Predation attempts on Hoopoe Upupa epops nests in a rural Mediterranean area of central Italy
Seventeen predation attempts on four Hoopoe Upupa epops nests in an heterogenous agricultural Mediterranean area of central Italy were recorded during breeding seasons 2020-21. Camera traps identified 7 different predators’ species, mainly Western whip snake Hierophis viridiflavus and Black rat Ratt...
Published in: | Rivista Italiana di Ornitologia |
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Main Authors: | , |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English Italian |
Published: |
PAGEPress Publications
2023
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.4081/rio.2023.658 https://doaj.org/article/80928c6e2a14453a8410e430aebf8acc |
Summary: | Seventeen predation attempts on four Hoopoe Upupa epops nests in an heterogenous agricultural Mediterranean area of central Italy were recorded during breeding seasons 2020-21. Camera traps identified 7 different predators’ species, mainly Western whip snake Hierophis viridiflavus and Black rat Rattus rattus. Uropygial secretions and hissing calls from chicks and incubating female inside the breeding cavity always saved the clutches, while no active defense was performed by parents if outside the nest. |
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