Possibility of direct predation on nesting bird eggs by the non-native Garrulax canorus at the foot of Mt. Fuji

Abstract

Invasive species can have a negative impact on native species due to various factors, such as competition for food resources and habitat, and direct predation. Chinese Hwamei Garrulax canorus is an invasive species whose distribution has expanded rapidly in Japan over the past few decades. However, there are no reports on its impact on native species through predation. We conducted video recordings of artificial open-cup nests and eggs in 2022 at the foot of Mt. Fuji to identify nest predators. We recorded Chinese Hwamei carrying an artificial egg out of the nest. Although we were not able to record the individual attempting to feed on the egg, we cannot rule out the possibility that this species is a direct predator of birds nesting in similar habitats