Prothonotary Warbler Nestlings Fledge from Mixed Broods Following Nest Takeovers by Tree Swallows
Samantha L. Rogers1,2,*, Taylor N. Parlow2, Julie Kacmarcik3, Robert Reilly4, Cathy Viverette2, and Lesley P. Bulluck2
1Integrative Life Sciences Doctoral Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284. 2Center for Environmental Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284. 3Richmond Audubon Society, Richmond, VA 23225. 4Professor Emeritus, Department of Economics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284. *Corresponding author.
Northeastern Naturalist, Volume 27, Issue 4 (2020): N63–N70
Abstract
Interspecific nest-site competition among secondary cavity nesters can lead to nest-takeover events resulting in mixed broods. The nestlings of the smaller species in these mixed broods are usually unsuccessful. Among multiple takeover events occurring over 33 years of nest-monitoring records, we report 4 accounts of Protonotaria citrea (Prothonotary Warbler) fledging from mixed broods after Tachycineta bicolor (Tree Swallow) displaced Warblers from active nests. In each case, Prothonotary Warblers hatched earlier than their Tree Swallow nestmates, reducing the size discrepancy between species and enabling these nestlings to survive.
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