Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13157/arla.64.1.2017.sc4
Authors: Iván DE LA HERA, Philippe FONTANILLES, Lucas DELALANDE, Anouk GLAD and Tom SARRAUDE
E-mail: ivan.delahera@ucc.ie
Published: Volume 64.1, January 2017. Pages 91-99.
Language: English
Keywords: Adour, conspecific attraction, lme4, tape-lure and Turdidae
Summary:
Song playback of a particular avian species is well-known to have the
potential to bias the sample of conspecifics that can be captured during
mist-netting sessions, with respect to sex, age or body condition. However, the
possibility that playback affects heterospecific captures has been less
explored and lacks solid experimental evidence. In this study, we used an
experimental approach to test whether Bluethroat Luscinia svecica song playback altered the overall number of individuals
of other species captured during autumn migration in a wetland in southwestern
France. We found that playback increased the capture rates of species that were
not the direct target of the playback. This heterospecific attraction effect
should be assessed and carefully considered when designing any avian monitoring
programme.
