Nest site selection of Turdus mandarinus in urban and rural environments of Wuhan
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School of Biological Science and Engineering, North Minzu University

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    Abstract:

    [Objectives] Reproduction is a critical phase in the life history of birds, with the selection of an appropriate nest site being paramount to reproductive success. This selection is influenced by a multitude of environmental factors. Accelerated urbanization leads to habitat fragmentation and compression of avian living spaces, compelling birds to adapt swiftly. The impacts of urbanization on birds are multifaceted, resulting in differences in nest site selection and other aspects compared with their rural counterparts. Therefore, investigating the nest site selection of Chinese Blackbirds (Turdus mandarinus) in urban and rural settings is of great importance and necessity, contributing to our understanding of how birds adapt to urbanized environments. [Methods] From May to August 2024 and April to May 2025, we conducted systematic surveys for Chinese Blackbird nests in Huangpi District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province. Nests were surveyed bi-weekly. Upon nest discovery, the internal conditions were recorded, and each nest was sequentially numbered and located in the order of discovery. Following the conclusion of the breeding season, nest characteristic parameters, including inner diameter, outer diameter, cup depth, and nest depth, were measured via a fine measuring tape. Nest site parameters were measured via a measuring tape, while distances beyond the range of the tape were measured via ArcGIS software. A total of 14 nest site parameters related to the reproduction of Chinese Blackbirds were recorded. [Results] During the study period, we recorded the nest characteristic parameters of 62 Chinese Blackbird nests (21 urban nests and 41 rural nests) and 14 nest site parameters of 128 Chinese Blackbird nests (49 urban and 79 rural nests). There were no significant differences in the nest characteristic parameters between urban and rural nests. The distances from nests to trees and farmlands were significantly shorter for urban nests than for their rural counterparts, while tree height, diameter at breast height, and coverage above the nest were significantly greater for urban nests than for rural nests. Urban Chinese Blackbirds showed a preference for nesting in Camphor Trees (Cinnamomum camphora), whereas rural Chinese Blackbirds nested in a wider variety of tree species. Urban Chinese Blackbirds preferred to nest in taller, more robust trees with better concealment (Table 3). [Conclusion] This study demonstrates that predator avoidance is the primary factor influencing nest site selection for Chinese Blackbirds. Urban Chinese Blackbirds exhibit a preference for taller and more concealed tree canopies to evade predators, particularly feral cats. Foraging considerations also play a crucial role. Rural Chinese Blackbirds tend to nest near farmlands and woodlands, while their urban counterparts rely on green spaces such as parks and urban forests. Urbanization influences nest preferences, leading to a propensity for specific tree species and taller trees. The adaptability of Chinese Blackbirds to urban environments is evident, as exemplified by instances of nesting on utility poles. Future research will delve into the adaptive changes of Chinese Blackbirds across varying degrees of urbanization, thereby contributing theoretical insights to support urban ecological conservation and avian research.

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History
  • Received:February 11,2025
  • Revised:December 23,2025
  • Adopted:August 25,2025
  • Online: December 26,2025
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