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Article
Nest Box Temperature and Hatching Success of American Kestrels Varies with Nest Box Orientation
The Wilson Journal of Ornithology (2009)
  • Michael W. Butler, Boise State University
  • Buddy A. Whitman, Boise State University
  • Alfred M. Dufty, Boise State University
Abstract
We studied orientation-dependent differences in nest box microclimate and American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) reproductive parameters in Idaho, USA. Unoccupied nest boxes facing west were 0.6° C cooler than boxes that faced south or east and had 20% lower relative humidity levels than boxes facing all other cardinal directions. Clutches in occupied boxes that faced southwest had a proportionately lower chance of hatching success (12 of 21 nests were successful), defined as having at least one egg hatch, than boxes that faced northwest (9 of 9 nests) or southeast (9 of 12 nests). The possible link between orientation-dependent differences in microclimate and hatching success, and the question of whether American Kestrels may select for orientation adaptively requires further investigation.
Disciplines
Publication Date
December, 2009
Citation Information
Michael W. Butler, Buddy A. Whitman and Alfred M. Dufty. "Nest Box Temperature and Hatching Success of American Kestrels Varies with Nest Box Orientation" The Wilson Journal of Ornithology Vol. 121 Iss. 4 (2009)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/alfred_dufty/114/