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1 September 2011 Extra-Pair Visitations to a Marbled Murrelet Nest in Northern California
Percy N. Hébert, Harry R. Carter, Richard T. Golightly
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Abstract

Although nest prospecting, natal philopatry, and nest-site fidelity have been observed in many alcids, few data demonstrate these behaviors in Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus). Prior to the 2003 breeding season, we installed a permanent video camera adjacent to a Marbled Murrelet nest site that had been used in 2001 and 2002. Video recordings in 2003 detected the simultaneous presence of 3 murrelets in alternate plumage on the nest branch, once during the incubation period, and once during the chick period. We did not observe aggression, suggesting familiarity between the extra-pair birds and site holders, and possibly avoidance of detection by predators. Without banded individuals we hypothesize extra-pair visitations at an active nest reflect nest-site prospecting, natal philopatry, or nest-site fidelity.

Percy N. Hébert, Harry R. Carter, and Richard T. Golightly "Extra-Pair Visitations to a Marbled Murrelet Nest in Northern California," Northwestern Naturalist 92(2), 95-100, (1 September 2011). https://doi.org/10.1898/08-17.1
Received: 11 April 2008; Accepted: 1 January 2011; Published: 1 September 2011
KEYWORDS
Brachyramphus marmoratus
Displays
Marbled Murrelet
natal philopatry
nest-site fidelity
nest-site prospecting
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