Study

Pentagon milk-carton nest box

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 from February-September in 146 (in 1990) and 180 (in 1991) artificial nest boxes in the USA (Pochop & Johnson 1993) found that 74% of nest boxes were used for egg laying by house sparrows Passer domesticus. sparrows laid an average of 4.5 eggs per clutch. Average hatching success (ratio of eggs laid to nestlings hatched) was 51%. Average breeding success (ratio of eggs hatched to nestlings fledged) was 32%. In 1991, eight of the nest boxes were used by house wrens Troglodytes aedon. By 1991, only 8 of the 120 second-year boxes (but none of the 60 first-year boxes) required replacement. Nestboxes withstood severe fluctuations in temperature, humidity, wind and rain. Entrance holes were 3.8 cm in diameter, roofs and floors had 0.8 cm diameter holes (3 and 5 respectively) for ventilation and drainage.

     

Output references
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