Persistence of tree cavities used by cavity-nesting vertebrates declines in harvested forests

2013 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 770-776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda B. Edworthy ◽  
Kathy Martin
Keyword(s):  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Cavity Nesting

scholarly journals Exotic parrots breeding in urban tree cavities: nesting requirements, geographic distribution, and potential impacts on cavity nesting birds in southeast Florida

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua M. Diamond ◽  
Michael S. Ross
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Geographic Distribution ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Interference Competition ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Inspection System ◽  
Dade County ◽  
Science Data ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Cavity Nesting

Abstract Background Exotic parrots have established breeding populations in southeast Florida, including several species that nest in tree cavities. We aimed to determine the species identity, nest site requirements, relative nest abundance, geographic distribution, and interactions of parrots with native cavity-nesting bird species. Methods We searched Miami-Dade County, Florida, and nearby areas for natural cavities and holes excavated by woodpeckers, recording attributes of potential nest trees. We inspected all cavities with an elevated video inspection system to determine occupancy by parrots or other birds. We mapped nearly 4000 citizen science observations of parrots in our study area corresponding to our study period, and used these to construct range maps, comparing them to our nesting observations. Results Not all parrots reported or observed in our study area were actively breeding. Some parrots were observed at tree cavities, which previous studies have suggested is evidence of reproduction, but our inspections with an elevated video inspection system suggest they never initiated nesting attempts. Several parrot species did successfully nest in tree cavities, Red-masked Parakeets (Psittacara erythrogenys) and Orange-winged Parrots (Amazona amazonica) being the most common (n = 7 and 6 nests, respectively). These two parrots had similar nesting requirements, but Orange-winged Parrots use nests with larger entrance holes, which they often enlarge. Geographic analysis of nests combined with citizen science data indicate that parrots are limited to developed areas. The most common parrots were less abundant cavity nesters than the native birds which persist in Miami’s urban areas, and far less abundant than the invasive European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Conclusions Exotic parrots breeding elsewhere in the world have harmed native cavity-nesting birds through interference competition, but competitive interference in southeast Florida is minimized by the urban affinities of parrots in this region. The relative abundance and geographic distribution suggest that these parrots are unlikely to invade adjacent wilderness areas.

scholarly journals Successional stage effect on the availability of tree cavities for cavity-nesting birds in an Atlantic Forest park from the state of São Paulo, Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Viana Katayama ◽  
Paulo Victor Queijo Zima ◽  
Daniel Fernandes Perrella ◽  
Mercival Roberto Francisco
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Human Disturbances ◽  
Successional Stage ◽  
Forest Park ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Cavity Nesters ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Successional Stages

Abstract The availability of suitable cavities and substrate for hole construction can limit the populations of birds that rely on tree hollows to reproduce. Several studies have focused on the effects of types of habitats, and types of human disturbances on cavities abundance, but the effect of successional stages in the Atlantic Forest has been poorly addressed. In this study we aimed to compare the availability and biometric characteristics of tree cavities between primary and mid-successional stage sites in an Atlantic Forest area from southeastern Brazil. Based on nest characteristics described in the literature, we inferred if hollows present in secondary sites could harbor the large secondary-nester Atlantic Forest birds, with special attention to toucans and hawks. From September 2016 to April 2017, 96 cavities were sampled, 67 in the primary, and 29 in the secondary plots. Our data revealed that the communities of cavity-nester birds in mid-successional stage areas may be more affected by the reduced cavity availability than by cavities quality, as the number of cavities in these sites was less than half than that found in mature forests. We also provide evidences that the largest cavity nesters, such as the biggest hawks, might have limited nesting possibilities in mid-successional stage areas especially due to small cavity entrances, which may have important reflects in conservation strategies.

scholarly journals Pre- and post-experimental manipulation assessments confirm the increase in number of birds due to the addition of nest boxes

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e1806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Cuatianquiz Lima ◽  
Constantino Macías Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Forest Type ◽  
Bird Community ◽  
Experimental Manipulation ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
Forest Plantations ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Young Forest ◽  
Large Trees

