Cavity Use by Secondary Cavity-Nesting Birds and Response to Manipulations

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Abstract
Secondary cavity-nesting birds were studied in riparian habitat along the lower Colorado River, Arizona [USA], to determine whether the birds were limited by availability of nest sites in relatively undisturbed habitat. Species differed in cavity use on the basis of size and time, and cavities were a limiting factor on only 1 of 3 study areas. Birds were responsive to cavity manipulations. Numbers of breeders decreased after cavities were blocked on a plot with many cavities, while breeders increased on a nest-box plot where few natural cavities were available. Breeding numbers remained stable on an unmanipulated plot, despite increased European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Some cavity-related aggression occurred, but did not affect breeding numbers or success, because alternate nest sites were available.

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