First report of “wire mesh reinforcement” in avian nest construction

Abstract

Debris accumulation in natural ecosystems is one of several anthropogenic stressors exerting pressure on ecosystems all around the world. Effects of the ubiquitous anthropogenic debris pollution on free-living organisms is well known. Increasing reports of anthropogenic debris in nests of several species of birds ranging from terrestrial to seabirds are pouring in year after year. Shortage of natural nesting materials coupled with abundance of anthropogenic debris have been suggested the rationale behind the change in the nest building. Synthetic materials incorporated in nests can harm the occupants and negatively impact nesting and fledging success. As of late, majority of these studies are centred on plastic debris in bird nests. Here we present, a report of nest incorporation of metallic wire mesh in avian nests. 24 nests of Little egrets and 9 nests of Indian pond herons, totalling 33 nests in a heronry in India contained welded wire mesh. Though metal strips and wires in bird nests have been reported earlier, this could be the first report of inclusion of wire mesh in bird nests.