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Huge AC, Adreani NM, Colombelli-Négrel D, Akçay Ç, Common LK, Kleindorfer S. Age effects in Darwin's finches: older males build more concealed nests in areas with more heterospecific singing neighbors. JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY 2023; 165:179-191. [PMID: 38225937 PMCID: PMC10787676 DOI: 10.1007/s10336-023-02093-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Nesting success tends to increase with age in birds, in part because older birds select more concealed nest sites based on experience and/or an assessment of prevailing predation risk. In general, greater plant diversity is associated with more biodiversity and more vegetation cover. Here, we ask if older Darwin's finch males nest in areas with greater vegetation cover and if these nest sites also have greater avian species diversity assessed using song. We compared patterns in Darwin's Small Tree Finch (Camarhynchus parvulus) and Darwin's Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) as males build the nest in both systems. We measured vegetation cover, nesting height, and con- vs. heterospecific songs per minute at 55 nests (22 C. parvulus, 33 G. fuliginosa). As expected, in both species, older males built nests in areas with more vegetation cover and these nests had less predation. A novel finding is that nests of older males also had more heterospecific singing neighbors. Future research could test whether older males outcompete younger males for access to preferred nest sites that are more concealed and sustain a greater local biodiversity. The findings also raise questions about the ontogenetic and fitness consequences of different acoustical experiences for developing nestlings inside the nest. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10336-023-02093-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia C. Huge
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition, University of Vienna, Grünau im Almtal, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicolas M. Adreani
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition, University of Vienna, Grünau im Almtal, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Çağlar Akçay
- Department of Psychology, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
- School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lauren K. Common
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition, University of Vienna, Grünau im Almtal, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, 5001 Australia
| | - Sonia Kleindorfer
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition, University of Vienna, Grünau im Almtal, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, 5001 Australia
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Beausoleil M, Camacho C, Rabadán‐González J, Lalla K, Richard R, Carrion‐Avilés P, Hendry AP, Barrett RDH. Where did the finch go? Insights from radio telemetry of the medium ground finch (
Geospiza fortis
). Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8768. [PMID: 35494501 PMCID: PMC9039628 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Movement patterns and habitat selection of animals have important implications for ecology and evolution. Darwin's finches are a classic model system for ecological and evolutionary studies, yet their spatial ecology remains poorly studied. We tagged and radio‐tracked five (three females, two males) medium ground finches (Geospiza fortis) to examine the feasibility of telemetry for understanding their movement and habitat use. Based on 143 locations collected during a 3‐week period, we analyzed for the first time home‐range size and habitat selection patterns of finches at El Garrapatero, an arid coastal ecosystem on Santa Cruz Island (Galápagos). The average 95% home range and 50% core area for G. fortis in the breeding season was 20.54 ha ± 4.04 ha SE and 4.03 ha ± 1.11 ha SE, respectively. For most of the finches, their home range covered a diverse set of habitats. Three finches positively selected the dry‐forest habitat, while the other habitats seemed to be either negatively selected or simply neglected by the finches. In addition, we noted a communal roosting behavior in an area close to the ocean, where the vegetation is greener and denser than the more inland dry‐forest vegetation. We show that telemetry on Darwin's finches provides valuable data to understand the movement ecology of the species. Based on our results, we propose a series of questions about the ecology and evolution of Darwin's finches that can be addressed using telemetry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Camacho
- Department of Biological Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología—CSIC Jaca Spain
- Department of Biology Centre for Animal Movement Research (CAnMove) Lund University Lund Sweden
| | | | - Kristen Lalla
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences McGill University Sainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue QC Canada
| | - Roxanne Richard
- Redpath Museum and Department of Biology McGill University Montréal QC Canada
| | | | - Andrew P. Hendry
- Redpath Museum and Department of Biology McGill University Montréal QC Canada
| | - Rowan D. H. Barrett
- Redpath Museum and Department of Biology McGill University Montréal QC Canada
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3
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Xu M, Shaw KL. Spatial Mixing between Calling Males of Two Closely Related, Sympatric Crickets Suggests Beneficial Heterospecific Interactions in a NonAdaptive Radiation. J Hered 2021; 111:84-91. [PMID: 31782960 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esz062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sympatry among closely related species occurs in both adaptive and nonadaptive radiations. Among closely related, sympatric species of a nonadaptive radiation, the lack of ecological differentiation brings species into continual contact where individuals are exposed to the risk of reproductive interference. Selection thus should cause divergence in multiple components mediating the reproductive boundary. Besides differentiation of reproductive signals per se, spatial segregation is a commonly proposed mechanism that can mitigate reproductive interference. Studying a pair of broadly sympatric, closely related cricket species from a nonadaptive radiation in Hawaii, we 1) quantified acoustic divergence of male songs and 2) tested alternative hypotheses of spatial distribution of calling males of the 2 species. Acoustic analyses of the recorded songs showed that, while the 2 species differed substantially in pulse rate, no spectral or fine temporal segregation of the pulse structure was evident, indicating the potential for acoustic masking. Moreover, we found that calling males of the 2 species are highly mixed both vertically and horizontally and showed the same preference for calling sites. More surprisingly, calling males were found to form mixed-species calling clusters where heterospecific males are closer to each other than conspecific males. Such an individual spacing pattern suggests low heterospecific aggression and/or high conspecific competition. Because females prefer higher sound intensity, heterospecific males may benefit, rather than interfere, with each other in attracting females. These findings offer a potential mechanism enabling species coexistence in sympatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzi Xu
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Kerry L Shaw
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
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4
