Competition, predation and nest niche shifts among tropical cavity nesters: phylogeny and natural history evolution of parrots (Psittaciformes) and trogons (Trogoniformes)

• DOI: 10.1111/j.0908-8857.2005.03310.x
• Publication Date: 2005-03-10T01:16:10Z
• Authors: Donald J. Brights...
• Keywords: Avian clutch size; Nest box

Nest site selection by birds is a critically important life history trait as competition for suitable sites can be intense, and because are at their most vulnerable to predators during nesting. Previous studies show that the clutch size nestling period evolve in response nest predation, respectively. This provides opportunity study relative contribution of predation evolution nesting niche. Using previously published phylogenies parrots trogons, I found evidence least 13 independent evolutionary transitions from tree cavities alternative niches (including termitaria, cliffs, burrows). analyzed variations size, incubation 16 phylogenetically controlled pairs species test roles favoring switches sites. Tree cavity did not have larger sizes predicted if leads invest heavily once they obtain (the limited breeding opportunities hypothesis). Instead shifts were accompanied an increase period. As surrogate measure long‐term rates, this finding suggests has been more than niche diversification among trogons. The timing events South America explosive radiation mammalian Upper‐Oligocene, Lower‐Miocene (20–30 million years ago) corresponded with parrot trogon taxa exploit novel niches.