Habitat, Territory Size, and Reproductive Success in the Nuthatch Sitta europaea

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Abstract
The nuthatch is territorial for most of the year. Territory size in a S Swedish population was determined during 3 breeding seasons and 1 winter. It was largest during winter. Size was negatively correlated with the number of fledged young/pair in 1 yr. Territory size was similar in oak- and beech-dominated forest, but breeding success was higher in oak forest. In spruce forest, territory size was largest in all years, and production of young was high in 2 yr with abundant spruce seed crops. The average production in all habitats was 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6 fledged young/pair in the 3 yr. Three pairs did not lay eggs in 1 spring. The adaptive value of the patterns observed is discussed.

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