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 the competence of the parents as well as the quality of the site. The most young fledged from boxes of 310 cm² internal basal area, significantly fewer from boxes of 520 cm² or more, and insignificantly fewer from boxes of 180 cm². Success increased with the depth of the nest box up to at least 200 mm. Sites with large entrance holes were little used, suggesting that starlings prefer minimal access clearance (perhaps to exclude predators) and the nest bowl to be dark. The box material (wood, concrete, or PVC) had no significant effect on use or success.