NEST REUSE BY VERMILION FLYCATCHERS IN TEXAS

摘要

Vermilion Flycatchers (Pyrocephalus rubinus) were documented to reuse their nests within a single breeding season in south Texas. I recorded a consistent, low frequency (12%, n = 250 clutches) of nest reuse during each of four seasons. Nest survival was greater (P ＜ 0.001) for reused nests than for newly constructed nests and the abundance of ectoparasites was low overall for both types of nests. The main advantage for Vermilion Flycatchers reusing nests was greater nesting success as nest reuse was associated with reduced nest predation. Nest reuse also increased time available for nesting attempts as a flycatcher would save 8 days (9%) (during three attempts) of the time typically available for nesting in south Texas. Reported nest reuse was common (＞25% of a family's members) among 5 families of passerines. Aspects of the life histories of these groups support hypotheses for the observed nest reuse behavior among Vermilion Flycatchers.