Secondary cavity nesting (SCN) birds breed in holes that they do not excavate themselves. This is possible where there are large trees whose size and age permit the digging of holes by primary excavators and only rarely happens in forest plantations, where we expected a deficit of both breeding holes and SCN species. We assessed whether the availability of tree cavities influenced the number of SCNs in two temperate forest types, and evaluated the change in number of SCNs after adding nest boxes. First, we counted all cavities within each of our 25-m radius sampling points in mature and young forest plots during 2009. We then added nest boxes at standardised locations during 2010 and 2011 and conducted fortnightly bird counts (January–October 2009–2011). In 2011 we added two extra plots of each forest type, where we also conducted bird counts. Prior to adding nest boxes, counts revealed more SCNs in mature than in young forest. Following the addition of nest boxes, the number of SCNs increased significantly in the points with nest boxes in both types of forest. Counts in 2011 confirmed the increase in number of birds due to the addition of nest boxes. Given the likely benefits associated with a richer bird community we propose that, as is routinely done in some countries, forest management programs preserve old tree stumps and add nest boxes to forest plantations in order to increase bird numbers and bird community diversity.

scholarly journals Chicago’s Urban Cemeteries as Habitat for Cavity-Nesting Birds

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis D. Smith ◽  
Emily Minor
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Individual Bird ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Landscape Level

Although not explicitly managed for conservation, urban cemeteries may provide a reserve of dead and dying trees for cavity-nesting birds. However, the ability of urban cemeteries to support these birds on current landscapes is largely unknown. We surveyed cavity-nesting birds and their habitat in 18 cemeteries in Chicago, Illinois (USA). At each location, we examined vegetation, availability of gravestones and monuments for perches, and landscape-level environmental conditions. We tested the importance of these variables for presence of individual bird species, and for overall richness of native cavity-nesting birds. We also assessed the availability and characteristics of tree cavities and their distribution among different tree species. We found that most cemeteries contained at least one dead or dying tree. Across all sampled areas, we detected 207 naturally-occurring and 77 excavated tree cavities. Tree species generally supported cavities in proportion to their abundance. We observed 12 native and two non-native cavity-nesting bird species in the cemeteries. Cavity-nesting bird species richness was best explained by landscape-level variables such as canopy cover and distance to water, but local-level variables (e.g., number of graves in a 50 m radius) influenced habitat selection for some species. Based on our results, we make suggestions for how both existing cemeteries and new “green” cemeteries can support biodiversity conservation.

Lifetime productivity of tree cavities used by cavity‐nesting animals in temperate and subtropical forests

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina L. Cockle ◽  
Mark Kurtis Trzcinski ◽  
Karen L. Wiebe ◽  
Amanda B. Edworthy ◽  
Kathy Martin
Keyword(s):  
Subtropical Forests ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Cavity Nesting

The shape of eggs in different-sized clutches of the house wren (Troglodytes aedon)

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (8) ◽  
pp. 1527-1531 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Scott Johnson ◽  
Jennifer E Leyhe ◽  
Caryn Werner
Keyword(s):  
Clutch Size ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Troglodytes Aedon ◽  
House Wren ◽  
House Wrens ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Egg Shape ◽  
Specific Variation

The substantial inter- and intra-specific variation that occurs in the shape of birds' eggs remains largely unexplained. Several researchers have hypothesized that selection will favour a shape that results in the most compact fit of eggs under the incubating parent. Mathematical modeling has suggested that optimal egg shape depends on the number of eggs laid. We tested predictions of one previously published model by comparing the shape of eggs in clutches of 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 eggs in a Wyoming, U.S.A., population of the house wren (Troglodytes aedon), a small, cavity-nesting songbird whose eggs vary considerably in shape. Contrary to predictions of the model, the typical shapes of eggs from different-sized clutches were very similar. Moreover, slight differences in shape detected were not in directions predicted by the model. There may be less selection on house wrens to adjust egg shape to clutch size because they lay eggs that are small relative to female body size, because eggs are placed in a deep spherical cup that conforms to the shape of the female's abdomen and because nests are to some degree insulated, being located in tree cavities. Full evaluation of the model will require comparisons of egg shape and clutch size in a large set of species that differ in natural-history characteristics such as egg size, nest shape, and nest placement.

Functional diversity of tree cavities for secondary cavity-nesting birds in logged subtropical Piedmont forests of the Andes

2020 ◽  
Vol 464 ◽  
pp. 118069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro A. Schaaf ◽  
Daniela Gomez ◽  
Román A. Ruggera ◽  
Ever Tallei ◽  
Constanza G. Vivanco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
The Andes ◽  
Cavity Nesting

Small mammals in nests of cavity-nesting birds: Why should ornithologists study rodents?

