Breeding and foraging ecology of the Cactus Wren in a variable environment

TitleBreeding and foraging ecology of the Cactus Wren in a variable environment
Publication TypeThesis
Year of Publication1981
AuthorsMarr T.G
Number of Pages79
Date Published1981
UniversityNew Mexico State University
CityLas Cruces, New Mexico
Thesis TypePh.D. Dissertationpp
Call Number00209
KeywordsAves, SEE <BIRD>, bird, also SEE common name, bird,breeding ecology, bird,Campylorhychus, bird,foraging ecology, Cactus wren, breeding ecology, Cactus wren, foraging ecology, Campylorhychus, dissertation, dissertations, theses, thesis
AbstractThe breeding and foraging ecology of the Cactus Wren Campylorhychus brunneicapillus was studied during 1978, 1979, and 1980 on a site in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico. Significant differences in clutch size, breeding success, and timing of clutch initiation were observed among years. Differences were related to annual differences in the emergence and abundance of the major food of nestlings (grasshoppers), which, in turn, were related to annual differences in precipitation and temperature patterns. Results show that the Cactus Wren is capable of evaluation existing food supplies and adjusting its clutch size accordingly; no evidence of brood reduction was found.