36th Annual Student Research Conference
Do Ants in Bird Nests Protect or Harm the Nestlings?
Kylie L. Helmig* and Caitlin M. Bailey
Dr. Joanna Hubbard, Faculty Mentor
The relationships between nest ectoparasites and birds are well documented, however, the type of interaction between ants and cavity-nesting house wrens (Troglodytes aedon) remains unclear. To determine the type of relationship, we compared ant presence and abundance to nestlings produced, fitness, and the arthropod community. Ants may increase house wren breeding success due to the anti-parasitic defensive behavior exhibited by ants. Alternatively, ants could increase nestling mortality and nest abandonment, resulting in an overall decrease in wren fitness. Ultimately, the relationship between house wrens and ant colonies is understudied and warrants further investigation considering declines in cavity-nesting bird populations. Understanding this relationship may provide insight into a previously unrecognized source of variation in fitness.
Keywords: House Wren, Troglodytes aedon, Ectoparasites, Symbioses, Avian Ecology, Cavity-Nesting Birds
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Session: 4-6
Location: Student Union Building Activities Room
Time: 3:00