Experimental feeding of suburban eastern screech-owls Otus asio has few effects on reproduction apart from non-experimental factors
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Published source details
Gehlbach F.R. & Roberts J.C. (1997) Experimental feeding of suburban eastern screech-owls Otus asio has few effects on reproduction apart from non-experimental factors. Journal of Avian Biology (formerly Ornis Scandinavica 1970-1993), 28, 38-46.
Published source details Gehlbach F.R. & Roberts J.C. (1997) Experimental feeding of suburban eastern screech-owls Otus asio has few effects on reproduction apart from non-experimental factors. Journal of Avian Biology (formerly Ornis Scandinavica 1970-1993), 28, 38-46.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Provide supplementary food for owls to increase reproductive success Action Link |
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Provide supplementary food for owls to increase reproductive success
A replicated, controlled and paired study at two suburban study sites in Texas, USA, in 1992-5 (Gehlbach & Roberts 1997), found that eastern screech owls Megascops asio (formerly Otus asio) nest in nest boxes provisioned with supplementary food (46% of nests in fed boxes vs. 53% in unfed boxes). First laying dates, clutch sizes and chick survival rates were no different between owls in 13 fed and 16 unfed boxes (fed nest boxes: first eggs laid on 22nd March, 3.0-4.5 eggs/clutch and 77% nestling survival; unfed nest boxes: first eggs laid on 20-22nd March, 3.0-4.5 eggs/clutch and 75% nesting success), but owls in fed boxes had higher fledging success than those in unfed boxes, due to greater hatching success (93% of eggs producing fledglings in 13 fed boxes vs. 74% in 16 unfed boxes). Food provided was either 9 g/day or 26 g/day of dead laboratory mice Mus musculus and began approximately 30 days before first laying date and continued through first laying.
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