Study

Nest-site fidelity in eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) depends on the quality of alternate cavities

  • Published source details Stanback M. & Rockwell E. (2003) Nest-site fidelity in eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) depends on the quality of alternate cavities. The Auk, 120, 1029-1032.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Clean nest boxes to increase occupancy or reproductive success

Action Link
Bird Conservation

Provide artificial nesting sites for songbirds

Action Link
Bird Conservation
  1. Clean nest boxes to increase occupancy or reproductive success

    A replicated paired study in 1996-7 in North Carolina, USA (Stanback & Rockwell 2003), found that eastern bluebirds Sialia sialis preferentially used clean woodcrete nest boxes over woodcrete boxes that had already been used once in the year, with 71% of 45 pairs switching boxes. However, 73% of 26 pairs did not switch from a soiled woodcrete box to a clean wooden box. The preference for different box types is discussed in detail in ‘Provide artificial nest sites’.

     

  2. Provide artificial nesting sites for songbirds

    A replicated paired study in 1996-7in North Carolina, USA (Stanback & Rockwell 2003), found that eastern bluebirds Sialia sialis showed an overwhelming preference for nest boxes made from woodcrete over those made from wood (90% of 102 pairs picking woodcrete boxes). When given the choice of re-using a soiled woodcrete box or switching to a clean wooden box, 73% of 26 pairs remained in the woodcrete box. The effect of cleaning boxes is discussed in more detail in ‘Clean nest boxes to increase occupancy or reproductive success’. Approximately 100 pairs of boxes were mounted in pairs, on poles 1 m apart, one of woodcrete and one of wood.

     

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust