Linking snake behavior to nest predation in a Midwestern bird community

• DOI: 10.1890/09-0059.1
• Publication Date: 2010-02-23T20:12:01Z
• Authors: Patrick J. Weathe...; Gerardo L. F. Car...; Jinelle H. Sperry; Jeffrey D. Brawn; Scott K. Robinson
• Keywords: Bird nest; Songbird; Nest box

Nest predators can adversely affect the viability of songbird populations, and their impact is exacerbated in fragmented habitats. Despite substantial research on this predator–prey interaction, however, almost all focus has been birds rather than nest predators, thereby limiting our understanding factors that bring nests into contact. We used radiotelemetry to document activity two snake species (rat snakes, Elaphe obsoleta ; racers, Coluber constrictor ) known prey Midwestern bird communities simultaneously monitored 300 tested hypothesis predation risk should increase for when snakes were more active edge habitat preferred by both species. Predation increased rat active, combined six which we had sufficient allow separate analyses. This result consistent with being important racers. found no evidence, closer forest edges at greater risk. These results are generally one previous study investigated simultaneously. The seemingly paradoxical failure find higher snakes' (i.e., edge) might be explained using least part non‐foraging activities. propose habitats (at attributable snakes) indirectly from promoting larger directly increasing snakes. If so, notion per se functioning as ecological “traps” merits further study.