Parental Care Contributes to the High Nest Predation Rates in a Passerine Species With Concealed Nests

Abstract

Nest predation critically influences avian reproduction, with concealed nests typically assumed to be safer from nest predators. However, the expected positive relationship between nest concealment and survival has not been consistently observed across species. A hypothesis proposed by Skutch provides a possible explanation that parental care may increase nest predation risk by attracting predators. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a field experiment in the White-bellied Redstarts (Luscinia phaenicuroides), which experience high predation rates despite highly concealed nests. Compared with active nests (with parental care), the same inactive nests after breeding had finished (without parental care) exhibited significantly higher daily survival rates and lower nest predation rates. Our findings support Skutch's hypothesis, and we presume that parental care provides cues for nest predators while the species' small body size limits nest defense. These findings provide insights into how parental behavior interacts with nest site selection to shape effective antipredator strategies.

Keywords

daily survival rate / incubation period / nest predation / parental care / White-bellied Redstart

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