Mississippi Kite nest defense: Is there an influence of nest phenology or human activity?

Journal of Raptor Research
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Birds that have adapted to urban landscapes often display changes in their behavioral responses to human disturbance. This habituation may result in a decreased wariness and secrecy near their nest and an increased inclination to engage in aggressive nest defenses. Aggressive defense of nests has been noted among Mississippi Kites (Ictinia mississippiensis), a raptor that has become a common and abundant urban nesting species across the Southern Great Plains. Defensive behaviors include swoops at, and occasional physical contact with, humans who venture close to nests. Previous research found aggressive responses by kites in 16–20% of experimental passes under nests. However, the type of human pedestrian activity around nests may influence the occurrence of aggressive responses. We assessed adult Mississippi Kite responses to experimental nest area intrusions during each week of the first four weeks of nestling development to explore increases or attenuation of aggressive behaviors. We also assessed responses in context of three types of pedestrian passes to nests. We conducted 84 trials consisting of 252 passes and found 90% elicited no response from the attending kite, 8% elicited a flight response, and 2% elicited an attack. There was no difference in response to pass type, but we found evidence that responsiveness may be associated with nestling age. Our results suggest aggression by Mississippi Kites is uncommon, but infrequent events that gain local attention may increase the perceived risk from the species due to the availability heuristic. Additionally, individual nesting pairs may tend toward aggression and become persistent nuisance birds that gain attention but are not representative of the majority of nesting pairs.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Mississippi Kite nest defense: Is there an influence of nest phenology or human activity?
Series title Journal of Raptor Research
DOI 10.3356/JRR-21-74
Volume 56
Issue 3
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher The Raptor Research Foundation, Inc.
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Atlanta
Description 6 p.
First page 356
Last page 361
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details