Breeding of starlings(Sturnus vulgaris)in nest boxes of various types

Abstract

The reproductive success of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) using nest boxes in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, differed significantly according to the type of box, but this may reflect thecompetence of the parents as well as the quality of the site. The most young fledged fromboxes of 310 cm2internal basal area, significantly fewer from boxes of 520 cm2or more, andinsignificantly fewer from boxes of 180 cm2. Success increased with the depth of the nestbox up to at least 200 mm. Sites with large entrance holes were little used, suggesting thatstarlings prefer minimal access clearance (perhaps to exclude predators) and the nest bowlto be dark. The box material (wood, concrete, or PVC) had no significant effect on useor success. © 1979 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.