Presentation Details
| 3D-Printed Rodents Of Unusual Size Reveal Nest Defense Strategies Of A Cavity-Nesting Songbird Dustin G Reichard1, Ava E Swanson1, Avery M Panozzo1, Cody M Kent2. 1Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH, USA.2Luther College, Decorah, IA, USA |
Abstract
Diverse predator guilds pose a myriad of threats to prey. Selection should favor individuals that differentiate between predator types, assess risk, and modulate their responses relative to the threat. We tested whether northern house wren parents use predator size as a cue for assessing risk and determining their nest defense. We 3D printed life-sized models of eastern chipmunks (control; 1:1), a common nest predator, along with smaller (0.5:1) and larger (2:1) versions before painting the models identically. We placed each model on top of wren nest boxes on consecutive days during the nestling stage and measured the parent’s antipredator behavior. Both sexes responded more aggressively to the smaller models as evidenced by more hits and closer approaches as model size decreased. Males were more aggressive than females, with males being particularly aggressive towards the smallest model. These results are consistent with parental investment theory as parents responded most aggressively to the smaller predators that posed the greatest risk to their young inside the nest box. Predator size appears to be a salient cue for modulating antipredator behavior in northern house wrens.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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