Nest-Site Fidelity in Griffon Vultures: A Case of Win–Stay/Lose–Shift?

Abstract

We studied the use of nest-sites by Griffon Vultures ( Gyps fulvus ) and the breeding success in these sites during 1998–2002 in Gamla Nature Reserve (Israel). Nest-sites in which a breeding attempt succeeded in fledging a young, were more likely to be occupied by nesting vultures in the following breeding season, than nest-sites that experienced a failure. This suggests that Griffon Vultures in Gamla used a Win–Stay/Lose–Shift strategy regarding nest-site fidelity.