Adaptive phenotypic plasticity in an island songbird exposed to a novel predation risk

Male and female Blackbirds (Turdus merula) respond similarly to the risk of nest predation

“…This agrees with previous studies on the topic (e.g. Eggers et al 2005Eggers et al , 2008Massaro et al 2008;Peluc et al 2008;Zanette et al 2011;Ghalambor et al 2013;Hua et al 2014) and also with the reduction in nest visits observed for female Blackbirds during the incubation stage (Ibáñez-Á lamo and Soler 2012). However, adult Blackbirds did not show an increase in latency time due to a high perceived predation risk (prediction 1b).…”

“…While several studies have demonstrated a reduction in offspring provisioning rates (e.g. Eggers et al 2005Eggers et al , 2008Massaro et al 2008;Peluc et al 2008;Zanette et al 2011;Ghalambor et al 2013;Hua et al 2014;LaManna and Martin 2016), it remains unknown whether the reduction in nest visitation rates differs between sexes. Martin and Badyaev (1996) suggested that nest predation could place greater constraints on female than on male plumage brightness, implying that each sex responds differentially to nest predation risk.…”

Genetic Diversity of the Japanese Wood Pigeon,Columba janthina, Endemic to Islands of East Asia, Estimated by Newly Developed Microsatellite Markers

“…Field research, particularly behavioral studies, need not be invasive or time consuming, contrary to assertions by some evolutionary biologists (e.g., Zink 2007). For example, Peluc et al (2008) used a simple experimental design to demonstrate in one field season that the unique nest-site selection behavior exhibited by Orange-crowned Warblers (Oreothlypis celata) on Santa Catalina Island reflected the birds' ability to respond plastically to variation in the nest-predator community, rather than a genetically based phenotypic differentiation. Quantifying patterns of morphological and life history variation among populations typically requires more intensive, long-term study (e.g., Radar et al 2005).…”

Seasonal and population variation in male testosterone levels in breeding orange-crowned warblers (Vermivora celata)

“…Frequent nest predation on Catalina (Peluc et al, 2008) leads to renesting from March-May or June in most years. This extended access to fertile females can prolong testosterone release in males (Moore, 1982(Moore, , 1983.…”