Only Some Ectoparasite Populations are Affected by Nest Re-Use: an Experimental Study on Pied Flycatchers

摘要: Summary. Nest re-use in birds is rare but since appropriate cavities may be scarce, cavity-nesting often those that were occupied previous seasons. Old nest material contain and/or attract more ectoparasites than fresh material. Therefore it important to understand the effects of on abundance different ectoparasite species virulence and their impli cation for breeding parameters nestling condition. We studied consequences a population pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca central Spain by offering them both nest-boxes with old cleaned nest-boxes. monitored activity from early stages construction until fledging, then finally removed nests estimate abun dances. Occupation rates similar treatments. found blowfly flea abundances significantly higher new nests, mites, most viru...