Effects of herbivore-induced plant volatiles on behaviors and reproduction in a common songbird

In insectivorous birds the reproductive period often coincides with the spring development of vegetation, but whether there is a direct relationship between the two, and through which mechanisms this link could come about, is not clear. Trees release herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) when they are attacked by insects, and we test here whether birds use those alarm odors to modulate their behaviors and their reproduction. Using a two-step experimental approach, we first show in controlled conditions that blue tits are attracted to HIPVs mimicking a caterpillar attack on downy oak buds in early spring, without having to learn them. We then equipped nest-boxes in the field with the same artificial HIPVs. We did not find that birds that built their nest in HIPV nest-boxes advanced lay dates or produced larger clutches. However, although this result was not statistically significant, slightly more nest-boxes equipped with HIPVs were occupied compared to control ones, resulting in sig..., , , # Effects of alarm odors from trees on behaviors and reproductive decisions in a common songbird

GENERAL INFORMATION

This README file was updated on 8/12/2025 by Segolene Delaitre

A. Paper associated with this archive

Citation: Effects of herbivore-induced plant volatiles on behaviors and reproduction in a common songbird, Delaitre, Ségolène; Caro, Samuel P.; Graham, Jessica L.; Buatois, Bruno

B. Originators

Delaitre, Ségolène1; Caro, Samuel P. 1; Graham, Jessica L. 2; Buatois, Bruno 1

1\. Centre d'Écologie Fonctionnelle et Évolutive

2\. Black Hills State University

C. Contact information

Caro, Samuel P.

[[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])

D. Dates of data collection

From 2019 to 2022

E. Geographic Location(s) of data collection

Blue and great tit reproduction was monitored in a deciduous downy oak (Quercus humilis) forest on the mainland near Montpellier (La Rouvière wood, Montarnaud, 43.621°, 3.733°).

The Y-maze experiment took place at the CEFE..., , **Changes after Sep 4, 2025**

Addition of the R script. 

**Changes after Dec 9, 2025:** 

Addition of 4 videos of the Y-maze experiment.