A new material for old solutions—the case of plastic string used in Great Grey Shrike nests

Abstract

Innovative behaviours are defined as new behaviour patterns derived by the modification of pre-existing ones. To date, studies of animal innovation have focussed mainly on foraging activity.

Distribution and abundance of baling twine in the landscape near Osprey (<em>Pandion haliaetus</em>) nests: implications for nestling entanglement

“…We lacked information on the age of nests, but it appeared that larger nests, which were presumably older, contained more twine; however, the limited sample of seven nests made this inference tentative. Although we found a variety of anthropogenic materials in nests, the largest component was baling twine, and such selectivity has been noted in a diversity of bird species from seabirds to raptors to passerines (e.g., Antczak et al 2010;Sergio et al 2011;votier et al 2011;Bond et al 2012). Whereas the cost of using baling twine in Osprey nests was clear, any potential benefits have yet to be determined (e.g., conspecific signaling; Sergio et al 2011).…”

“…While driving between nests, we often observed remnants of baling twine along the shoulders of secondary roads. The prevalence of plastic string, rope, and twine in the environment surrounding nests has been cited as a reason for their occurrence in nests (Blem et al 2002;Antczak et al 2010;Bond et al 2012), and our observations prompted us to investigate the abundance of discarded baling twine in the landscape surrounding Osprey nests. Our objectives were to estimate and com-ThE cANADIAN pare the amount of twine along roads near Osprey nests across a gradient from rural to urban landscapes and to assess the relation between the presence of twine in nests and the amount of twine found along roads near nests.…”

“…A variety of species use anthropogenic nesting materials, such as plastic trash, twine, and rope, and the prevalence of plastics in nests is thought to be increasing (Montevecchi 1991;Antczak et al 2010;votier et al 2011). Because plastics degrade slowly, using the percentage of nests containing plastics as an index of their abundance in the environment over time requires both a constant search effort and knowledge of bird population trends (Ryan et al 2009).…”

“…Although some individuals within a species benefit by signaling conspecifics through the use of artificial nesting materials (hansell 2000), plastic rope and twine present a potential risk of nestling and adult entanglement. In fact, mortality associated with the use of these nesting materials is well documented in White Storks (Ciconia ciconia; Kwieciński et al 2006), Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus;votier et al 2011), and Great Grey Shrikes (Lanius excubitor; Antczak et al 2010).…”

Anthropogenic Nest Materials May Increase Breeding Costs for Urban Birds

“…Since the distribution and physical properties of waste products is not the same as those of natural materials, the use of waste products requires behavioral adjustments, such as the ripping-of and unweaving of cigarette butts to line nests (Suárez-Rodríguez et al, 2013). Given the paramount influence of the nest materials on the microclimate and the biota to which developing offspring are exposed (Collias, 1964;Hilton et al, 2004), incorporating anthropogenic materials on the nests is likely to have a major influence on the natural history of those using them (Hartwig et al, 2007;Wang et al, 2009;Antczak et al, 2010;Suárez-Rodríguez et al, 2013).…”