Abstract

Avian species showcase the complex nature of survival through various anti-predation strategies associated with nest building. Researchers have undertaken extensive studies to understand the key motive behind unique nesting behaviours, such as dummy nesting. Dummy nesting seems to be an unusual nesting strategy, can be grossly classified under anti-predation activities and a testament of reproductive success in avian species. Studies have also been conducted mimicking dummy nests as artificial models to understand its significance in respect to a certain habitat, season or prey-predator relationship. Majority of those pin down to the reproductive success associated with dummy nesting pattern. In this review, the key focus has been laid on the avian species performing dummy nest construction. We hypothesized that dummy nesting patterns in avian species are a result of predator interference, nesting complexity and reproductive competition. To justify the hypothesis, articles and journals dating back to the earliest study regarding dummy nests were retrieved and reviewed. A comprehensive literature review highlighted the most relevant research articles and their valuable findings that fit with the objective, i.e., identifying the evolutionary role of dummy nesting phenomena. It was observed that dummy nesting patterns in avian species can be correlated to anti-predation, reproductive decision and unusual nesting behaviours. Of these factors anti-predation is the most prominent pattern among the bird species constructing dummy nests. In some species, dummy nests have served as a temporary refuge for avian species even in post-reproductive stages in highly predated zones. Dummy nests are also crucial for reproductive success and fledgling survival in avian species. The review provides valuable insights and a cumulative understanding of natural nesting patterns in birds.

Keywords

energetics, survival strategy, reproductive strategy, reproductive insurance, nesting complexity, behavioural decoy