Localized habitat affects size and materials used in the construction of Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus nests

Abstract

Capsule: Nest construction by Common Redstarts Phoenicurus phoenicurus is affected by localized habitat. Aims: This study investigated whether variation in nest construction observed over a wide geographical region would also be observed if birds were nesting in three different habitats in one local area. Methods: Thirty-four nests were collected and deconstructed to quantify the composition of the cup lining and the outer nest. Results: The composition of Common Redstart nests was dominated by moss, grass, leaves and feathers. Bark and woody twigs were used more in smaller quantities in the outer nest, and hair and wool were used more in the cup lining and were significantly affected by habitat. Hair and wool were not used in all nests but were more associated with one habitat adjacent to pastures. The use of leaves reflected the proportion of the particular tree species in the habitat. Conclusion: Common Redstarts appear to have general preferences for certain types of nesting material but will readily use a range of different types of this material according to localized availability.