An artificial nest box for burrow-nesting seabirds

Published source details Priddel D. & Carlile N. (1995) An artificial nest box for burrow-nesting seabirds. Emu, 95, 290-294.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Provide artificial nesting sites for burrow-nesting seabirds Action Link

Provide artificial nesting sites for burrow-nesting seabirds

A replicated controlled trial in 1992-4 on Cabbage Tree Island, New South Wales, Australia (Priddel & Carlile 1995), found that Gould’s petrel Pterofroma leucoptera leucoptera breeding success was comparable or higher in artificial burrows, compared to natural cavities (36-63% breeding success for 14-19 pairs in artificial burrows vs. 23-31% success for natural cavities in previous years). The number of birds using artificial burrows increased over time, from 53% of 90 boxes visited but no eggs laid in 1992 to 19 eggs laid, and 13 chicks fledging in 1994. Burrows consisted of a 20 × 25 × 52 cm polyethylene box, accessed through a 40 cm long tunnel of 10 cm diameter PVC piping. In 1993, many eggs rolled into the entrance tunnel, so a 4 cm barrier was added at the nest chamber entrance in 1994.