Nest predation in relation to nest placement in the Greater Ani (Crotophaga major

Selection of a suitable nesting site may determine failure or success of the breeding attempt. For instance, nest placement affects the radiative environment and thus survival of eggs and nestlings (Walsberg 1981). Nest placement also affects the likelihood of predation upon eggs and nestlings (e.g., Robertson 1973, Robinson 1985, Strahl 1988, Gotmark & Achlund 1988, Moller 1991, Storch 1991, Picman et al. 1993 ). We studied the nesting behavior of the Greater Ani ( Crotophaga major) in Venezuela, particularly the relationship between n nest-site selection and nest predation. We found that nest survival depends on nest placement and argue that safety of the nest from predators might influence habitat selection in this species.

Pablo Lau, Carlos Bosque & Stuart D. Strahl, ORNITOLOGIA NEOTROPICAL 9: 87-92