Predation, Climate and Species Traits Interact to Shape Global Patterns of Avian Nest Architecture

Abstract

Aim

Bird nest structures are critical for reproductive success and vary widely across species. However, the ecological and evolutionary drivers behind enclosed nests (domes and cavities) remain unclear, with previous studies yielding conflicting results. Leveraging recently available comprehensive nest trait data, we aim to clarify whether enclosed nests primarily function as protection from predation or for regulation of microclimate.

Location

Global.

Time Period

Contemporary (environmental data from 1981 to 2010).

Major Taxa Studied

Birds (Aves).

Methods

Using phylogenetic logistic regression models for 7427 bird species, we examined whether the observed relationships between nest structure and potential environmental drivers and species traits were consistent with the predictions of the two functional hypotheses. To explore potential variations in the function, we built separate models for domes and cavities, as well as for passerines and non-passerines.

Results

Predation risk increases the likelihood of dome use, especially in passerines, where a stronger increase is among the species that are more susceptible to nest predation such as ground-nesting, non-cooperative and larger clutch size species. Climatic effects are more pronounced in cavity nesters, with aridity promoting cavity use among passerines, and both cold and hot temperatures increasing cavity use among small non-passerine species.

Main Conclusions

Different types of enclosed nests correspond to distinct environmental challenges, with dome nests primarily associated with predation pressure and cavities with adverse climatic conditions. These findings contribute to resolving long-standing debates about the functional significance of enclosed nests and offer insights into the evolution of avian nest structures.