Predation of Daurian redstarts offspring in nest boxes by the Oriental magpie‐robin and tree sparrow

Abstract

Abstract Birds select suitable nest sites for breeding to ensure their own and offspring's survival; however, they inevitably suffer some potential predation risk. We studied the breeding ecology of Daurian redstarts (Phoenicurus auroreus) by providing nest boxes for their breeding from March to August of 2022. We recorded the predation of both Daurian redstarts eggs or nestlings by Oriental magpie‐robins (Copsychus saularis) and tree sparrow (Passer montanus). Oriental magpie‐robin were recorded attacking a feeding female adult and depredating nestlings. After the nestling predation event, the Daurian redstarts abandoned the nest. This video evidence provide a better understanding of the potential predators of cavity‐nesting birds.

Keywords

• cavity‐nesting birds
• Copsychus saularis
• nest box
• nest predation
• Passer montanus
• Phoenicurus auroreus