Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of Biology
Advisor
Stanley S. Hillman
Date of Award
1983
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology
Department
Biology
Physical Description
1 online resource (116 p.)
Subjects
Western bluebird, Birds -- Breeding, Birds -- Nests, Birds -- Oregon -- Willamette River Valley
DOI
10.15760/etd.5281
Abstract
The lack of suitable nest sites may be a limiting factor for Western Bluebird populations inhabiting the upper Willamette Valley. Nest box trails have been established on the hills surrounding the Portland metropolitan area. Since their placement, approximately 25% of the boxes available have been used by Western Bluebirds as nest cavities. This study was undertaken to identify factors which might determine the selection of a nest box by Western Bluebirds and the subsequent nest success or failure.
The breeding biology of Western Bluebirds using the nest box trail located on Parrett Mountain, Oregon in 1979 was investigated. Breeding season, mean clutch size, average incubation and nestling periods, and level of nest success were determined.
Nest box dimensions, placement, and surrounding habitat features were quantified. Potentially important nest site characteristics were examined and tested for association with Western Bluebird nest box use and reproductive success. Western Bluebird nest box selection was random with regard to all of the characteristics studied except Solar Index and Nest Box Density. No correlation was seen between nest box characteristics and bluebird nest success.
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/19259
Recommended Citation
Sims, Marcia Diane, "Breeding success and nest site characteristics of the western bluebird on Parrett Mountain" (1983). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 3395.
https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/3395
10.15760/etd.5281
Description
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