Publication

A simple, inexpensive trap for capturing Parrots and other Cavity Nesting Birds

Posted:	10/12/2014
Category:	Issue 3
Author(s):	Mathew Berg, Raoul Ribot

Many studies require that birds be individually caught during the nesting cycle for marking and sampling. Numerous forms of trap for capturing nest box or cavity-nesting birds on the nest have been devised. The simplest of these may be just a hand net, sliding door or similar that is set off manually, but these require constant monitoring by the researcher. Somewhat more sophisticated designs often operate automatically, through the use of a spring-operated mechanism (e.g. de Haven and Guarino 1969) and/or with a trigger stick to prop open a trap door (e.g. Stutchbury and Robertson 1986; Robinson et al. 2004). Many of these traps have been designed with small, nest box breeding northern hemisphere songbirds in mind. However, we have found a number of these designs inadequate for trapping parrots, and other large and dexterous species, in the southern hemisphere. Some species are capable of opening spring-loaded doors or avoiding dislodging the sticks or perches required to trigger other traps. Here, we describe a simple, cost effective, automatic trap that we have used successfully for trapping parrots and other large birds in nest boxes. This trap can be easily installed in side- or top-opening nest boxes, and can be adapted to some natural cavities.

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