studies and a larger dataset may produce more consistent trends.
Does the Presence of a Predator Model Affect Nesting Behaviors of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia Sialis)?
Snakes are one of the most significant nest predators of cavity nesting birds, and this has a major impact on their reproductive success. This study aims to investigate whether the presence of a predator model has an effect on Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) nesting behaviors, such as nest building, time until first egg lay, and nest abandonment. From March 12th through April 29th, nesting activity of bluebirds was recorded every other day at 26 nesting box locations. Nesting materials and height were recorded, and nests were exposed to predator (snake) or neutral (snapping turtle) models in a balanced chronological design. Exposure to models was discontinued following the first egg lay. No difference in nest abandonment, nest thickness, nor time until first egg lay was noted in response to exposure to either model. Additionally, there was no difference between nesting success in old and new boxes or by the presence of ants. Our findings are similar to those of Stanbeck et al. (2018), but differ from a similar pilot study on the Hollins campus in 2019 that suggested the relationship between predator exposure and nest abandonment trended toward significance. Our methodological approaches differed from the previous two studies, and therefore procedures consistent with past studies and a larger dataset may produce more consistent trends.