Do Wasps Take Over Bird Nests?
WouterConsidering the importance of birds in our ecosystems, is it not interesting that some bird species have developed a strategy to defend themselves against wasps? It turns out that many bird species are keen to nest near wasp colonies. Using a technique called predation, some species will raid wasp nests in search of larvae. This may help control the spread of social insects, according to ecologist Bruno Barbosa.
Researchers from the University of Guelph in Ontario have recently conducted a study to investigate whether wasps have an impact on bird breeding success. The study examined 130 boxes in the Guelph Turfgrass Institute and recorded the species of birds that visited each box and where they nested. The study also found that paper wasps started to build nests in about one-third of the boxes.
The paper wasp is named Agelaia pallipes and it is a super aggressive insect that attacks birds. The paper wasp is a native of Central and South America and has been known to attack nestlings in some cases.
A study conducted in the Guelph Arboretum in Ontario also found that birds did not do a good job of protecting their nests from wasps. Using a method called predation, the common starling will target wasp nests in search of larvae.
Another study in South America found that lined seedeaters, small birds with short bills, are very good at defending themselves against wasps. The liner’s name is a bit of a misnomer, as the birds actually eat insects. However, they do show a tendency to sting when they feel threatened, a process known as hymenolysis.
