Degree Name

MS (Master of Science)

Program

Biology

Date of Award

12-2009

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Fred J. Alsop III

Committee Members

Darrell J. Moore, Istvan Karsai

Abstract

Nest box programs provide supplemental nest sites for American Kestrels, Falco sparverius. When the availability of nest sites is a limiting factor, the addition of nest boxes can increase local breeding populations. These programs also facilitate the collection of data on breeding kestrels.

This study focuses on an American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) nest box trail along Interstate 26 in northeastern Tennessee during the breeding seasons of 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2009. Productivity measures and reproductive success of nesting birds are provided and compared to other programs. The data are analyzed across years and by box. Finally, a discussion of the habitat surrounding the most and least active boxes provides recommendations for increased efficiency of the program.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

Included in

Ornithology Commons

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