Differences in reproductive success and parental qualities between habitats in the Great Tit Parus major

摘要: Reproductive success and parental attributes of Great Tits Parus major nesting in good poor habitats were compared to investigate whether they differed and, if so, or environmental variation contributed most the differences. Monitored over 3 years, clutches mature woodland started earlier, larger produced broods heavier chicks than those marginal such as gardens hedgerows. Fledging was significantly higher 2 years although egg weights lower. Parents different very similar body-size better condition. The prey delivered nestlings quality that habitats. Furthermore, heritability (tarsus-length) woodland, suggesting environment limits nestling growth poorer considerably lower appears be constrained primarily by quality, this may operate partly through its affect on body