Use of Artificial Nest Sites by Common Kingfishers Alcedo Atthis, and Consequences for Their Construction

27 Mar Use of Artificial Nest Sites by Common Kingfishers Alcedo Atthis, and Consequences for Their Construction

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Abstract

English Abstract

An analysis of 39 artificial Common Kingfisher nest sites in Switzerland and
Liechtenstein revealed that 16 (41 %) of them were actually used for breeding.
Artificial nest sites that allowed the Kingfisher to dig its own nest hole were
most successful. Wherever Kingfishers had the choice between using artificial
nest-holes or digging holes themselves, they always chose the latter. Out of 12
nest sites that offered Kingfishers only artificial nest-holes, only one was used.
This can at least in part be explained by artificial nest-holes which were incorrectly
installed.