Relationship Between Atmospheric Conditions and Breeding Ecology of Tits in Artificial Nest Boxes

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between atmospheric conditions and breeding ecology of Parus sp. tits in artificial nest boxes at a deciduous forest between March 2009 and July 2010. In order to collect data regarding tit breeding, temperature and relative humidity, researchers installed a total of 45 artificial nest boxes equipped with Hobo (R) Pro V2 monitors. Artificial nest boxes had one of three different entrance diameters of 30, 35 and 40 mm. The mean temperature and relative humidity in. 2010 were lower than in. 2009. Marsh and great tits both had differences in. incubation and nestling care periods based on temperature and relative humidity during the breeding season. In addition, increases in. the body weight and tarsus length of juvenile tits were slower in 2010 than in. 2009. To understand whether the breeding ecology of tits is affected by atmospheric conditions, further long-term ecological research is needed.