Seasonal patterns in nest survival of a subtropical wading bird, the Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni)

• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10399
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01T09:20:04Z
• Authors: Kristen C. Harmon; Nathaniel H. Wehr; Melissa R. Price
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; Vegetation; Animal Behavior; seasonality; QH301-705.5; Introduced predators; R; Seasonality; 15. Life on land; introduced predators; 01 natural sciences; nest survival; vegetation; Nest survival; Proximity to water; Medicine; Biology (General); proximity to water

Nest survival is influenced by where and when birds decide to breed. For ground-nesting species, nest-site characteristics, such as vegetation height proximity water, may impact the likelihood of nest flooding or depredation. Further, habitat thus survival, fluctuate across breeding season. The Hawaiian Stilt (‘Ae‘o; Himantopus mexicanus knudseni ) an endangered waterbird that nests in wetlands Islands. In this study, we used observational surveys cameras examine characteristics day nesting season on Stilt. Early had a higher chance than late nests. most season, taller was correlated with increased while shorter Seasonal patterns be due changes parental behavior predator activity. depredation responsible for 55% confirmed failures introduced mammals were primary predators. Our study first seasonality Stilts suggests that, despite longer seasons year-round occupation wetlands, nesters subtropical regions have lower early nesters, similar trends observed temperate regions.