The environmental predictors of spatio-temporal variation in the breeding phenology of a passerine bird.

ABSTRACT: Establishing the cues or constraints that influence avian timing of breeding is the key to accurate prediction of future phenology. This study aims to identify the aspects of the environment that predict the timing of two measures of breeding phenology (nest initiation and egg laying date) in an insectivorous woodland passerine, the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus). We analyse data collected from a 220 km, 40-site transect over 3 years and consider spring temperatures, tree leafing phenology, invertebrate availability and photoperiod as predictors of breeding phenology. We find that mean night-time temperature in early spring is the strongest predictor of both nest initiation and lay date and suggest this finding is most consistent with temperature acting as a constraint on breeding activity

SUBMITTER: Shutt JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6710590 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature