Nest-Box and Natural-Cavity Use in Three Mid-South Forest Habitats

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Use of 235 nesting boxes by birds and mammals was compared to use of 165 natural cavities in 3 forest habitats. Nest boxes were used more frequently than natural cavities by 12 of the 19 spp. using cavities (P < 0.05) [Aix sponsa, Otus asio, Colaptes auratus, Centurus carolinus, Thryothorus ludovicianus, Didelphis virginiana, Sciurus niger, S. carolinensis, Strix varia, Parus carolinensis, P. bicolor, Sitta carolinensis, Myiarchus crinitus, Prothonotaria citrea, Ochrotomys nuttalli, Neotoma floridana]. Average use of nest after 2 yr was constant regardless of nest-box size, density of next boxes or habitat type. Most birds and mammals appeared to select cavities based on 1 or more physical characteristics of the cavity and/or the surrounding area. Nest boxes or natural cavities having desirable characteristics and located in residual trees after logging (thinning or havesting) may increase seasonal use of each cavity. Interspersion of nest boxes among natural cavities may aid species dependent upon natural cavities by reducing interspecific competition for natural cavities.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: