Study

Value of nest boxes for population studies and conservation of owls in coniferous forests in Britain

  • Published source details Petty S.J., Shaw G. & Anderson D.I.K. (1994) Value of nest boxes for population studies and conservation of owls in coniferous forests in Britain. Journal of Raptor Research, 28, 134-142.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Provide artificial nesting sites for owls

Action Link
Bird Conservation
  1. Provide artificial nesting sites for owls

    Two before-and-after studies in pine forests in the UK (Petty et al. 1994) found local population increases in tawny owls Strix aluco and barn owls Tyto alba following the provision of nest boxes, although the authors note that the tawny owl population may have responded to an increased food supply. In 1980-91, 90-160 boxes were erected in an area of northeast England. All local birds used boxes by 1983 and the population increased from 40 to 66 pairs. At a site in southwest Scotland, 33-87 nest boxes were provided for barn owls in 1984-90. Resident birds did not move nest sites, but new breeders moved into the area and used boxes (37 pairs using boxes in 1988), increasing the population from five to approximately 42 pairs by 1993.

     

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