Habitat quality and breeding parameters in relation to female mating status in the polygynous Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris

Kasprzykowski, Zbigniew; Polak, Marcin

doi:10.1007/s10336-012-0904-5

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…In Marsh Harrier, the period from the start of incubation to the fledging of the young birds is relatively long in comparison with other species nesting in the same fishpond habitat. For example chicks of Eurasian Bittern ( Botaurus stellaris ) leave the nest at the age of just 2 weeks post hatching, that is before reaching full independence ( Kasprzykowski & Polak, 2012 ). The female continues to care for the young, which hide in vegetation near the nest until fully fledged.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of nest age and habitat variables on nest survival in Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) in a fishpond habitat

Zaremba¹,

Kasprzykowski²,

Goławski³

2020

PeerJ

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Background One important anti‐predator strategy adopted by birds involves nest site selection and timing of breeding. Nest-site selection by marsh-nesting birds often involves nest concealment and water depth as key features influencing nest survival. Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) is an obligate ground nester, which sets it apart from other raptors. The aim of the present study was to identify for the first time possible temporal and habitat factors affecting nest survival in Marsh Harrier. Understanding features which affect nest survival are essential for assessing relevant conservation strategies. Methods To understand the relative contributions of different temporal and habitat variables to brood losses, it is useful to determine the daily survival rate (DSR). We examined 82 Marsh Harrier nests located on fishponds in eastern Poland, where predation is the main cause of nest loss. Six habitat variables were measured for each active nest. DSR was calculated using known-fate models with the RMark package. Results The best-supported model predicted that DSR decreased with nest age and was positively affected by the water depth and the diameter of reed stems, but not by the height or density of vegetation at the nest site. The distances of nests to the fishpond dyke and to open water received no support in the models. The chances of nest survival were lower if a neighbouring nest had been depredated. This result suggests that the Marsh Harrier is more susceptible to mammalian than avian predation and confirms the high level of predator pressure in fishpond habitats.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of nest age and habitat variables on nest survival in Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) in a fishpond habitat

Zaremba¹,

Kasprzykowski²,

Goławski³

2020

PeerJ

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…For example, chicks of Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) leave the nest at the age of just two weeks post hatching, i.e. before reaching full independence (Kasprzykowski & Polak, 2012). The female continues to care for the young, which hide in vegetation near the nest until fully fledged.…”

Section: Nest Agementioning

confidence: 99%

Peer Review #2 of "Effect of nest age and habitat variables on nest survival in Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) in a fishpond habitat (v0.1)"

2020

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Background One important anti-predator strategy adopted by birds involves nest site selection and timing of breeding. Nest-site selection by marsh-nesting birds often involves nest concealment and water depth as key features influencing nest survival. Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) is an obligate ground nester, which sets it apart from other raptors. The aim of the present study was to identify for the first time possible temporal and habitat factors affecting nest survival in Marsh Harrier. Understanding features which affect nest survival are essential for assessing relevant conservation strategies. Methods To understand the relative contributions of different temporal and habitat variables to brood losses, it is useful to determine the daily survival rate (DSR). We examined 82 Marsh Harrier nests located on fishponds in eastern Poland, where predation is the main cause of nest loss. Six habitat variables were measured for each active nest. DSR was calculated using known-fate models with the RMark package. Results The best-supported model predicted that DSR decreased with nest age and was positively affected by the water depth and the diameter of reed stems, but not by the height or density of vegetation at the nest site. The distances of nests to the fishpond dyke and to open water received no support in the models. The chances of nest survival were lower if a neighbouring nest had been depredated. This result suggests that Marsh Harrier is more susceptible to mammalian than avian predation and confirm the high level of predator pressure in fishpond habitats.

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Mating Systems

Ritchison

2023

Fascinating Life Sciences

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Habitat quality and breeding parameters in relation to female mating status in the polygynous Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris

Cited by 7 publications

References 27 publications

Effect of nest age and habitat variables on nest survival in Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) in a fishpond habitat

Effect of nest age and habitat variables on nest survival in Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) in a fishpond habitat

Peer Review #2 of "Effect of nest age and habitat variables on nest survival in Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) in a fishpond habitat (v0.1)"

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