Data from: 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 their nest in line with projected changes in ambient conditions.

多数鸟类的成功繁殖，依赖于构筑能够为卵粒与发育中的雏鸟提供保护及适宜微气候的巢穴。现有观测研究表明，气候变异可能影响巢穴结构，但截至目前尚无研究通过实验手段探明局地气候在适宜巢穴构筑过程中所发挥的作用。本研究采用个体内平衡实验设计，针对在18℃与30℃环境温度下繁殖的斑胸草雀（zebra finches），探究了其巢穴组成与构筑行为的差异。结果显示，在18℃环境下，斑胸草雀构筑的巢穴重量较30℃组高出20%以上，且所用丝线更多、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的途径之一，可通过调整巢穴微气候以匹配环境温度的预期变化。