Nest box temperature and hatching success of American Kestrels varies with nest box orientation.(Report): An article from: The Wilson Journal of Ornithology

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From the author: 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[degrees]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.

Citation Details
Title: Nest box temperature and hatching success of American Kestrels varies with nest box orientation.(Report)
Author: Michael W. Butler
Publication:The Wilson Journal of Ornithology (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 1, 2009
Publisher: Wilson Ornithological Society
Volume: 121 Issue: 4 Page: 778(5)

Article Type: Report

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