Spatial nest-box selection of cavity-nesting bird species in response to proximity to recreational infrastructures

Abstract

Human disturbance associated with recreational infrastructures can affect avian behaviour, such as, for example, nest-site choice, but differential tolerance to human disturbance among species likely influences the nest distribution of the overall bird community. From 2004 to 2007, we analysed the spatial influence of recreational trails and buildings on nest-box selection of cavity-nesting bird species in a reforested area in Madrid, central Spain. Nest boxes were mainly occupied by House Sparrows (Passer domesticus), Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) and Great Tits (Parus major). We analysed whether differences between used–unused nest boxes and among nest boxes occupied by different species were related to our disturbance variables. We employed Generalized Linear Models that also statistically controlled for habitat structure and edge effects on bird distribution. Proximity to buildings, rather than trails, always proved to be the most explicative variable of nest-box use by the different species. The nest boxes occupied by House Sparrows were located closer to buildings than the ones occupied by Tree Sparrows or Great Tits. Nonrandom patterns of nest-box occupation with respect to sources of human disturbance might be due to the different tolerance levels of each species. Alternatively, man-made structures such as buildings might favour human-associated species, a circumstance which could change the outcome of heterospecific interactions. In any case, our results support the idea that recreational buildings may affect nest-box selection in breeding bird communities, and that a proper infrastructure layout may help to reconcile leisure activities with the conservation of the natural areas with recreational uses.