Microclimate in tree cavities and nest-boxes: implications for hole-nesting birds

摘要: The provision of nest-boxes is widely used as a conservation intervention to increase the availability cavities for hole-nesting birds, particularly in managed forests, but it uncertain whether are an appropriate substitute tree cavities. Tree and may differ many aspects, including microclimate, there few data with which examine this. We measured air temperature relative humidity vacant previously by breeding marsh tits Poecile palustris (a non-excavating forest passerine) provided this species that had similar dimensions natural nest sites, we compared values from both ambient conditions. examined how cavity characteristics influenced microclimate if conditions were replicated nest-boxes. cavities, those thicker parts trees, more efficient thermal insulators, extremes dampened greater extent values. In contrast, poor insulation negligible buffering against temperatures. Mean daily was high (on average c. 90%) all walls living wood, averaged 24% higher than at comparable (mean 76–78%). These results support previous studies incorporated various types nest-boxes, indicating environment within differs significantly conclude providing affect microclimatic available cavity-users, have ecological implications nesting birds.