NESTING ABUNDANCE AND CLUTCH SIZE OF THE
EASTERN BLUEBIRD.
CHRIS CARSON, Department of Biology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Tennessee
Technological University, Cookeville, TN 37841, USA
Table of Contents
Project Summary……………………………………………… 3
Introduction…………………………………………………… 3
Methods and Materials……………………………………….. 4
Expected Results and Benefits……………………………….. 4
Project Timeline………………………………………………. 5
Literature Cited……………………………………………….. 6
Budget………………………………………………………… 7
Figures………………………………………………………… 8
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Project Summary
Eastern Bluebirds have been studied in many locations but studies have not been
conducted in the central portion of Scott County, Tennessee. The objective of this
project is to study and make available the nesting abundance and clutch size of the
eastern bluebird in the central portion of Scott County, Tennessee.
By constructing bluebird nest boxes and monitoring them at 7 to 10 day intervals
an average nest abundance and clutch size can be determined. My expectation is that
the eastern bluebird will have a nesting success of approximately 80%. The average
nesting abundance and clutch size can be used to determine the fecundity of the
species.
Introduction
Eastern Bluebirds have been studied extensively, however their nesting
abundance and clutch size has not been studied in the central portion of Scott County.
Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) are secondary cavity nesters that experienced a
population decline in the later part of the 19th century due to habitat loss and
competition from exotic species (Radunzel, L.A. et al. 1997). “Placement of nest
boxes in suitable habitat can increase populations of cavity nesting birds, especially if
natural cavities are limiting” (Parren, S.G., 1991).
The objective of this project is to make available the nesting abundance and
clutch size of the eastern bluebird in the central part of Scott County, Tennessee. .
My hypothesis is that the average clutch size of the eastern bluebird varies widely in
artificial nest boxes.
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Methods and Materials
Artificial nest boxes were constructed from 2.54cm x 15.24 x 304.8cm boards.
Nest boxes were constructed using plans provided in the Tennessee Wildlife
Resources publication Wildlife Management for Tennessee Landowners.
All nest boxes will be placed at a height of 1.50 meters and a minimum distance
of 100 meters from other boxes. The boxes will be spread out over a 404.68 hectare
family farm in Scott County, Tennessee.
The boxes will be monitored for activity at 7 to 10 day intervals using a data form
(figure 2.1). An average of nest box activity and clutch size will be conducted to
determine the clutch size and nesting success for bluebirds in the central part of Scott
County, TN.
Expected Results and Benefits
My expectation is that the eastern bluebird will have a nesting success of
approximately 80%. The average nesting abundance and clutch size can be used to
determine the fecundity of the species in the central part of Scott County, Tennessee.
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Project Timeline

Research Topic/Title (Research title was developed)
Week(s) 1-2

Library Literature Search (Searched for relevant literature)
Week(s) 2-4

Scientific Method Objective/Hypothesis (Developed matrix,
Week(s) 3-6
objective and hypothesis)

Research Proposal Key Words (determined good keywords)
Week(s) 4-7

Web Page (began development of the webpage)
Week(s) 5-9

Data Form / Format / Midterm Outline (developed a data form, learned the
format for the research proposal outline and drafted the outline)
Week(s) 6-7

Research (compiled and analyzed data, completed research)
Week 6-7

Midterm (gave research proposal presentation)
Week 7

Spring Break
Week 8-9

Platform presentation (started developing presentation)
Week 10

Developed a resume and Ethics statement
Week 11

Designed poster and had the manuscript evaluated.
Week12

Wrote a research progress report
Week 13

Rewrote the research proposal as a research proposal application
Week 14

Time for the platform presentation
Week 15
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Literature Cited
Parren, S.G., Wildlife Society Bulletin. 1991. Evaluation of Nest-Box Sites Selected
by Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, and House Wrens. 19 : 270-277.
Pitts, D.T.,1988. Journal of Field Ornithology. Effects of Nest Box Size on Eastern
Bluebird Nests. 59-4: 309-313.
Radunzel, L. A. and Muschitz, D.M. 1997. Journal of Field Ornithology. A LongTerm Study of the Breeding Success of Eastern Bluebirds by Year and Cavity Type.
68:7-18
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Proposed Budget
Category
Salaries & Wages
First Year
Professional
Technician
Secretarial
Graduate Student
Student Hourly
Subtotal
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
Benefits
Travel
Non-Expendables
Expendables
Computer
Supplies & Expenses
Copying &
Telephone
Tuition & Fees
Subtotal
$100.00
$20.00
$6,000.00
$8,120.00
Total Direct Costs
Indirect Costs
Total Costs
$8,120.00
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Location:
Time:
Temperature:
Box Number
Date:
Observer:
box
occupied?
eggs
present?
number of
Eggs
habitat
# of eggs
hatched
Figure 2.1
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