Differences in Breeding Success of Tits in Artificial Nest Boxes between Hog Fat Supplied and Non-supplied Coniferous Forests

Abstract

This study was conducted to describe the difference in breeding success of tits used the artificial nest boxes in hog fat supplied and non-supplied coniferous forests (37°16′50" N, 126°55′45" E) of the Chilbosan University Forests, Seoul National University in Korea, from November 2002 to June 2003. There were no differences in vegetation characteristics, such as tree density, tree species richness, tree species diversity, total basal area and foliage profiles, between both study sites. There were significant differences in the breeding success and clutch size of three tits species nesting in boxes between hog fat supplied and non-supplied coniferous forests. Food supply would be good for increase of breeding success of tits in poor habitat quality areas. Also, the preference of various entrance diameter of nest boxes was related to body length of tits.