Composition and preferences regarding nest materials by cavity-nesting vertebrates in the Andean temperate forest of Chile

• Published in: Bosque (Valdivia)
• Main Authors: Honorato, María Teresa, Altamirano, Tomás A, Ibarra, José Tomás, De la Maza, Mariano, Bonacic, Cristián, Martin, Kathy
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales. 2017
• Subjects: Aphrastura spinicauda; bambú; Dromiciops gliroides; reproducción; selección de recursos; bamboo; breeding; resource selection; Rattus rattus
• Online Access: http://revistas.uach.cl/index.php/bosque/article/view/64; https://doi.org/10.4067/S0717-92002016000300005

The composition and quality of nesting materials may influence the breeding success of cavity-nesting vertebrates, providing protection and optimal temperature to eggs and chicks. Between 2010 and 2013, we studied the composition and preferences regarding nest materials used by cavity-nesters in Andean temperate forests, southern Chile. We deployed 240 nest-boxes, obtaining data for 290 nests for three bird species (Aphrastura spinicauda, Troglodytes aedon and Tachycineta meyeni) and four mammals (Dromiciops gliroides, Rattus rattus, Oligoryzomys longicaudatus and Irenomys tarsalis). Aphrastura spinicauda (n = 170) and D. gliroides (n = 91) comprised 90 % of the nests. A. spinicauda nests were composed mainly of vine tendrils (44.2 %) and branches of trees and shrubs (25.7 %). Dromiciops gliroides used mostly leaves of trees and shrubs (72.9 %), and bryophytes (20.2 %). The predominant and preferred leaf in the nests of both species was from bamboo Chusquea species. Aphrastura spinicauda avoided the leaves of Lophozonia obliqua, whereas D. gliroides avoided vines. These results suggest a previously unknown role of Chusquea spp. in the breeding ecology of cavity-nesting forest vertebrates. The thick matted nests and the acidic pH of the Chusquea spp. leaves may provide protection from predators and have a biocidal effect on pathogens. Chusquea spp. may have an important inluence on the breeding success of cavity-nesters, although the benefits of using this nest material need to be confirmed. La composición y calidad de los nidos pueden afectar el éxito reproductivo de vertebrados nidificadores de cavidades, brindándoles protección y temperatura adecuada a huevos, polluelos y crías. Entre 2010-2013, se estudió la composición y preferencia de materiales de nidos de vertebrados nidificadores de cavidades del bosque templado andino de Chile. Se instalaron 240 cajas-nidos, obteniendo 290 nidos de tres especies de aves (Aphrastura spinicauda, Troglodytes aedon y Tachycineta meyeni) y de cuatro mamíferos (Dromiciops ...