Predation of Daurian redstarts offspring in nest boxes by the Oriental magpie‐robin and tree sparrow

Abstract

Birds select suitable nest sites for breeding to ensure their own and offspring's survival; however, they inevitably suffer some potential predation risk. We studied the breeding ecology of Daurian redstarts ( Phoenicurus auroreus ) by providing nest boxes for their breeding from March to August of 2022. We recorded the predation of both Daurian redstarts eggs or nestlings by Oriental magpie‐robins ( Copsychus saularis ) and tree sparrow ( Passer montanus ). Oriental magpie‐robin were recorded attacking a feeding female adult and depredating nestlings. After the nestling predation event, the Daurian redstarts abandoned the nest. This video evidence provide a better understanding of the potential predators of cavity‐nesting birds.

Report of a magpie preying on a post‐fledgling Daurian redstart

“…Fu et al, 2016 ; Ma et al, 2021 ), birds (e.g. Deng & Gao, 2005 ; Fu et al, 2016 ; Walankiewicz, 2002 ; Wan et al, 2023 ; Yin et al, 2023 ), snakes (e.g. Gartner & Greene, 2008 ; Ma et al, 2021 ), insects (e.g.…”