Usurpation of a White-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes cactorum) nest by European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Abstract

The European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is an invasive species that was introduced to Argentina approximately 30 years ago. This species can usurp nests of native birds, including woodpeckers (Picidae), through aggressive interactions. Here we report the first usurpation of a White-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes cactorum) nest by European Starlings. During July 2020, in Córdoba city, Argentina, we observed two events of agonistic interaction between Starlings and Woodpeckers; one of which resulted in the usurpation of the woodpeckers’ nest. Starlings, as invasive species, can negatively affect different native birds in several countries. In Argentina, the invasion of Starlings is advancing rapidly. Thus, presumably, more native birds of our country will be affected by this advance. Our observations add another species, the White-fronted Woodpecker, to the list of Argentinian birds potentially affected by the presence of Starlings.