Date: April 4, 2018
Source: Lund University
Ten-day-old baby birds are able
to maintain their regular body temperature despite nest box temperatures of
50C° or above. Researchers at Lund University in Sweden can now show that
nestlings pay a high price for regulating their body temperature: they grow
less. Therefore, the recommendation when putting up a nest box should be to
avoid hot, south-facing locations and choosing a spot in the shade.
The study examined how baby blue
tits are affected by higher temperatures in the nest. The results show that
growth suffers when they are forced to expend a large amount of their energy on
maintaining a normal body temperature in a hot nest box.
"We have studied baby blue
tits, but our results are likely to apply to other small hole-nesting birds in
similar environments and climates," explains Fredrik Andreasson, biologist
at Lund University.
He has some practical advice for
those putting up a nest box:
"Don't place it in a
south-facing position, as that is where it will be hottest. If possible, you
should choose a place in the shade."
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