Geographical variation in nest defense among cinereous tit populations in China

Abstract

Behavioral divergence among populations is common across taxonomic groups, still we know very little about anti-predator behaviors. Animal exposure to predation risk is variable in different ecological contexts. In addition, reproduction value of animals in different geographical regions usually varies. In this study, we tested whether cinereous tits Parus cinereus in different populations exhibited nest defense behaviors similar to those of nest or adult predators and whether their nest defense behaviors showed geographical variation. By using field dummy experiments, we observed tits’ nest defense behavior in nest predator common chipmunk Tamias sibiricus and red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris, adult predator Eurasian sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus and nonthreatening species Oriental turtle dove Streptopelia orientalis in the ZJ (44° N), DLS (18° N) and DZ (31° N) populations, respectively. The response scores varied significantly across the four dummies in ZJ-tits and DLS-tits but did not in DZ-tits. When facing the chipmunk, ZJ-tits showed the highest response score, and DZ-tits showed the lowest response score. When facing the squirrel, ZJ-tits showed a higher response score than tits in the other two populations. However, tits among the three populations responded similarly to a sparrowhawk or dove with slight response behaviors. In addition, response scores to nest predators were positively correlated with brood size across the three populations, but no trend was found for sparrowhawks or doves. Our results indicated that the nest defense behaviors of cinereous tits have evolved in response to large-scale geographical variation in ecological contexts and reproduction value.

A case report of an Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) attacking an incubating adult and depredating the eggs of the Japanese tit (Parus minor)

“…Tits have evolved a variety of nest defense behaviors to prevent their offspring and themselves from being harmed by predators, such as alarm calls, mobbing, and attacks (Shen et al, 2022 ; Yu et al, 2021 ). When a predator or human approaches the nest of tits, the incubating females perform hissing display that mimics the inhalation hiss of a viper or another snake to deter the intruders (Koosa & Tilgar, 2016 ; Moller, Flensted‐Jensen, et al, 2021 ; Moller, Gil, et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Although cavity nests offer protection from many predators, nest predation is still the main reason for the reproductive failure of hole‐nesting birds (Lima, 2009 ; Martin, 1993 ; Martin & Li, 1992 ). The species and type of predator depends on the geographical area and habitat type (Shen et al, 2022 ). Therefore, the mode of predation and selective forces on nest sites may vary (Czeszczewik, 2004 ; Picman & Schriml, 1994 ).…”

“…The species and type of predator depends on the geographical area and habitat type (Shen et al, 2022). Therefore, the mode of predation and selective forces on nest sites may vary (Czeszczewik, 2004;Picman & Schriml, 1994).…”

Avian Alarm Calls Do Not Induce Anti-Predator Response in Three Anuran Species

“…), respectively. For each group, we selected two typical recordings with the length of 1–2 min (see [ 8 , 27 ]). We adjusted all sound files to a similar intensity and lengthened each of them to 3 min.…”

“…Tits are a widely distributed species and can generate alarm calls when exposed to potential predators. Japanese Tits ( Parus minor ), for instance, often emit different calls in response to the presence of snakes and other bird predators [ 8 , 27 ]. Here, we used different acoustic signals of Japanese Tits to investigate whether avian alarm calls induce anti-predator responses in anuran species.…”