Having observed (casually) Rock Dove breeding in the ACT for around a
quarter of a century, I had come to the conclusion that Pied
Currawong-proof breeding sites were a necessary pre-condition for Rock
Dove breeding success. Quite simply, the currawongs easily hear the
feeding calls of the squabs and it is all over red rover with the
nestlings, if the currawongs reach them.
In that context I have observed a successful breeding attempt by Rock
Doves using the cavity between solar panels and our roof. Currently,
another breeding attempt is underway. I can hear the nestlings. There
are currawongs about. But the nestlings survive.
I seem to recall that there are around 16,000 solar panels in the ACT
which makes many new high quality Rock Doves sites... surely an
unintended consequence.
In terms of evolution, I imagine that it would be significantly
advantageous for ACT Rock Doves to be able to enter smaller cavities
than currawongs.
regards
Con
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