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Nest architecture is linked with ecological success in songbirds
Author(s) -
Medina Iliana,
Perez Daniela,
Silva Ana C. Afonso,
Cally Justin,
León Constanza,
Maliet Odile,
Quintero Ignacio
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
ecology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.852
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1461-0248
pISSN - 1461-023X
DOI - 10.1111/ele.13998
Subject(s) - nest (protein structural motif) , ecology , habitat , biology , extinction (optical mineralogy) , geography , biochemistry , paleontology
Nests are essential constructions that determine fitness, yet their structure can vary substantially across bird species. While there is evidence supporting a link between nest architecture and the habitat a species occupies, we still ignore what ecological and evolutionary processes are linked to different nest types. Using information on 3175 species of songbirds, we show that—after controlling for latitude and body size—species that build domed nests (i.e. nests with a roof) have smaller ranges, are less likely to colonise urban environments and have potentially higher extinction rates compared to species with open and cavity nests. Domed nests could be a costly specialisation, and we show that these nests take more time to be built, which could restrict breeding opportunities. These diverse strands of evidence suggest that the transition from domed to open nests in passerines could represent an important evolutionary innovation behind the success of the largest bird radiation.