Friendly Neighbours? White-browed Sparrow-weaver nesting in association with Greater Kestrel

Abstract

Birds nesting in close proximity to other bird species or occupying the same nesting space is fairly well known but often poorly understood (Joubert 1932, Quinn and Ueta 2008). This commensalism usually implies that one or both species may benefit from the close association. Two primary reasons for these kinds of nesting associations are usually as a nest defence strategy (providing protection) or mutual vigilance helping to warn of impending threat (Quinn and Ueta 2008).