Study

Nest-box use by prothonotary warblers (Protonotaria citrea) in riverine habitat

  • Published source details Petit L., Fleming W., Petit K. & Petit D. (1987) Nest-box use by prothonotary warblers (Protonotaria citrea) in riverine habitat. The Wilson Bulletin, 99, 485-488.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Provide artificial nesting sites for songbirds

Action Link
Bird Conservation
  1. Provide artificial nesting sites for songbirds

    A replicated study in May-August 1984 in flooded riparian habitats in Tennessee, USA (Petit et al. 1987), found that prothonotary warblers Protonotaria citrea nested in 39% of 301 nest boxes provided, with tree swallows Tachycineta bicolor using three boxes and tufted titmice Parus bicolor one. Three box types were used and prothonotary warblers showed a significant preference for milk cartons (55% of 145 used, 68% of all warbler nests) and an avoidance of wooden boxes (7% of 84 used, 5% of all nests). PVC pipes were used in approximate proportion to their availability (45% of 71 used, 27% of all nests). The authors suggest that the lower volume of milk cartons and PVC tubes might explain these differences. All boxes were erected 1.5-2.0 m above the water surface on trees.

     

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