USE OF NEST BOXES BY GOLDENEYES IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA

Abstract

We evaluated and monitored use of 105–133 nest boxes by Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) during 1999–2004 on 60 lakes of high plateaus of the Laurentian Highlands, in the boreal forest of Québec, Canada. Only three species of birds used nest boxes regularly, American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), Barrow's Goldeneye, and Common Goldeneye. The proportion of nest boxes used by goldeneyes in 2000–2004 ranged from 23 to 43% whereas hatching success ranged from 37 to 67%. Successful Barrow's and Common goldeneye clutches averaged 6.76 ± 0.38 (SE, n = 29) and 7.77 ± 0.44 eggs (n = 31), respectively. Predation in nest boxes was not a major mortality factor. Goldeneyes used all nest boxes independent of their location but reproductive success was lower in nest boxes 25–160 m from shore in clearcuts. The number of Barrow's and Common goldeneye breeding pairs increased between 1999 and 2003, but number of broods remained stable after an increase in 2000.