Evidence of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) depredating a Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta) nest
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Abstract
Saltmarsh Sparrows (Ammospiza caudacuta), a tidal-marsh specialist, face severe population declines due to habitat loss, sea-level rise, and predation. While previous research suggests that predation pressure increases at the southern extent of the species’ breeding range, data on local predator communities remain limited. To address this, we deployed game cameras at 16 Saltmarsh Sparrow nests across four salt marshes on Virginia’s eastern shore, the southern-most extent of their breeding range. Our study provides camera-documented evidence of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) predation on Saltmarsh Sparrow nests. We detected a suspected predation event by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and four other potential nest predators. Additionally, we detected a Willet (Tringa semipalmata) aggressively displacing a nesting female, suggesting interspecific interactions may contribute to nest failure.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Evidence of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) depredating a Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta) nest |
| Series title | The Wilson Journal of Ornithology |
| DOI | 10.1080/15594491.2025.2535832 |
| Volume | 137 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Publication Date | July 30, 2025 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
| Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Leetown |
| Description | 8 p. |
| First page | 647 |
| Last page | 654 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |