Study

The influence of starlings on flicker reproduction when both naturally excavated cavities and artificial nest boxes are available

  • Published source details Ingold D.J. (1998) The influence of starlings on flicker reproduction when both naturally excavated cavities and artificial nest boxes are available. The Wilson Bulletin, 110, 218-225.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Reduce competition between species by providing nest boxes

Action Link
Bird Conservation
  1. Reduce competition between species by providing nest boxes

    A replicated, controlled study from March-July in 1994-1996 in 40 experimental and 14 control sites of northern flicker Colaptes auratus nest cavity and nest box pairs in Ohio, USA (Ingold 1998) found that the provision of nest boxes do not deter common starlings Sturnus vulgaris from usurping flicker nest cavities. Overall, 68% of experimental flicker sites lost a total of 42 cavity-nests to starlings in spite of the presence of a nearby flicker nest box, and nine of these pairs lost two or more cavities to starlings. Flicker pairs with starlings fledged significantly less young than pairs without starlings (20% compared to 36% respectively). Flicker pairs without starlings produced significantly larger clutches than pairs with starlings (7.4 compared to 5.4 eggs / nest). Only one flicker pair nested in a nest box rather than a nest cavity. Nest boxes were installed within 0.5-2.0 m of all flicker cavities. Starlings were present in experimental but not control sites.

     

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