Interspecific nest use by aridland birds

Abstract

Nest holes drilled by woodpeckers (Picidae) are frequently used by secondary cavity-nesting species, but interspecific use of open and domed nests is less well known. Nests constructed by many southwestern desert birds last longer than one year (pers. obs.) and are consequently reused by the same pair (e.g., Abert's Towhees [Pipilo aberti], pers. obs.) or by other birds as suitable nests. I observed several instances of interspecific nest use in honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) habitat of the lower Colorado River valley, on the Colorado River Indian Reservation about 10 km north of Ehrenberg, Yuma Co., Arizona.

Citation

Finch, Deborah M. 1982. Interspecific nest use by aridland birds. The Wilson Bulletin. 94(4): 582-584.