Lack of effect of microhabitat charaacteristics on nest predation and brood parasitims in creamy-bellied thruss (Turdus Amaurochalinus)

Abstract

Nest predation and brood parasitism are key factors affecting nest survival in passerine birds. As a result, birds may select nest sites that minimize the probability of nests being found by predators or by brood parasites. Nevertheless, evidence remains equivocal. My objective was to determine the relationship between some nest microhabitat characteristics (nest concealment, distance to a road, distance to water, and substrate) and nest predation rates or brood parasitism rates in the Creamy-bellied Thrush. I found no relationship between the microhabitat characteristics studied and nest predation or brood parasitism rates. This study, in concordance with several previous studies, fails to support hypotheses that nest-site selection is shaped by nest predation or brood parasitism.