Diet composition and diversity does not explain fewer, smaller urban nestlings.

ABSTRACT: The reproductive success of animals breeding in cities is often lower compared to counterparts that inhabit rural, suburban, and peri-urban areas. Urban dwelling may be especially costly for offspring development and survival. Diet composition and diversity may underlie factors that lead to lower fitness, particularly if prey abundance and quality decline in modified environments. Moreover, breeding success may change over the course of a season, an effect that may be augmented in urban areas. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that habitat and date affected nestling house wren (Troglodytes aedon) body condition and survival, and examined whether diet explained differences in nestling success. We monitored urban and rural populations of house wrens breeding in nest boxes, and tested w

SUBMITTER: Grabarczyk EE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8887731 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature