Diurnal space use and nocturnal roost-site selection by male Cerulean Warblers during the breeding season

2018 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P. Carpenter ◽  
Yong Wang
The Auk ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 727-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Jones ◽  
Raleigh J. Robertson

Abstract We examined habitat selection by breeding Cerulean Warblers (Dendroica cerulea) at three spatial scales in eastern Ontario over three years (1997–1999). Territories were characterized by well-spaced large trees, with high canopies and dense foliage cover at heights between 12–18 m. Nesting habitat additionally was characterized by dense foliage cover above 18 m. The results of our nest-patch (0.04 ha circle around nest) and nest-site (0.01 ha circle) analyses indicate that male Cerulean Warblers may take active roles in nest-site selection when selecting territories. We conclude from our nest-patch and nest-site selection analyses that territories likely contain multiple nest patches and sites and that male Cerulean Warblers may defend areas with multiple nest patches or sites, which may attract females to settle with them. Whether or not Cerulean Warbler females use nest-site availability as a mate- or territory-choice cue remains unknown. We also tested the validity of a commonly made assumption that a random sampling of habitat by researchers is representative of the habitat actually available to birds and found that, in our study area, the assumption was invalid. Taken together, our results point toward the need to maintain sizeable stands of mature, deciduous forest to ensure the persistence of Cerulean Warblers in eastern Ontario. Population characteristics such as lower minimum area requirements and a resilience to habitat disturbance may make that an easier job in eastern Ontario than elsewhere in this species' breeding range.


2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (8) ◽  
pp. 1518-1523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark E Hauber

The reproductive success of obligate brood parasitic birds depends on their ability to seek out heterospecific nests. Some nests are more suitable for parasitism than others and, for example, parasitic females may benefit from laying eggs preferentially and repeatedly at safer sites. Observations on patterns of Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) parasitism on Eastern Phoebes (Sayornis phoebe) across 2 years suggested that parasitism occurred at above chance levels during the first rather than the second nesting attempts and at nests located under eaves rather than bridges. Previously parasitized nests were more likely to be parasitized again in the subsequent breeding season. Sites under eaves and bridges did not differ in whether Brown-headed Cowbirds could be detected in the proximity of the nest. However, nests from first nesting attempts and nests under eaves were less likely to be lost as a result of structural failure of the Eastern Phoebe's mud nest. These data suggest that site discrimination by Brown-headed Cowbirds leads to adaptive patterns of parasitism among available Eastern Phoebe nests.


2014 ◽  
Vol 169 ◽  
pp. 68-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan E.W. De La Cruz ◽  
John M. Eadie ◽  
A. Keith Miles ◽  
Julie Yee ◽  
Kyle A. Spragens ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Weston ◽  
Glenn C. Ehmke ◽  
Grainne S. Maguire

An understanding of space use and dispersal of a wildlife species is essential for effective management. We examined the movements of a beach-dwelling, threatened population of hooded plover (Thinornis rubricollis) in southern central Victoria, Australia, by analysing sightings of colour-banded birds (4897 sightings; 194 birds tracked for up to 9 years). Most movements were relatively short (5050 ± 305 m), with 61.4% <1 km and 95.3% <20 km; they lacked directional or sexual bias. The extent of coastline used by individual birds was 47.8 ± 58.0 km. Regional differences in average distances moved by adults were apparent. For adults, movement rates (mean distance per day) were higher during the non-breeding season than during the breeding season. Non-breeding adults generally remained close to their partners (non-breeding, 456.3 ± 163.9 m; breeding, 148.2 ± 45.3 m). Largest flock sizes were recorded during the non-breeding period, and flocking was not uniformly distributed along the coast but appeared to be concentrated in particular locations. The frequency of pair cohesion (i.e. when the distance between partners was zero on a given day) was similar during the breeding (69.6%) and non-breeding seasons (67.7%). Breeding territories (kernel analysis) were 36.7 ± 5.7 ha and overlapped from year to year in all cases (23 pairwise comparisons; 47.9 ± 7.1% overlap). The high fidelity and constancy of territories confirms they warrant ongoing management investment, although the species relies on a matrix of breeding and non-breeding sites. The latter appear to occur in specific parts of the coast and warrant enhanced protection and more research attention. Fragmentation of the breeding population might occur where habitat is rendered unsuitable for > ~50 km.


