Nest predation in the African blue tit Cyanistes teneriffae Lesson, 1831 (Aves, Paridae) . Using nest-boxes and artificial nests.

Abstract

Predation on breeding blue tit populations in north-eastern Algeria has been studied in nest boxes during a five years fieldwork (2003-2007) in cork oak forests. Nest boxes were placed each year in Brabtia plain forest in El Kala National Park. Results have shown that mean nest predation rate is 51.74%. Six patterns of nest predation have been described and five predators are probably involved: Common Genet, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Ocellated Lizard, Ants and Rodents. Genet is the major predator on tit nests. Mean predation rates on egg and nestling stages are similar. Artificial nests and natural nests had similar predation rates. Major predators on artificial nests were lizards and Rodents.