Nest architecture is linked with ecological success in songbirds

Abstract

Nests are essential constructions that determine fitness, yet their structure can vary substantially across bird species. While there is evidence supporting a link between nest architecture and the habitat a species occupies, we still ignore what ecological and evolutionary processes are linked to different nest types. Using information on 3175 species of songbirds, we show that-after controlling for latitude and body size-species that build domed nests (i.e. nests with a roof) have smaller ranges, are less likely to colonise urban environments and have potentially higher extinction rates compared to species with open and cavity nests. Domed nests could be a costly specialisation, and we show that these nests take more time to be built, which could restrict breeding opportunities. These diverse strands of evidence suggest that the transition from domed to open nests in passerines could represent an important evolutionary innovation behind the success of the largest bird radiation.

Why do some bird species incorporate more anthropogenic materials into their nests than others?

“…plastic, aluminium foil and plastic string). (Photos: [1,2,4]—Z.J., [3]—Weronika Baranowska). ( b ) The geographical location of studies identified by our literature search that have quantified the presence of ANMs in birds’ nests.…”

Evolution of nest architecture in tyrant flycatchers and allies

“…Passeriformes ( passerines, or 'perching birds') is the largest order of birds, comprising approximately 60% of extant avian species and occupying a wide range of ecological niches worldwide. This clade's ecological and evolutionary success has been attributed to many potential factors [1][2][3], including innovation in nest-building behaviours [4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. A well-built nest represents a key component of successful reproduction in many avian species, protecting eggs and chicks from predation and environmental pressures [11][12][13][14].…”

The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach

“…Nests are built by a range of vertebrate and invertebrate taxa-including fishes, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals and insects-to house vulnerable eggs and offspring [1,2]. Nest structures typically hold the eggs of oviparous species and the offspring of both oviparous and viviparous species and, therefore, play a key role in achieving reproductive success [1,[3][4][5]. For example, Medina et al [5] showed that interspecific variation in the design of birds' nests is an important determinant of the evolutionary persistence, and thus success, of species.…”

“…Nest structures typically hold the eggs of oviparous species and the offspring of both oviparous and viviparous species and, therefore, play a key role in achieving reproductive success [1,[3][4][5]. For example, Medina et al [5] showed that interspecific variation in the design of birds' nests is an important determinant of the evolutionary persistence, and thus success, of species. Nevertheless, our understanding of the evolutionary ecology of nests and nest building has lagged behind our understanding of the later stages of reproduction, such as incubation behaviours and offspring provisioning, despite the fact that nestsincluding the large burrows of mammals and the enormous structures that house colonies of eusocial insects-have long held a fascination for scientists [1].…”

“…The past decade or so, however, has seen an increasing focus on the nests built by a range of nest-constructing taxa, including fishes, amphibians, birds, non-avian reptiles and mammals [1,2,[6][7][8][9][10][11]. The recent increase in attention is due, in no small part, to the assembly of nearly exhaustive datasets of all the extant avian species [12], which when combined with the simultaneous resolution of their phylogenies, is allowing comparative studies to examine the evolution of nest characteristics in a phylogenetically robust manner [5,13,14].…”