GOPHER SNAKE ATTRACTION TO BIRDS NESTS

Snakes, primarily gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer, formerly P. melanoleucus) but also common kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getulus), commonly depredate nests of western bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) and other avian species at Hastings Reservation in central coastal California. Snakes preferentially climb trees containing active nests of western bluebirds situated in artificial nestboxes. Snakes rarely attack nests containing eggs, and attractiveness appears to increase with nestling age.