Different nest-scale strategies determine the reproductive success of two 'winner' bird species along an urban gradient in southeastern Brazil

Urbanization drastically alters habitats, thereby affecting biodiversity. Reproduction is a key factor in population dynamics and can determine the success of colonization in urban areas. Here, our objective was to assess which factors determine the reproductive success of two birds associated with urban areas: Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata, n = 300 nests monitored) and Ruddy Ground Dove (Columbina talpacoti, n = 204 nests monitored). The results demonstrate that, although the Ruddy Ground Dove and the Eared Dove share ecological and behavioral similarities, their daily survival rates (DSR) responds to various environmental predictors variables. For the Ruddy Ground Dove, the percentage of nest concealment was the best predictor of reproductive success, with more concealed nests having a higher probability of success, while for the Eared Dove, nest construction on anthropogenic substrates was the best predictor of success. The contrasting results for both species highlight that there is no single explanation for success of birds in urban areas. Understanding the nuances that govern the reproductive success of common species is fundamental to urban biodiversity management.