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Nest predation, food, and female age explain seasonal declines in clutch size

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Abstract

The selection pressures responsible for intra- and interspecific variation in avian clutch size have been debated for over half a century. Seasonal declines in clutch size represent one of the most robust patterns in avian systems, yet despite extensive research on the subject, the mechanisms underlying this pattern remain largely unknown. We tested a combination of experimental and observational predictions to evaluate ten hypotheses, representing both evolutionary and proximate mechanisms proposed to explain seasonal declines in avian clutch size. In line with long held life-history theory, we found strong support for both an evolved and proximate response to food availability for young. We also found evidence consistent with predictions that proximate level experiential nest predation influences seasonal declines in clutch size. Finally, older females appear to invest more in reproduction (initiate nests earlier and lay larger clutches) and choose better territories than younger females. Our results highlight the importance of examining multiple hypotheses in a theoretical context to elucidate the ecological processes underlying commonly observed patterns in life history.

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Acknowledgments

T. Weinkam, E. Scobie, T. Isberg, and M. Ali provided many hours of assistance in the field. B. Steidl, K. Bonine, K. Borgmann, A. Macias-Duarte, S. Steckler, C. Kirkpatrick, and A. Chalfoun provided comments and support. Financial support was provided by NSF GK-12 Fellowship grant (DGE-0638744), T&E Inc., American Ornithologists’ Union, Animal Behavior Society, Shikar Safari Club International Foundation, Arrington Memorial Scholarship, and the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona. All methods were approved under permits from U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (MB053041-2), U. S. Forest Service (Catalina National Forest, #2720), U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory (22524), Arizona Game and Fish Department (SP650825), and The University of Arizona Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (protocol 06-108).

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Author notes

  1. Karie L. Decker

    Present address: Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, 909 Hardin Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA

  2. Courtney J. Conway

    Present address: U.S. Geological Survey, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Idaho, P.O. Box 441141, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, 325 Biological Sciences East, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA

    Karie L. Decker & Courtney J. Conway

  2. U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska, 422 Hardin Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA

    Joseph J. Fontaine

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  1. Karie L. Decker
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Correspondence to Karie L. Decker.

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Decker, K.L., Conway, C.J. & Fontaine, J.J. Nest predation, food, and female age explain seasonal declines in clutch size. Evol Ecol 26, 683–699 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10682-011-9521-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10682-011-9521-7

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