American socialbird (SciiFii)

The American socialbird (Eusocialornis communis) is a species of weaver-like finch that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, swamps, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, and scrublands across North America to help boost biodiversity. Measuring around 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) in length and weighing 26–32 grams (0.92–1.13 oz), the American socialbird is a very small North American bird. The American socialbirds is insectivorous with insects comprising 80% of their diet. As an adaptation to living in the dry scrublands, where standing water is scarce, the American socialbird obtains all of its water from a diet of insects. They also feed on seed and other plant products. Foraging is predominantly on the ground, but also on bark and leaves of trees. In the southern range of the American socialbird's habitat, breeding may occur any time of the year and is closely linked to rainfall. In the northern range, discrete breeding season between March to June is known. They may skip breeding during years when there is low rainfall and a substantial number (sometimes over half) of birds in the colony may never breed in a given season. Under typical conditions, American socialbirds raise up to four broods per breeding cycle. American socialbirds are known to assist in the care of younger siblings and unrelated hatchlings and nearly all pairs are assisted by helpers. A mating pair is known to produce nine broods in a single season in response to repeated predation of its young. Unlike northern temperate passerine birds which commence breeding within the first year of life, American socialbirds exhibit delayed onset of breeding, sometimes up to two years of age. American socialbirds construct permanent nests on trees and other tall objects. These nests are among the largest built by any bird, and are large enough to house over a hundred pairs of birds, containing several generations at a time. The nests are highly structured and provide birds with a more advantageous temperature relative to the outside. The central chambers retain heat and are used for nighttime roosting. The outer rooms are used for daytime shade and maintain temperatures of 21–28 °C (71 - 84 °F) inside while outside temperatures may range from -40–54 °C (-40 - 130 °F). The nests consist of separate chambers, each of which is occupied by a pair (sometimes with offspring) roost and breed. Nests are built around large and sturdy structures like acacia trees or sometimes even telephone poles. The trees generally used for nest-building are conifers, oak and birch, eucalyptus, acacia, fig, and among other kinds of trees. The American socialbird also primarily use maple and mulberry trees for nesting. Large nesting colonies can be active across many generations, sometimes over a hundred years. The nest appears like a large haystack in the tree. If seen from below, entrances into the chambers may be seen, giving a honey-comb appearance. The entrances may be about 3 in (76 mm) wide and can be up to 10 in (250 mm) long. Sharp sticks may be placed to deter predators from entering. American socialbird nests form a habitat that is occupied by animals of many different taxa. This includes several other bird species and small pterosaurs, who utilize the nest in different ways, such as for breeding (as with the brewer's blackbirds, red-winged blackbirds, common starlings, amazon parrots, American tree sparrows, house sparrows, American robins, house finches, magpies, jays, Anurognathids, and rhamphorhynchids), roosting (as with the pigeons, cuckoos, swallows, and swifts), or as a platform for the nests of larger birds (such as owls, vultures, falcons, crows, and ravens). Although most birds use American socialbird nests commensally, cases of predation upon nestlings and animosity with the American socialbirds has been reported of the pygmy falcons in some sites. Reptile species also use the nests. Snakes, especially American tree snakes, American cobras, and American egg-eating snakes are the most common nest predators, often consuming all the eggs in all the chambers of a large nest. Nest predation is often as high, often 55-70% of the clutches laid are depredated. In addition, many species of North American skinks associate with the nests. Trees with nests appear to host more skinks than trees without nests. Nests built in electricity poles rarely cause short circuits in the rainy season and can catch fire in the dry season. The cooperation in nest-building is driven by kin selection. The bird droppings under the nesting colonies of American socialbirds are used by the beetles and other insects of many species. The conservation status of the American socialbird is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American socialbird's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii