Predation is the primary cause of nest loss in most passerine species. While nest predation is important, the predator community and behaviors of parents and predators during predation events are poorly documented. I witnessed one and videotaped four predation events at nests of Western Slaty Antshrikes (Thamnophilus atrinucha) in central Panama. Predators included a snake (Pseustes poecilonotus), a monkey (white-faced capuchin [Cebus capucinus]), and three species of birds. Predators spent little time at the nest, yet some returned repeatedly to the same nest. Parents also returned several times to nests after the predation event and parental behaviors varied depending on the predator. Nest disturbance was not an accurate indicator of predator type.
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1 September 2008
Predators at Nests of the Western Slaty Antshrike (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
Corey E. Tarwater
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The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Vol. 120 • No. 3
September 2008
Vol. 120 • No. 3
September 2008