The interplay among breeding timing, brood size, food quantity, and nestling growth rate in the Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo)

Abstract

Abstract Optimal clutch size theory predicts a trade-off between egg number and fledgling body mass, potentially affecting their survival rate. Yet, only a few studies have directly linked clutch or brood size to energy (food), nestling growth rate, and timing of breeding. We studied the relationship among all these variables in the Eurasian eagle owl. Of 150 eggs laid in 48 nests, 119 hatched and 117 nestlings fledged, indicating low nestling mortality. The number of eggs, hatchlings and fledglings (possibly indicating territory quality) decreased with ordinal date. The total amount of food brought to the nest increased with brood size, but the average amount per nestling decreased. Nestling growth rate (and thus probably fledgling body mass) was negatively correlated with brood size. A trade-off between brood size and fledgling survival may lessen the benefit of occupying food-rich territories. However, we suggest that fledglings from large broods, despite their relatively low body mass, may have higher survival rates owing to their relatively early fledging. This may be due to: (1) higher prey abundance in late spring compared with late summer and (2) a longer period before entering the cold season. Variation in brood size may therefore represent a set of strategies linked to prey abundance.