Study

Nestbox characteristics, habitat quality and reproductive success of Eurasian kestrels

  • Published source details Valkama J. & Korpimaki E. (1999) Nestbox characteristics, habitat quality and reproductive success of Eurasian kestrels. Bird Study, 81-88.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Provide nest boxes for birds

Action Link
Farmland Conservation

Provide artificial nesting sites for falcons

Action Link
Bird Conservation
  1. Provide nest boxes for birds

    A replicated study in agricultural sites in southern Finland (Valkama & Korpimaki 1999) found that Eurasian kestrel Falco tinnunculus occupied 18-22% of 161 nest boxes between 1985 and 1995, with no differences between small, intermediate and large boxes. Boxes sheltered from prevailing weather were more likely to be occupied than exposed boxes (25% of 80 sheltered boxes used vs 17% of 81 exposed boxes). There were no significant differences in clutch size or number of fledglings produced between nest box types and orientations, with success related to laying date and vole Microtus spp. abundance. Occupied boxes were, on average, further from forest edges, roads and inhabited houses, and closer to grassy ditches than unoccupied boxes. Boxes were 25 × 27.5 × 25 cm, with a 12.5 x 25 cm entrance (small); 34 × 35 × 20 cm, with a 12 x 34 cm entrance (intermediate); or 33.5 × 45 × 30 cm, with a 12 x 33.5 cm hole (large).

     

  2. Provide artificial nesting sites for falcons

    A replicated study in agricultural sites in southern Finland (Valkama & Korpimaki 1999) found that Eurasian kestrels Falco tinnunculus occupied 18-22% of 161 nest boxes between 1985 and 1995, with no differences between small, intermediate and large boxes. Boxes sheltered from prevailing weather were more likely to be occupied than exposed boxes (25% of 80 sheltered boxes used vs. 17% of 81 exposed boxes). There were no significant differences in clutch size or number of fledglings produced between nest boxes types and orientations, with success related to laying date and vole abundance. Occupied boxes were, on average, further from forest edges, roads and inhabited houses, and closer to grassy ditches than unoccupied boxes. Boxes were 25 × 27.5 × 25 cm, with a 12.5 x 25 cm entrance (small); 34 × 35 × 20 cm, with a 12 x 34 cm entrance (intermediate); or 33.5 × 45 × 30 cm, with a 12 x 33.5 cm hole (large).

     

Output references
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