A study led by the Doñana Biological Station – CSIC shows that a drought experienced in their birth year impaired individuals of the endangered Red kite, a raptorial bird of Doñana National Park, for the rest of their lives. Natal drought caused a 40% decline in forecasted population size and a 21% shortening of time to extinction.
Results show that climate change may erode populations much faster than previously realized

Avian nests are frequently concealed or camouflaged, but a number of species builds noticeable nests or use conspicuous materials for nest decoration. In territorial species decorations may serve as extended phenotypic signaling of nest-site occupancy and social status to potential intruders. The latter may benefit both signaler and receiver by minimizing the risk of aggressive interactions. Here, it was tested whether nest decorations increased nest-site visibility to conspecifics in black...

Las aves terrestres longevas y de gran tamaño muestran típicamente un comportamiento sedentario en las islas, incluso cuando son migratorias en el continente. La variación denso-dependiente de la edad cuando alcancen la madurez sexual se ha descrito como responsable de la persistencia a largo plazo de poblaciones de aves longevas en las islas. Sin embargo, las poblaciones insulares se benefician también de una mayor tasa de supervivencia por el hecho de no migrar.