2002 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Mark A. Colwell ◽  
Ryan L. Mathis ◽  
Linda W. Leeman ◽  
Thomas S. Leeman

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 290 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Pereoglou ◽  
C. Macgregor ◽  
S. C. Banks ◽  
F. Ford ◽  
J. Wood ◽  
...  

Context Temporal reduction in shelter is an indirect primary impact of fire. Removal of animal refugia has implications for shelter site selection and fidelity – factors that have been largely overlooked in studies of Australian rodent fauna. This information is critical for guiding species conservation and appropriate land management including prescribed burning practices. Aims We sought to determine which features of burnt heath were selected as shelter sites by the eastern chestnut mouse, whether there was sex and/or seasonal variation in shelter site selection and whether we could identify primary refugia. Methods We completed a radio-telemetry study to identify diurnal refuge sites and compare habitat attributes with those of a matched set of control sites. We then used habitat features and fidelity parameters to classify refuge site use. Key results We found the eastern chestnut mouse selected shelters with the presence of specific structures and had taller, denser vegetation than randomly selected control sites. There were no differences in habitat selection between the sexes. Shelter sites in the non-breeding season had greater vegetation density compared with those used in the breeding season. In the breeding season, the eastern chestnut mouse showed no evidence of increased fidelity to particular refuges. Vegetation density in winter was the best predictor of a primary refuge compared with whether or not an animal returned to a shelter site or the amount of time spent in a shelter site. Mice were ephemeral and non-gregarious in their refuge use. There was some evidence for inheritance of refuge sites from a parent, as well as inter-season shelter site fidelity. Conclusions The eastern chestnut mouse selected refugia that had habitat attributes offering maximum protection. Seasonality in refuge site selection is likely to reflect the reproductive and environmental trade-offs in critical resources during different seasons. The maintenance of multiple, rarely occupied shelters by the eastern chestnut mouse is consistent with data for other mammals. Implications Fire management should ensure retention of vegetation structure on the ground layer, dense habitat patches in burned areas, and be carefully planned during the winter season to maintain shelter and refuge sites to assist population persistence.


2012 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christof Janko ◽  
Wolfgang Schröder ◽  
Stefan Linke ◽  
Andreas König

The Auk ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 795-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. Barg ◽  
Deviah M. Aiama ◽  
Jason Jones ◽  
Raleigh J. Robertson

Abstract Although most habitat characteristics are known to be continuously variable in space, practicality dictates that most habitat-selection studies at the spatial scale of the territory treat within-territory habitat as essentially homogeneous. However, the limitations associated with such a compromise have remained largely unexamined. Male Cerulean Warblers (Dendroica cerulea) exhibit nonrandom space- use patterns within their territories, in that all territories contain areas of intensive use or core areas. In addition to documenting territory-wide habitat and behavioral use patterns in this species, we asked two specific questions about core-area structure and function. (1) Are core-area habitats distinct in their vegetative composition and structure from the rest of the territory? (2) What behavioral mechanisms underlie the nonrandom space-use patterns? On a territory-wide basis, males used trees in proportion to their availability; however, core areas were predominantly composed of bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), which was a highly preferred song-post tree. Core areas were not consistently associated with any other habitat feature, including canopy gaps. Core areas were singing centers; song-post densities within core areas were 10× higher than in noncore areas. In our study area, bitternut hickories have significant delayed leaf-out patterns, potentially offering minimal acoustic hindrance to song transmission until late in the breeding season. These singing centers may be strategically placed to simultaneously maintain vigilance over social nests and maximize communication with conspecifics. Core areas are potentially as important to males as nesting habitat is to females, and their provision should be taken into account when implementing conservation or management strategies. Uso de Hábitat en los Territorios y Selección de Microhábitats por los Machos en Dendroica cerulea


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