Nesting success of the Meadow Bunting along habitat edges in northeastern China

We compared the nesting success of the Meadow Bunting (Embriza cioides) along different kinds of habitat edges at three sites (166 total nests) in northeast China from 1998 to 2000. Nest loss rates along abrupt edges were more than twice as high as rates on gradual edges where plant succession was allowed to occur. Meadow Bunting nests failed mostly because of nest predation and nest occupation. Nest predation varied significantly among different kinds of habitat edges, with predation rates significantly higher on abrupt edges than on gradual edges. Levels of nest occupation by Brown Shrikes varied significantly among edge types but did not vary among sites and among years. Brood parasitism by cuckoos did not differ among edge types and years. Clutch sizes, however, were significantly smaller along agricultural edges, suggesting either decreased food availability or a population dominated by younger or lower quality birds.