Selection of Artificial Nest Sites by Five Sympatric Passerines

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Abstract
Six habitat types, 9 nest-box properties and locational characteristics, and 6 related parameters were assessed for 1169 avian nest boxes distributed throughout southwestern Manitoba. Discriminant function analyses and chi-square criteria were used to differentiate and qualify variables that identified sites occupied by tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), mountain bluebirds (Sialia currucoides), house sparrows (Passer domesticus), eastern bluebirds (S. sialis), and house wrens (Troglodytes aedon). Although considerable overlap occurred among variables and species, location and constructional characteristics of nest boxes were most important in nest-box selection for 4 of the 5 spp. Diameter of entrance holes was a consistently important variable. House wrens always nested within 30 m of forest or heavy shrub, both bluebird species selected remote areas with grazed woodland and pasture, and house sparrows nested near buildings. Tree swallows were least selective in choosing nesting sites. Discriminating variables were partitioned to ascertain the range of each variable that was suitable for each species.

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