Predator guards on nest boxes improve nesting success of birds

Bailey, Robyn L.; Bonter, David N.

doi:10.1002/wsb.801

Cited by 30 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…Predation of eggs or chicks is the leading cause of nest failure in birds, with small rodents (Bradley and Marzluff 2003) and corvids (Marzluff and Neatherlin 2006) among the leading threats. The breeding success of cavity nesting species tends to be greater than that of species that build open cup nests (Wesołowski 2017), particularly if those species are nesting in boxes with antipredator guards provided by humans (Bailey and Bonter 2017).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Supplementing non‐target taxa: bird feeding alters the local distribution of mammals

Reed

Bonter

2018

Ecological Applications

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Although the effects of bird feeding on avian species have been extensively examined, few studies evaluate the indirect effects of bird feeding on non-target taxa. Bird seed could provide direct nourishment to several mammalian species (e.g., Lagomorpha, Rodentia, and Cetartiodactyla), potentially altering their distribution and behavior with possible unintended consequences for some avian populations, particularly those not directly benefiting from the resource. To examine how bird feeders may influence the presence and behavior of mammals, we used camera traps to quantify differences in the distribution and richness of mammal species frequenting sites with bird feeders and control sites (lacking feeders) in Ithaca, New York, USA. We recorded 15,684 images capturing 12 mammal species with gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and raccoon (Procyon lotor) detected significantly more often at feeder sites than at control sites. Detections of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) marginally increased near feeders whereas detections of several carnivorous species were unrelated to the presence of bird feeders. We recorded larger gray squirrel and raccoon group sizes and greater mammal richness at feeder sites than at nearby control sites. We detected squirrels and raccoons less when snow covered the ground than on snow-free days. Ambient temperature was not a strong predictor of mammal detections. Camera trapping revealed strong, species-specific patterns in the timing of daily visitation to areas with feeders. Because many mammals depredate bird nests, the local increases in mammal richness and activity near bird feeders may create an ecological trap for avian species nesting in close proximity to supplemental feeding stations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Supplementing non‐target taxa: bird feeding alters the local distribution of mammals

Reed

Bonter

2018

Ecological Applications

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“…However, these same studies and others in the UK reported the opposite result of lower woodpecker predation rates in boxes for tits and Pied Flycatchers ( Ficedula hypoleuca ), relative to tree cavities [ 12 , 14 , 15 ]. As a result of higher predation rates in nest boxes, researchers often modify boxes to limit predation [ 35 , 36 ]. A recent analysis of nest fate data in nest boxes across the United States and Canada found that nest survival was improved with the presence of predator guards for most species examined, including Tree Swallows [ 36 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As a result of higher predation rates in nest boxes, researchers often modify boxes to limit predation [ 35 , 36 ]. A recent analysis of nest fate data in nest boxes across the United States and Canada found that nest survival was improved with the presence of predator guards for most species examined, including Tree Swallows [ 36 ]. The presence of predator guards, therefore, might explain some discrepancies in reproductive success between birds nesting in boxes and tree cavities.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nest boxes increase reproductive output for Tree Swallows in a forest grassland matrix in central British Columbia

et al. 2018

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Secondary cavity-nesting birds depend on tree cavities for nesting and roosting, but many studies of these birds are conducted using nest boxes. Implementation of effective conservation strategies for cavity-nesting species such as nest-site supplementation requires careful comparisons of fecundity and other vital rates for birds using both natural and artificial nest site types. We compared breeding phenology, clutch and brood sizes, and fledging success of Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting in tree cavities and nest boxes during 2001–2003 in British Columbia, Canada. Swallows using nest boxes initiated egg-laying and hatched young at approximately the same time as those in tree cavities (2 June, 23 June, respectively). Female Tree Swallows in boxes laid larger clutches (5.9 ± 0.9 eggs, N = 76) than those in tree cavities (4.2 ± 1.6 eggs, N = 67). The mean number of nestlings hatched was greater in nest boxes (5.2 ± 1.1 nestlings, N = 67) than in tree cavities (2.6 ± 2.0 nestlings, N = 58). Pairs in boxes were over twice as successful in producing fledglings (93.4%; 57 of 61 pairs fledged > 1 young) than those in tree cavities (35.8%; 19 of 53 pairs). Of those successful nests, pairs nesting in boxes fledged 5.1 ± 1.1 young (N = 57), whereas those in tree cavities fledged 3.5 ± 1.2 young (N = 18). Because cavities in nest boxes averaged 60% larger in volume and 1.8 cm wider internally than tree cavities, we suggest that increased reproductive output was correlated with boxes enabling a larger clutch size. In previous research, we found that Tree Swallows were a poor competitor with other cavity-nesting passerines for tree cavities. The addition of nest boxes may serve as an effective way to supplement local reproduction for secondary cavity-nesting bird populations by reducing competition for limited nest sites. This is especially true in regions where the availability of natural nesting sites is highly variable, and where species compete with many other cavity-nesting passerines using a similar ecological niche and nesting cavities.

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“…This reinforces the importance of creating (or maintaining) structurally complex habitats around artificial dens, to create less preferable habitat for cats. These findings, including observations of feral cat breeding within an artificial den, also highlight the importance of tailoring den dimensions (e.g., depth, entrance width) such that they exclude predators both from predating upon quolls within dens and using dens for their own recruitment (e.g., Bailey & Bonter, 2017). One possible reprieve for quolls is that cat and quoll activity overlap was lowest at artificial dens, suggesting a reduced probability of animals encountering one another outside of the den.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 89%

Artificial refuges to combat habitat loss for an endangered marsupial predator: How do they measure up?

Cowan

Dunlop

Turner

et al. 2020

Conservat Sci and Prac

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One technique used to combat the growing global species extinction crisis has been to create artificial refuges-human-made replacements for natural refuges destroyed during habitat modification. However, there is limited knowledge of how closely artificial refuges replicate the natural refuges they seek to replace. Mining threatens many species worldwide through large-scale habitat modification, and artificial refuges have been proposed as a method to offset the resulting habitat loss. Here, we examined the microclimatic, physical, and biotic characteristics of natural dens occupied by the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)-an endangered marsupial threatened by habitat loss-and compared these to (a) superficially similar unoccupied crevices, and (b) artificial dens created by mining companies for northern quolls. Northern quolls occupied natural dens that were cooler and deeper than unoccupied crevices, likely to avoid lethal air temperatures as well as predators. Artificial dens provided similar thermal properties to occupied dens, but lacked key characteristics in having shallower den cavities, less complex surrounding habitat, increased feral cat visitation, and less small mammal prey compared to occupied dens.This study highlights the need to consider multiple facets when constructing artificial refuges, in order to avoid perverse outcomes, such as inadequate shelter, increased predation, and food shortages.activity patterns, artificial den, artificial refuge, Dasyurus hallucatus, feral cat, habitat loss, habitat restoration, northern quoll, revegetation, thermal limits

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Predator guards on nest boxes improve nesting success of birds

Cited by 30 publications

References 51 publications

Supplementing non‐target taxa: bird feeding alters the local distribution of mammals

Supplementing non‐target taxa: bird feeding alters the local distribution of mammals

Nest boxes increase reproductive output for Tree Swallows in a forest grassland matrix in central British Columbia

Artificial refuges to combat habitat loss for an endangered marsupial predator: How do they measure up?

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