NEST-SITE SELECTION AND NEST-ENTRANCE ORIENTATION IN SPRAGUES PIPIT

Nest-site selection and nest-entrance orientation patterns in Sprague' s Pipit (Anthus spragueii), an endemic grassland passerine that builds a domed nest on the ground were measured at nest sites and randomly s elected non-nest sites, and nest-entrance orientations were compared t o random, circular distributions and dawn azimuths. Pipits showed a pr eference for sites in dense, grassy, and relatively tall vegetation wi th low forb density and little bare ground, presumably because such si tes offer protection against predation and heat stress. There was no s ignificant directionality in terms of nest-entrance orientation, imply ing that potential thermal benefits of an east-facing nest play a limi ted role during nest-site selection.