AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Starling-Deterrent Nesting Cylinders in Wood Duck Management

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1977
Authors:Heusmann, HW, Blandin, WW, Turner, RE
Journal:Wildlife Society Bulletin
Volume:5
Issue:1
Date Published:1977
ISBN Number:00917648
Keywords:Aix, Aix sponsa, Anatidae, Icteridae, Quiscalus, Quiscalus quiscula, Sturnidae, Sturnus, Sturnus vulgaris
Abstract:Nesting cylinders made of galvanized metal hot air ducts, completely closed at one end and with a 10 × 28 cm semicircular opening at the other, were erected on angle iron posts on 24 areas across Massachusetts. Wood duck (Aix sponsa) usage of cylinders on 17 areas ranged from 17 percent in 1970 to a maximum of 43 percent in 1974 and averaged 32 percent. Concurrent usage of wooden boxes on the areas ranged from 36 percent in 1970 to 58 percent in 1974 and averaged 48 percent. Nesting success in cylinders and in boxes was equivalent. Management problems encountered included sinking of cylinders, vandalism, excitability of incubating wood ducks, and grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) competition on some areas. The cylinders were 100 percent effective in eliminating starling (Sturnus vulgaris) nesting. Management recommendations include gradual replacement ot wooden boxes with metal cylinders on areas where starling competition is a problem, eliminating cylinder sinkage on soft-bottomed ponds by support braces or extensions, and modifying entrances of cylinders to prevent injury to entering wood ducks.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3781277
Short Title:Wildlife Society Bulletin
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