Anthropogenic materials and feathers incorporated in European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) nests and their effects on reproductive success

Abstract

There are numerous hypotheses that may explain why certain materials are used in nest building. I tested the availability and age hypotheses on an eastern Canadian population of European starlings (<i>Sturnus vulgaris</i>). The percentage of nests containing anthropogenic materials was positively associated with number of garbage items within the surrounding area. No relationship was detected between anthropogenic materials within nests and age of either parent. I found no effect of the amount of anthropogenic materials on nestling brood condition; however, a negative relationship between fledging success and cigarette butts within nests existed. When determining if feather colour effected hatching success, I found a positive relationship with pigmented feathers. Previous research showed species have a preference for white coloured nesting materials. When offered different coloured nesting materials, starlings frequently choose white and silver. These findings increase our understanding of how nest materials and their colours affect avian reproduction.