NestNahrungsspuren

NestNahrungsspuren, which translates to "nest food traces" in English, refers to the physical evidence left behind by parent birds in or around their nests after they have fed their young. These traces can offer valuable insights into avian foraging behavior, diet, and provisioning rates.

The most common form of nestNahrungsspuren includes regurgitated food remnants, such as insect exoskeletons, seeds, fur, or feathers, which may accumulate within the nest cup or on its edge. In some species, undigested portions of prey or specific food items can be identifiable. Additionally, fecal matter from nestlings, often containing partially digested food, can also be considered a type of nestNahrungsspuren, though it serves a different biological purpose.

Researchers study nestNahrungsspuren to understand what food items are being brought to the nest, the frequency of feeding trips, and the overall effort parents expend in feeding their offspring. Analyzing these traces can help determine dietary composition, identify prey availability in the surrounding habitat, and assess the success of parental care. Certain species may have more conspicuous or specialized nestNahrungsspuren than others, depending on their feeding strategies and nest construction materials. The presence and type of nestNahrungsspuren can vary seasonally and be influenced by factors such as food availability, breeding stage, and environmental conditions.