Sparse vegetation predicts clutch size in Common Redstarts Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Abstract

Capsule Amount of sparse vegetation show a direct link to reproductive success. Aims To examine the influence of sparse vegetation on clutch size of Common Redstarts Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Methods Clutch size and the amount of sparse ground vegetation within territories were measured. Results Clutch size was positively correlated with the amount of sparse vegetation. Clutches in territories with the highest amounts of sparse vegetation contained approximately one more egg than clutches in territories with the lowest amount of sparse vegetation. Conclusion The presence of sparse vegetation is correlated with clutch size and thus reproductive success. This finding suggests a direct link between habitat degradation through the loss of sparse vegetation and observed population decreases of bare-ground foraging birds. The results strengthen the argument that the implementation of sparse vegetation in agri-environment schemes is likely to improve the breeding success of bare-ground foraging birds, such as Common Redstarts. © 2012 British Trust for Ornithology.