Effect of nestbox type on the breeding performance of two secondary hole-nesting passerines
2016
Bueno-Enciso, Javier | Ferrer, EsperanzaS. | Barrientos, Rafael | Sanz, JuanJosé
The use of nestboxes to study secondary cavity nesting avian species has greatly improved the knowledge related to many fields of environmental sciences. The aim of this study has been to compare the breeding performance of Great Tits (Parus major) and Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) in two types of nestboxes that differ with regard to their shape and thermal properties. Both nestbox types were placed in the same area to avoid confounding factors. There were significant differences between the extreme values of temperature and relative humidity obtained for the two nestbox types, and this was also the case in their daily patterns. Secondary hole-nesting birds appear to prefer breeding in woodcrete nestboxes. Nest predation was, however, significantly greater in woodcrete nestboxes. The nest height was significantly higher in woodcrete nestboxes, as was the danger distance between the nest cup and the entrance hole, which could account for the fact that Great Tits prefer this type of nestbox. The laying date was earlier in woodcrete boxes, but nestbox type did not influence clutch size. However, the eggs of both species were significantly smaller in woodcrete boxes. Breeding success was worse in woodcrete nestboxes. Nestbox type also affected the incubation pattern in both species, and attentiveness was significantly diminished in woodcrete nestboxes. This study reinforces the idea that the type of nestbox used in avian studies is not a trivial issue and may have strong biological effects on avian populations. It is important to take this into account when nestboxes are used as management measures for bird conservation.
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