2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 286-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Czeszczewik ◽  
W. Walankiewicz ◽  
M. Stańska
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Breeding Ecology ◽  
Managed Forests ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Cavity Nesters ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Yellow Necked Mouse

We analyze the frequency of occurrence of small mammals recorded in natural cavities and nest boxes in the Białowieża Forest (eastern Poland) and also describe some parameters of tree cavities. A total of 748 cavities and 60 nest boxes in primeval tree stands and 190 nest boxes in managed tree stands were monitored. Both cavities and nest boxes in primeval stands were occupied by mammals less often than nest boxes in managed stands (0.70%, 0.12%, and 1.26%, respectively). The following mammal species were recorded in natural cavities: Eurasian red squirrel ( Sciurus vulgaris L., 1758), forest dormouse ( Dryomys nitedula (Pallas, 1778)), yellow-necked mouse ( Apodemus flavicollis (Melchior, 1834)), and bats (Microchiroptera species). Three mammalian species were recorded in nest boxes: forest dormouse, fat dormouse ( Myoxus glis (L., 1766)), and yellow-necked mouse. The attractiveness of the boxes for mammals increases in managed forests, probably because of a shortage of natural cavities. We suggest that the role of rodents in the breeding ecology of cavity-nesters is underestimated, since studies on natural cavities are rather rare and the species identities of nest predators are most likely poorly recognized. To understand the breeding ecology of birds, ornithologists should study the population dynamics of mammals and the manner in which they use tree cavities and nest boxes.

Factors Influencing Occupancy of Nest Cavities in Recently Burned Forests

The Condor ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria A. Saab ◽  
Jonathan Dudley ◽  
William L. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Time Frame ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Western North America ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Cavity Nesters ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Predicted Probability ◽  
Burned Site ◽  
Space Effects

Abstract Recently burned forests in western North America provide nesting habitat for many species of cavity-nesting birds. However, little is understood about the time frame and the variables affecting occupancy of postfire habitats by these birds. We studied factors influencing the occupancy and reuse of nest cavities from 1–7 years after fire in two burned sites of western Idaho during 1994–1999. Tree cavities were used for nesting by 12 species of cavity nesters that were classified by the original occupant (strong excavator, weak excavator, or nonexcavator) of 385 nest cavities. We used logistic regression to model cavity occupancy by strong excavators (n = 575 trials) and weak excavators (n = 206 trials). Year after fire had the greatest influence on occupancy of nest cavities for both groups, while site of the burn was secondarily important in predicting occupancy by strong excavators and less important for weak excavators. Predicted probability of cavity occupancy was highest during the early years (1–4) after fire, declined over time (5–7 years after fire), and varied by site, with a faster decline in the smaller burned site with a greater mosaic of unburned forest. Closer proximity and greater interspersion of unburned forest (15% unburned) may have allowed a quicker recolonization by nest predators into the smaller burn compared to the larger burn with few patches of unburned forest (4% unburned). In combination with time and space effects, the predicted probability of cavity occupancy was positively affected by tree and nest heights for strong and weak excavators, respectively. Factores que Influencian la Ocupación de Cavidades de Nidificación en Bosques Recientemente Quemados Resumen. Los bosques del oeste de América del Norte que han sido recientemente quemados proveen hábitat de nidificación para muchas especies de aves que nidifican en cavidades. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre el marco temporal y las variables que afectan la ocupación por parte de las aves de los hábitats luego del fuego. Entre 1994 y 1999, estudiamos los factores que influencian la ocupación y el uso repetido de las cavidades de nidificación entre 1 y 7 años luego del fuego, en dos sitios quemados en el oeste de Idaho. Las cavidades de los árboles fueron usadas para nidificar por 12 especies de aves, las que fueron clasificadas (385 cavidades) según el ocupante original (excavador fuerte, excavador débil y no excavador). Usamos regresión logística para modelar la ocupación de las cavidades por parte de excavadores fuertes (n = 575 pruebas) y débiles (n = 206 pruebas). El año luego del fuego tuvo la mayor influencia en la ocupación de las cavidades de nidificación para ambos grupos, mientras que el sitio de la quema tuvo una importancia secundaria en predecir la ocupación por parte de excavadores fuertes y menos importancia por parte de excavadores débiles. La probabilidad predicha de ocupación de las cavidades fue mayor durante los primeros años (1–4) luego del fuego, declinó con el tiempo (5–7 años luego del fuego) y varió entre sitios, con una disminución más rápida en el sitio quemado más pequeño que presentó un mayor mosaico de bosque no quemado. La proximidad y la mayor dispersión de bosques no quemados (15% no quemado) puede haber permitido una recolonización más rápida de los depredadores de nidos en el sitio quemado pequeño, comparado con el sitio quemado mayor que presentó pocos parches de bosque no quemado (4% no quemado). En combinación con los efectos de tiempo y espacio, la probabilidad predicha de ocupación de cavidades fue afectada positivamente por la altura de los árboles y de los nidos para los excavadores fuertes y débiles, respectivamente.

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