Instances of intraspecific nest parasitism in eastern and Rio Grande wild turkeys

Abstract

Nest parasitism can play an important role in processes regulating population dynamics of both hosts and parasites. Inter‐ and intra‐specific nest parasitism are 2 alternative reproductive strategies observed to occur in about 1% of all bird species. Recently, low productivity in wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) populations has resulted in population declines across the southeastern United States. Reproductive output may be influenced by nest parasitism, but the extent of nest parasitism and how it may be related to productivity of wild turkey populations are poorly understood. Herein, we illustrate 6 unreported examples of intraspecific nest parasitism obtained using GPS telemetry data from female wild turkeys in Georgia and Louisiana during 2014−2018. Further, we report 3 occurrences of nest parasitism in Texas using photographic evidence. Our findings suggest that ≥6% of nests are potentially parasitized, and that multiple females may visit and parasitize a single nest. Given recent declines in reproductive output of wild turkeys throughout the southeastern United States, we encourage researchers to continue assessing potential for nest parasitism across wild turkey populations and how this potential may be influenced by predator abundance and activity.

Reproductive asynchrony within social groups of female eastern wild turkeys

“…We acknowledge that we had no way of confirming that we captured all individuals in each flock. Likewise, we also recognize that some individuals may parasitize nests instead of initiating their own nest, and therefore delay their nest attempt (Krakauer, 2008;Sullivan et al, 2022), which would potentially influence our results. Robel and Ballard Jr (1974) noted that disruption of subordinate female greater prairie chickens by dominant females caused 2-3-day delays in copulation and female-female aggressions are common in black grouse at leks (Karvonen et al, 2000).…”

“…We acknowledge that we had no way of confirming that we captured all individuals in each flock. Likewise, we also recognize that some individuals may parasitize nests instead of initiating their own nest, and therefore delay their nest attempt (Krakauer, 2008 ; Sullivan et al, 2022 ), which would potentially influence our results.…”