| Abstract: | We compared three methods to determine nest predators of the Least Bell‘s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) in San Diego County, California, during spring and summer 2000. Point counts and tracking stations were used to identify potential predators and video photography to document actual nest predators. Parental behavior at depredated nests was compared to that at successful nests to determine whether activity (frequency of trips to and from the nest) and singing vs. non-singing on the nest affected nest predation. Yellow-breasted Chats (Icteria virens) were the most abundant potential avian predator, followed by Western Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica). Coyotes (Canis latrans) were abundant, with smaller mammalian predators occurring in low abundance. Cameras documented a 48% predation rate with scrub-jays as the major nest predators (67%), but Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana, 17%), gopher snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus, 8%) and Argentine ants (Linepithema humile, 8%) were also confirmed predators. Identification of potential predators from tracking stations and point counts demonstrated only moderate correspondence with actual nest predators. Parental behavior at the nest prior to depredation was not related to nest outcome. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70026379 |
| Citation Author: | Peterson, B. L.; Kus, B. E.; Deutschman, D. H. |
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| Citation End Page: | 95 |
| Citation Issue: | 1 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Journal of Field Ornithology |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 7 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Determining nest predators of the Least Bell‘s Vireo through point counts, tracking stations, and video photography; 2004; Article; Journal; Journal of Field Ornithology; Peterson, B. L.; Kus, B. E.; Deutschman, D. H. |
| Citation Start Page: | 89 |
| Citation Volume: | 75 |
| Citation Year: | 2004 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Determining nest predators of the Least Bell‘s Vireo through point counts, tracking stations, and video photography; 2004; Article; Journal; Journal of Field Ornithology; Peterson, B. L.; Kus, B. E.; Deutschman, D. H. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| Date Other: | Thu, 1 Jan 2004 00:00 -0600 |
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