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Nesting strategy and the niche partitioning in two socially monogamous songbirds
  • Nao Ota
Nao Ota
Max-Planck-Institut fur Ornithologie

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Niche partitioning is often vital for the coexistence of ecologically similar species under limited resources. Here I will report the nesting strategy of the two sympatric songbirds and the species differences, which have been overlooked in the past. Blue-capped and red-cheeked cordon-bleus are socially monogamous, biparental songbirds (family Estrildidae) that sympatrically inhabit East Africa. My field observation during their breeding season revealed that red-cheeked cordon-bleus build their nests near wasp nests more frequently than blue-capped cordon-bleus. Blue-capped cordon-bleus instead tended to take over weaver’s old nest more often or use a broader range of nesting materials compared to red-cheeked cordon-bleus. These nesting strategies are already described in the literature as common behaviors in both species. However, the species differences of the adopting strategies have never been reported. While Estrildid finches are one of the best well-studied bird families of their behavior under the captive condition, my finding suggests that we still have limited knowledge of their wild behaviors and ecological plausibility, which is required to understand the functions and evolution.
12 Nov 2021Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
13 Nov 2021Submission Checks Completed
13 Nov 2021Assigned to Editor
17 Nov 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
03 Dec 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Dec 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
15 Apr 20221st Revision Received
15 Apr 2022Assigned to Editor
15 Apr 2022Submission Checks Completed
15 Apr 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Jun 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
22 Jul 20222nd Revision Received
25 Jul 2022Submission Checks Completed
25 Jul 2022Assigned to Editor
25 Jul 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Sep 2022Editorial Decision: Accept