Breeding bird communities in burned and unburned sites in a mature Indiana oak forest.ABSTRACT. Prescribed fire is being used increasingly by forest managers throughout the U.S. to attain specific management objectives. However, little is known about the effects of fire management practices on non-game bird communities, particularly in deciduous deciduous /de·cid·u·ous/ (de-sid´u-us) falling off or shed at maturity, as the teeth of the first dentition. de·cid·u·ous adj. 1. forests of the Midwest that are important breeding grounds for many Neotropical migrant songbirds. We compared bird species abundance and community composition in a recently burned (1993 and 1995) closed-canopy forest plot with an adjacent unburned plot, using breeding bird surveys conducted in 1996 and 1997. Avian species richness  This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject.Please help recruit one or [ improve this article] yourself. See the talk page for details. and overall bird abundance (for all species pooled) did not differ between sites. Avian community composition, however, differed between sites in both years. Ground-nesting Black-and-white Warblers (Mniotilta varia var·i·a n. A miscellany, especially of literary works. [Latin, from neuter pl. of varius, various.] ), Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocappilus) and Eastern Towhees (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) were more abundant in the unburned site. Conversely, cavity-nesting White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) were more abundant in the burned site. Migrant and resident ground- and shrub-nesting guilds were more abundant in unburned forest. Prescribed fires may adversely affect habitat quality for some forest songbirds, particularly species which require dense understory un·der·sto·ry n. An underlying layer of vegetation, especially the plants that grow beneath a forest's canopy. growth. Prescribed fires may benefit other species by creating open understories and snags. Land managers should consider the direct and indirect effects of habitat alteration associated with prescribed fires on all nesting songbirds to conserve local and regional avian biodiversity. Keywords: Neotropical migrant, songbird songbird Any oscine passerine (suborder Passere), all of which have a complex vocal organ, the syrinx. Some species (e.g., thrushes) produce melodious songs; others (e.g., crows) have a harsh voice; and some do little or no singing. See also birdsong. , fire, community, management ********** Evidence indicates that many species of Neotropical migrant songbirds associated with forest habitats have experienced population declines over the last 50 years (Askins et al. 1990; Hagan & Johnston 1992; Askins 1995; Herkert 1995). North American North American named after North America. North American blastomycosis see North American blastomycosis. North American cattle tick see boophilusannulatus. Breeding Bird Survey data reveal declines for many open-cup nesters in Midwestern deciduous forests over the last 30 years (Peterjohn et al. 1995). This list of forest songbirds includes, but is not limited to, the following: Eastern Wood Pewee The Eastern Wood-Pewee, Contopus virens, is a small Tyrant flycatcher. This bird and the Western Wood-Pewee were formerly considered to be a single species. The two species are virtually identical in appearance, and can be distinguished most easily by their calls. (Contopus virens), Wood Thrush wood thrush One of the 11 species of thrushes (in the genus Hylocichla, or Catharus) called nightingale thrushes because of their rich songs. H. mustelina is common in eastern U.S. broadleaf forests; it is 8 in. (20 cm) long and has drab, spotted plumage and a rusty-colored head. (Hylocichla mastelina), Cerulean ce·ru·le·an adj. Azure; sky-blue. [From Latin caeruleus, dark blue; akin to caelum, sky.] Noun 1. Warbler warbler, name applied in the New World to members of the wood warbler family (Parulidae) and in the Old World to a large family (Sylviidae) of small, drab, active songsters, including the hedge sparrow, the kinglet, and the tailorbird of SE Asia, (Dendroica cerulea), Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia), Ovenbird ovenbird, common name for a member of the family Furnariidae, primitive passerine birds, which build elaborate, domed nests of clay or dig tunnels in the ground to lay their eggs. (Seiurus aurocappilus), Kentucky Warbler The Kentucky Warbler, Oporornis formosus, is a small species of New World warbler. The Kentucky Warbler, like all members of the genus Oporornis, is a sluggish and heavy warbler with a short tail, preferring to spend most of its time on or near the ground, except (Oporornis formosus), Hooded Warbler a small American warbler (Sylvania mitrata). See also: Hooded (Wilsonia citrina, and Scarlet Tanager tanager (tăn`əjər), any of the small, migratory perching birds of the family Thraupidae, chiefly of the tropical New World. Only five species migrate to North America; of these the scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea (Piranga olivacea). Habitat fragmentation Habitat fragmentation is a process of environmental change important in evolution and conservation biology. As the name implies, it describes the emergence of discontinuities (fragmentation) in an organism's preferred environment (habitat). and its associated adverse effects through nest predation predation Form of food getting in which one animal, the predator, eats an animal of another species, the prey, immediately after killing it or, in some cases, while it is still alive. Most predators are generalists; they eat a variety of prey species. and brood parasitism parasitism: see parasite. parasitism Relationship between two species in which one benefits at the expense of the other. Ectoparasites live on the body surface of the host; endoparasites live in their hosts' organs, tissues, or cells and often rely (Brittingham & Temple 1983; Askins 1995) has been implicated im·pli·cate tr.v. im·pli·cat·ed, im·pli·cat·ing, im·pli·cates 1. To involve or connect intimately or incriminatingly: evidence that implicates others in the plot. 2. as a primary factor contributing to the decline of many of these species (Robinson et al. 1995). However, past and current forest management practices also may adversely impact nesting songbirds (DeGraaf & Rappole 1995). For example, Rodewald & Smith (1998) found that manual removal of understory vegetation in Arkansas oak-hickory forests may result in decreased abundance of ground- and shrub-nesting forest obligates. Prescribed burning also has been implicated in decreased nesting success of ground- and shrub-nesting migrant species in areas where the understory vegetation is reduced by fire (Aquilani et al. 2000). