# Hanging Position of Artificial Nest Boxes Affects Reproductive Success of Russet Sparrow Passer cinnamomeus

## TL;DR

The position of artificial nest boxes affects the number of fledglings in russet sparrows, with coniferous trees and distance from roads being beneficial.

## Contribution

This study reveals that nest-box hanging position influences reproductive success in russet sparrows, offering practical guidance for bird conservation.

## Key findings

- Russet sparrows nesting on coniferous trees had higher fledgling numbers and success compared to those on utility poles.
- Greater distance from roads was associated with more fledglings, though not directly affecting fledging success.
- Egg-laying date influenced clutch size and hatching rates, but not fledging success.

## Abstract

In the fields of ornithological research and bird conservation practices, artificial nest boxes are widely used as an important tool. However, there are still many uncertainties regarding the impact of the hanging positions of artificial nest boxes on the reproductive success of birds. To explore the relationship between factors such as the hanging positions of artificial nest boxes and the reproduction of the russet sparrow (Passer cinnamomeus), we recorded the breeding parameters and nest-site characteristics of the russet sparrow. The results showed that the number of fledglings and fledging success of russet sparrow breeding in nest boxes on coniferous trees were higher than those breeding in nest boxes on utility poles. Also, the further the nest box was from the nearest road, the more fledglings came from the nest. This suggests that the hanging positions of nest boxes may affect the reproductive success of the russet sparrow, providing invaluable implications for using nest boxes in bird population management.

Secondary cavity-nesting birds can utilize artificial nest boxes provided by humans for breeding, making nest boxes important approaches for attracting birds. Artificial nest boxes are therefore widely used in fields such as ornithological research and avian diversity conservation. Under natural conditions, the location of nests often affects the reproductive success of birds. Therefore, understanding the impact of nest box hanging positions on the breeding success of secondary cavity-nesting birds is of great significance for guiding the placement of artificial nest boxes. In this study, we explored the potential factors, including nest-box location, that affect the reproductive success of the russet sparrow (Passer cinnamomeus) by monitoring the nest-site characteristics and reproductive parameters such as clutch size and brood size of those breeding in artificial nest boxes near Dongzhai National Nature Reserve, Henan, China, from April to July 2024. Russet sparrow nesting in boxes on coniferous trees and utility poles showed no significant differences in clutch size, hatching rate, brood size, pre-laying nest-abandonment rate, and whether the breeding was ultimately successful. Nests with earlier egg-laying dates had larger clutch sizes, higher hatching rates, and greater brood sizes. However, the number of fledglings and fledging success were not affected by laying date, and fledging success was not affected by either the distance from the nest site to the nearest road, or the brood size. Both larger brood size and greater distance from the nearest road were associated with increased numbers of fledglings. Furthermore, russet sparrows nesting in boxes on coniferous trees produced significantly more fledglings and exhibited higher fledging success compared to those nesting on utility poles, suggesting that nest boxes’ hanging position may influence russet sparrow reproductive success. These findings not only supplement existing ecological data on russet sparrow reproduction in artificial nest boxes but also provide important insights for avian conservation practices, highlighting the necessity of fully considering hanging position when deploying artificial nest boxes for birds.