Behavioural plasticity under a changing climate; how an experimental local climate affects the nest construction of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)

Successful reproduction in most avian species is dependent on the construction of a nest that provides protection and a suitable microclimate for the eggs and developing nestlings. Observational studies suggest that climatic variation may affect the structure of the nest, but to date there have been no attempts to experimentally determine the role that local climate plays in the construction of a suitable nest. Using a within-individual counter balanced design we investigated how nest composition and construction differ in zebra finches breeding in ambient conditions of 18°C and 30°C. We found that at 18°C birds built nests that were over 20% heavier, and with significantly more thread and less grass than those built at 30°C. Our results highlight the degree of plasticity in nest building behaviour in relation to local ambient conditions. These results suggest that nest building behaviour is one route through which birds can respond to a changing climate and modify the microclimate of t...

多数鸟类的成功繁殖，依赖于搭建能够为卵与发育中的雏鸟提供保护与适宜微气候的巢穴。已有观测研究表明，气候变异可能会影响巢穴结构，但迄今为止尚无实验旨在探明局地气候在适宜巢穴搭建过程中所发挥的作用。本研究采用个体内平衡对照设计，探究了在18℃与30℃的环境温度下繁殖的斑胸草雀（zebra finch）的巢穴组成与搭建行为差异。研究结果显示，相较于30℃环境下搭建的巢穴，18℃环境中的个体所筑巢穴重量高出20%以上，且所用绳线材料更多、草本材料更少。本研究结果凸显了鸟类筑巢行为针对局地环境条件的可塑性程度。上述结果表明，筑巢行为是鸟类应对气候变化并调整巢穴微气候的途径之一……