Nest site reuse and fidelity in two cavity- nesters in Argentina: The American Kestrel and the Blue-crowned Parakeet

LÓPEZ, F. G.; BERKUNSKY, I.; REBOLLO, M. E.; OROZCO-VALOR, P. M.; GRANDE, J. M.

London

Congreso; AOS & SCO-SOC Ornithological Conference; 2023

AOS &SCO-SOC

Reuse and fidelity to nesting sites can be used to establish relationships with reproductive success in birds. We estimate the proportion of cavities used and reused by individuals of American kestrel (Falco sparverius) and Blue-crowned Parakeet (Thectocercus acuticaudatus) in the Caldén Forest, Argentina. Also, we made an approximation about the fidelity of the individuals to the nesting sites and the reuse of the cavities is analyzed based on the success and characteristics of the cavity (high, depth, and entrance area) and the supporting tree (high and DBH). During three consecutive austral breeding seasons (2016/17, 2017/18, and 2018/19), cavities were monitored in which the American kestrel (n=63) and the Blue-crowned Parakeet (n=91) tried to nest. The American kestrel reused 39% of the cavities. The Blue-crowned Parakeet reused 78%. Cavity fidelity was 23% for the raptor and 21% for the parakeet. In both species, success was higher in reused cavities than in non-reused ones, and in turn, the probability of reuse was higher if the nest had been successful the previous year. On the other hand, the highest cavities in higher trees and with greater DBH were the most reused for both species. The obtained results indicate that there could be a tendency to reuse cavities with characteristics associated with a high probability of reuse for both species. In addition, this information would be relevant to make management decisions within an evidence-based framework for the conservation of forests and their associated wildlife.