Red-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta canadensis, Dies Stuck in Resin at Entrance to a Nest-box

Authors

  • Clive F. Strauss 975 Ridgeway Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8X 3C2

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v121i4.519

Keywords:

Red-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta canadensis, mortality, resin, nest-box, British Columbia

Abstract

I document a female Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) found dead and stuck to resin in the opening of a nest-box in an urban setting. This is the second reported occurrence of such mortality and the first involving a nest-box. This species applies resin to its nest openings to deter predators and reduce competition or parasitism from other species. Red-breasted Nuthatches infrequently utilize nest-boxes. At necropsy this female nuthatch was found to be carrying a fully-formed egg with shell and this increase in abdominal girth may have contributed to her demise.

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Issue

Vol. 121 No. 4 (2007)

Section

Notes

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