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Dryad

Nest-switch and nest site selection pattern in the double-brooded Japanese tits (Parus minor)

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Jun 08, 2023 version files 57.92 KB

Abstract

Most studies on nest site selection in multiple-brooded birds indicate that breeders tend to reuse the original nest site for subsequent breeding attempts within the same season. However, there are also some instances that many breeders may choose to move and build a new nest. The factors of habitat affecting nest switching of multiple-brooded avian species are poorly investigated. In this study, we investigated whether facultatively double-brooded Japanese tits (Parus minor) adapt their nest site characteristics in response to changes in environmental conditions during the second breeding attempt. Our results showed that second breeding nest boxes of Japanese tits had lower shrub height and fewer total number of tree species, but taller nest box height and higher shrub density compared to the control nest boxes. Compared with first-breeding nest boxes, second-breeding nest boxes used by Japanese tits had lower shrub height and higher shrub density. Our results suggested that Japanese tits selected nest sites for second breeding based on nest site characteristics, which may be related to food availability or predator avoidance.