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Colombelli‐Négrel D, Kleindorfer S. Behavioural response to songs between genetically diverged allopatric populations of Darwin's small tree finch in the Galápagos. J Evol Biol 2021; 34:816-829. [PMID: 33714212 PMCID: PMC8251970 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Empirical data that identify contemporary mechanisms of divergence shed light on how species could multiply. In this study, we measured population genetic structure, song syllable diversity and response to simulated intruder song in Darwin's small tree finch (Camarhynchus parvulus) on Santa Cruz and Floreana Islands, Galápagos archipelago. Our aim was to test whether the magnitude of contemporary behavioural response in resident birds was consistent with patterns of genetic or cultural differences between populations. We analysed genetic structure and the occurrence of song syllable types, and experimentally measured the response of resident birds to intruder bird song from different geographical origin (i.e., island) or syllable type. We discovered a weak signal of population genetic structure between Santa Cruz and Floreana Islands. Although some song syllables occurred on both islands, others were unique to each island; Santa Cruz Island males used more unique syllables than Floreana Island males. Both Santa Cruz and Floreana resident males discriminated their response towards a simulated intruder song based on the geographical origin of the intruder song, but not on the syllable type sung by the intruder. We conclude that the populations are diverging in genetic and cultural traits and identified a signal of contemporary behavioural response that could maintain divergence upon secondary contact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonia Kleindorfer
- College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Konrad Lorenz Research Centre for Behaviour and CognitionDepartment of Behavioural and Cognitive BiologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
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5
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Swift RJ, Rodewald AD, Senner NR. Context-dependent costs and benefits of a heterospecific nesting association. Behav Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ary042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rose J Swift
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Department of Natural Resources, Ithaca, NY
| | - Amanda D Rodewald
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Department of Natural Resources, Ithaca, NY
| | - Nathan R Senner
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
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Fessl B, Heimpel GE, Causton CE. Invasion of an Avian Nest Parasite, Philornis downsi, to the Galapagos Islands: Colonization History, Adaptations to Novel Ecosystems, and Conservation Challenges. DISEASE ECOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-65909-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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7
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Hertler SC. Beyond birth order: The biological logic of personality variation among siblings. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2017.1325570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Steven C. Hertler
- Department of Psychology, College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, NY 10805, USA
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Kleindorfer S, Dudaniec RY. Host-parasite ecology, behavior and genetics: a review of the introduced fly parasite Philornis downsi and its Darwin’s finch hosts. BMC ZOOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1186/s40850-016-0003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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Cimadom A, Ulloa A, Meidl P, Zöttl M, Zöttl E, Fessl B, Nemeth E, Dvorak M, Cunninghame F, Tebbich S. Invasive parasites, habitat change and heavy rainfall reduce breeding success in Darwin's finches. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107518. [PMID: 25248092 PMCID: PMC4172424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive alien parasites and pathogens are a growing threat to biodiversity worldwide, which can contribute to the extinction of endemic species. On the Galápagos Islands, the invasive parasitic fly Philornis downsi poses a major threat to the endemic avifauna. Here, we investigated the influence of this parasite on the breeding success of two Darwin's finch species, the warbler finch (Certhidea olivacea) and the sympatric small tree finch (Camarhynchus parvulus), on Santa Cruz Island in 2010 and 2012. While the population of the small tree finch appeared to be stable, the warbler finch has experienced a dramatic decline in population size on Santa Cruz Island since 1997. We aimed to identify whether warbler finches are particularly vulnerable during different stages of the breeding cycle. Contrary to our prediction, breeding success was lower in the small tree finch than in the warbler finch. In both species P. downsi had a strong negative impact on breeding success and our data suggest that heavy rain events also lowered the fledging success. On the one hand parents might be less efficient in compensating their chicks' energy loss due to parasitism as they might be less efficient in foraging on days of heavy rain. On the other hand, intense rainfalls might lead to increased humidity and more rapid cooling of the nests. In the case of the warbler finch we found that the control of invasive plant species with herbicides had a significant additive negative impact on the breeding success. It is very likely that the availability of insects (i.e. food abundance)is lower in such controlled areas, as herbicide usage led to the removal of the entire understory. Predation seems to be a minor factor in brood loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Cimadom
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angel Ulloa
- Charles Darwin Foundation, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Patrick Meidl
- Institute for Science and Technology, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Markus Zöttl
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabet Zöttl
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Fessl
- Charles Darwin Foundation, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - Sabine Tebbich
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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VANGESTEL CARL, BRAECKMAN BARTP, MATHEVE HANS, LENS LUC. Constraints on home range behaviour affect nutritional condition in urban house sparrows (Passer domesticus). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2010.01493.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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11
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Parasite infestation and predation in Darwin's small ground finch: contrasting two elevational habitats between islands. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467409990678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:Contrasting ecological conditions may affect the distribution, abundance and impact of parasites and predators throughout the ranges of hosts and prey. Such patterns are evident on the archipelagos of Hawaii and the Galapagos, which vary in their distribution and abundance of avian parasites within and across islands. Previous research has documented higher intensity of parasitic fly larvae (Philornis downsi) in nests of Darwin's finches on elevated islands of the Galapagos. Here we examine P. downsi intensity and predation in 71 nests of Darwin's small ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) on Floreana Island. We found significant differences in parasite intensity, nest predation and clutch size between the lowland (0–100 m) and highland (300–400 m) habitats. Lowland finch nests had few P. downsi parasites (mean of 8 per nest), high nest predation (44% of nests) and large clutch size (3.4). Highland finch nests showed the opposite pattern, with many P. downsi parasites (40 per nest), low nest predation (17%) and small clutch size (2.5). This study suggests that the impacts of an introduced parasite are limited by its niche requirements and resource availability within and across islands. Our findings also imply that the vulnerability of bird populations to introduced parasites and predators is linked with variation in life history strategies across habitats.
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