| |
| Title: |
Habitat Selection and Reproductive Ecology among Townsend's
Warblers in Southcentral Alaska |
| Abstract: |
This study investigated habitat selection and reproductive
ecology among Townsend's Warblers (Dendroica townsendi) breeding
in mature mixed forests between 1993-1995. Features of habitat selected
for nest sites and foraging sites were compared with those available on
territories to determine the importance of these two resources in the selection
of territories. Mate pairing and nest survival were monitored to identify
factors influencing reproductive success. Females were highly selective
for large white spruce (Picea glauca) as nest sites. Foraging behavior
varied temporally and was specialized toward medium-size white spruce early
in the breeding season but subsequently generalized across substrates. Areas
selected for territories clearly reflected availability of large white spruce
selected for nest sites but did not reflect selection of medium white spruce
for foraging, suggesting specific demands for nest sites influenced choice
of territories. Pairing success (98%) and nest success (54%) were similar
to those of temperate breeding migratory songbirds nesting in large contiguous
forest stands. Nest predation and blow-fly (Protocalliphora) parasitism
varied with microhabitat, suggesting that habitat selection may mitigate
their effects. |
| Keywords: |
Townsend's Warbler, Dendroica townsendi,
habitat selection, foraging, nest site, territory, nest success, breeding
biology, Anchorage |
| Status: |
Complete see Auk 114:657-667, Condor 99:271-281,
Birds of North America no. 333 for full summaries. |
| Duration: |
1993-1995 |
| Location: |
Anchorage, Alaska |
| Region: |
Southcoastal Alaska |
| Cooperators: |
USGS Alaska Biological Science Center; University of Alaska
Fairbanks; Oregon State University; Chugach State Park; Municipality of
Anchorage |
| Contacts: |
- Steve Matsuoka
- USGS-Alaska Science Center
- 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99503 USA
- 907-786-3672
- steve_matsuoka@usgs.gov
|
|
- Colleen Handel
- USGS-Alaska Science Center
- 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99503 USA
- 907-786-3418
- colleen_handel@usgs.gov
|
