Female American Redstart, Setophaga ruticilla, Reuses Red-Eyed Vireo, Vireo olivaceus, Nest

Abstract

Interspecific nest reuse is uncommon in open-cup nesting birds, but has been reported several times in the American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla). Individuals might reuse nests if appropriate nesting sites are limited or in order to conserve time and energy. Here I describe an instance of nest reuse by a female American Redstart of a Red-Eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) nest after two previous failed nesting attempts. I argue that Redstarts might be more likely to reuse other species' nests during late-season nesting attempts.