Bats as predators at the nests of tropical forest birds

• DOI: 10.1111/jav.02277
• Publication Date: 2019-11-01T14:38:00Z
• Authors: Daniel F. Perrella; Paulo V. Q. Zima; Lais Ribeiro‐Silva; Carlos H. Biagolini; Ana Paula Carmign...; Pedro M. Galetti; Mercival R. Franc...
• Keywords: Bird nest; Tropical forest

Nest predation is one of the main causes bird mortality, and development nest anti‐predatory defenses can mold many aspects evolution. Here we report that bats attack nests in incubation nestling stages Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Although other types interactions between birds have been reported, including adult individuals co‐occurrence cavity nests, may underestimated as predators. The combination flying olfactory skills makes functionally different compared to predators, opening new perspectives on interpretation nesting‐birds strategies. They represented 8% all recorded potential predations community studied, being more important than reptiles, were responsible for 33% losses at least species. Our data suggest depredation by be an selective factor shaping strategies nesting birds. Then, use devices capable detect will essential reliable interpretations defense mechanisms future works.