While most wild birds around the world seem to prefer making their own nests in
the wild, many have adapted to using nest boxes in urban areas simply because
their traditional nesting areas are no longer there. The same is becoming true
for many New Zealand birds. Until recent times it seemed that, by in large, only
some introduced species would take advantage of nesting boxes, now many more
species are being reported to be using them.
Some native birds like the Grey Warbler and Silvereye, who make intricately
woven nest that hang from the larger branches of mature trees, have been
reported to being making their nests in open front type nesting boxes. Tuis have
also been found in these nesting boxes although their traditional nests are
twigs and fibres, lined with feathers and fine grasses and are usually placed in
fork of a tree. The Little Owl (introduced in the early 1900's) is another bird
that has recently taken to using open front nest boxes and there should be no
reason that others like the Morepork can not be persuaded to take up residence
in one.
It would appear that with the growing popularity of back yard bird feeding, in
New Zealand, these birds are finding most of their requirements such as feed,
water, shelter are being met and are prepared, on some occasions, to
compromise on the nesting situation.
Many introduced birds will use nest
boxes.
The Thrush and Blackbird, both use an open type nesting box but will usually use
a different one for each clutch of eggs, so it pays to have several scattered
around your property. Although they will both use the identical nesting boxes
their actual nests are vastly different, the blackbird's nest is lined
with grass and leaves, while the thrush's nest has a smooth lining of mud or mud
mixed with rotten wood.
The most well known introduced bird to use nesting boxes is probably the
Starling. These birds have been encouraged to use boxes, since their
introduction in 1862, by farmers who hoped wanted the numbers to build up to
help combat grass grubs and other insects. Starling boxes need a 42mm entrance
hole. This allows them access but stops Myna birds (also members of the Starling
family) who will take over a nest, destroy the eggs and use it for themselves.
The common House Sparrow is often overlooked when it comes to providing nesting
boxes. In the past many of these nested under house eaves but with different
building techniques and designs many of these little nooks and crannies have
disappeared leaving sparrows without favourable nesting spaces.
Use chart below to determine the proper
nest box for each bird species you want to attract. Although these birds do have
preferences for the type of nesting box and the diameter of the entrance hole,
not all birds will follow the chart, so don't be surprised if another bird
decides to nest in a box you intended for someone else!
|
Bird |
Type of nest box / hole size |
|
Blackbird |
open box type |
|
House Sparrow |
32mm hole |
|
Little Owl |
100mm hole or open type |
|
Grey Warbler |
open box type |
|
Silvereye |
open box type |
|
Tui |
open box type |
|
Myna |
70mm hole |
|
Starling |
42 mm hole |
|
Dove |
200mm hole or open type |
|
Thrush |
open type box |
|