Forest structure determines nest box use by Central European boreal owls.

ABSTRACT: Nest boxes represent a popular tool to support secondary cavity-nesting species. Surprisingly, the benefits and limitations of nest boxes for target species in different environments are poorly understood. We performed a 3-years experimental study in two different Central European forests to evaluate nest box use and breeding performance of boreal owl (Aegolius funereus) - a species well known for its readiness to occupy nest boxes. Based on territorial vocalisation, two boreal owl populations 200 km apart were similarly abundant in their environments. However, only the boreal owl population in young restored Norway (Picea abies) and blue (Picea pungens) spruce-dominated forests on mountain plateaus readily occupied nest boxes with the occupancy reaching 8-15%. Nest boxes lost their suppor

SUBMITTER: Sevcik R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8933568 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature