Optimal Choice of Neighbour: Predator Protection among Tundra Birds

Larsen, T. B.; Grundetjern, Svein

doi:10.2307/3676943

Cited by 44 publications

(60 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Evidence that the increased success could be attributed to reduced predation specifically was found in 22 of these studies (Appendix 1). Seven studies used artificial (dummy) nests and attempted to control for habitat confounds by placing control and experimental nests in similar habitat (Slagsvold 1980b, Ueta 1994, Larsen & Grundetjern 1997, Bogliani et al . 1999, Halme et al .…”

Section: Benefits To the Protected Associatementioning

confidence: 99%

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Protective nesting associations in birds

Quinn

Ueta

2008

Ibis

126

113

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Exploiting the nest defence behaviour of another relatively aggressive species is one of the most unusual amongst a great diversity of strategies used by animals to evade predation. Here we review 62 studies that have looked at protective nesting associations in which at least one species is a bird. Most ‘protected’ associates are found in the Anseriformes, the Charadriiformes and the Passeriformes, while most ‘protective’ associates come from the Charadriiformes and the Falconiformes. Protected associates primarily benefit from a reduced predation rate when nesting near protective species although a variety of other, often unusual benefits have been described, including early warning of predators, lower parasitism, lower brood‐parasitism, nest stability and higher mating success. Protected associates sometimes also pay costs when they or their young are killed by their aggressive associate, or when they are forced to abandon their nest. Two studies demonstrate that protected species manipulate the trade‐off between the costs and benefits of nesting near an aggressive associate, while only a handful of studies have found specific adaptations to help avoid costs. In contrast, there is little evidence to suggest that the protective associates pay costs or gain benefits. This is probably because few researchers set out to test this hypothesis specifically, but we tentatively conclude that the majority of nesting associations are commensal in nature, and that only a few are parasitic or mutualistic. Many studies show that nesting associations occur by active choice and not because the associate species choose similar habitat, but only one study does so experimentally. In two cases the nesting association is obligatory for one of the species but there was also evidence for significant local adaptation to nesting near protective species, sometimes across a broad geographical range. Finally, we identify potential pathways that may have led to the evolution of nesting associations, discuss some possible implications for the populations involved and argue that nesting associations provide many novel research opportunities.

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Section: Benefits To the Protected Associatementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Cases of eggs being predated by, or indirectly because of, hosts are more common (Bourget 1973, Blomqvist & Elander 1988, Alberico et al . 1991, Lindell 1996, Larsen & Grundetjern 1997, Quinn et al . 2003).…”

Section: Costs To Protected Associatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Protective nesting associations in birds

Quinn

Ueta

2008

Ibis

126

113

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“…Such general positive relationships may reflect direct facilitation (e.g., Dunlin and Golden Plover may benefit through shared nest defense; cf. Larsen and Grundetjern 1997, Haemig 2001, Quinn et al 2003, use of other species (including competitors and predators) as cues of habitat quality (Stamps and Krishnan 2005), or mediation by unmeasured habitat variables such as food availability. The pattern for raptors matches the most common expectation of predator-prey distribution within single popula-PLATE 1.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Revealing ecological networks using Bayesian network inference algorithms

Milns

Beale

Smith

2010

Ecology

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“…Furthermore, these species may even associate with diVerent species as the interactions between the protector and enemy species (the predator) change due to environmental factors (Larsen and Grundetjern 1997). In addition, the beneWts accrued by associating with a protector species are likely to vary as environmental conditions change and can sometimes even become harmful (Bêty et al 2002;Smith et al 2007); however, these changes in protection beneWts remain largely unstudied.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Higher nest predation risk in association with a top predator: mesopredator attraction?

Morosinotto

Thomson

Hänninen³

et al. 2012

Oecologia

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Breeding close to top predators is a widespread reproductive strategy. Breeding animals may gain indirect benefits if proximity to top predators results in a reduction of predation due to suppression of mesopredators. We tested if passerine birds gain protection from mesopredators by nesting within territories of a top predator, the Ural owl (Strix uralensis). We placed nest boxes for pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) in Ural owl nest sites and in control sites (currently unoccupied by owls). The nest boxes were designed so that nest predation risk could be altered (experimentally increased) after flycatcher settlement; we considered predation rate as a proxy of mesopredator abundance. Overall, we found higher nest predation rates in treatment than in control sites. Flycatcher laying date did not differ between sites, but smaller clutches were laid in treatment sites compared to controls, suggesting a response to perceived predation risk. Relative nest predation rate varied between years, being higher in owl nest sites in 2 years but similar in another; this variation might be indirectly influenced by vole abundance. Proximity to Ural owl nests might represent a risky habitat for passerines. High predation rates within owl territories could be because small mesopredators that do not directly threaten owl nests are attracted to owl nest sites. This could be explained if some mesopredators use owl territories to gain protection from their own predators, or if top predators and mesopredators independently seek similar habitats.

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Optimal Choice of Neighbour: Predator Protection among Tundra Birds

Cited by 44 publications

References 14 publications

Protective nesting associations in birds

Protective nesting associations in birds

Revealing ecological networks using Bayesian network inference algorithms

Higher nest predation risk in association with a top predator: mesopredator attraction?

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