Table 2.
Nest predators identified using miniature video cameras at 206 songbird nests at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina, USA from 2011 to 2013. We recorded a total of 137 nest predation events, in 10 instances multiple predators preyed on the same nest
| Nest predator or fate | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snakes | 13 | 31 | 36 | |
| Rat snake | Elaphe obsoleta | 5 | 19 | 14 |
| Corn snake | Elaphe guttata | 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Black racer | Coluber constrictor | 4 | 3 | 10 |
| Coachwhip | Masticophis flagellum | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Avian predators | 12 | 12 | 16 | |
| Brown-headed cowbird | Molothrus ater | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Crows | Corvus brachyrhnchos or C. ossifragus | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Blue jay | Cyanocitta cristata | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Swallow-tailed kite | Elanoides forficatus | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Buteo | Buteo spp. | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Accipter | Accipter spp. | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Eastern screech owl | Otus asio | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Carolina wren | Thyothorus lutovicianus | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Gray catbird | Dumetella carolinensis | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Ants | Chromatagaster spp. Solenopsis spp. | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Solenopsis invicta | ||||
| Mammals | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Raccoon | Procyon lotor | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Bobcat | Felis rufus | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Unknown fate (camera malfunction, not visible) | 1 | 6 | 5 | |
| Fledged nests | 17 | 20 | 30 | |