Atlas of Habitats

group

0.0001 m³

at 2.4 m

48.2ºN

A34 [petite] cavity

mixed

rough

bird

A34 [petite] cavity

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Introduction

Austria
Prater Park
48,2152° N, 16,3948° E
09/06/2024, 1:55 pm

This bird-nest cavity is located high up in a tree at the Prater in the City of Vienna. The Prater is a large public park located in Vienna’s second district.

In spring, this cavity is buzzing with activity. Parents take turns foraging for food, bringing back insects, seeds and berries to feed their young. As the seasons change, the nest cavity remains a steadfast fixture. In winter, it can provide shelter from the cold to other species.

Micro Climate

The microclimate within a tree cavity is relatively stable compared to its external environment. The surrounding wood and bark provide insulation, buffering the cavity’s interior from temperature extremes and fluctuating humidity levels. This stable microclimate is beneficial for egg incubation and chick development. The enclosed nature of the cavity also offers protection from predators, reducing the risk of nest invasion and exposure.

Material

This cavity is a hollowed-out chamber within the heartwood, shielded by the tree’s thick bark. It provides a secure environment for eggs and hatchlings, protecting them from predators and harsh weather conditions. The entrance is a small hole that opens into an interior space that accommodates the birds.

Location

The Prater is located in Vienna’s second district. This axial-oriented park is 4,5 km long and is home to more than 2,600 trees. Because the City of Vienna keeps a record of every tree within its premises, we were able to identify the tree’s species and age: Koelreuteria paniculata, a deciduous tree planted in 1987.

Construction

These cavities, found in mature and old-growth trees, are the result of natural processes such as decay, disease, or the activity of birds like woodpeckers. Woodpeckers play a significant role in creating these cavities, excavating holes in search of insects or establishing their own nesting sites. Once abandoned by the original excavators, these cavities can be utilized by secondary cavity nesters.