Distribution and Breeding Success of Pallid Swifts, Apus pallidus, on Mediterranean Islands: Nest Predation by the Roof Rat, Rattus rattus, and Nest Site Quality

摘要: Nest site quality and egg predation are two important components of breeding success in birds. Here we study the role pallid swift nest by rats explaining abundance distribution on Mediterranean islands. First, monitored natural nests a rat free island relation to physical features sites meteorological conditions order understand impact weather success. Second, inferred empirically from comparison swifts Third, studied experimentally using artificial baited with quail eggs. Artificial were placed mimicking extreme types naturally used their accessibility small mammalian predators. The experiment conducted simultaneously infested Results show that effect events such as heavy summer rains depends (depth, protection, number exits). We speculate while some is affected these at an advantage case unusually high temperatures. Experimental observational results dramatically reduce or extirpate local populations Only originally available will provide sufficient protection still Rats interact complex fashion islands shaping observed pattern selection swifts. also suggest probably heavily influence diversity bird communities regional many species.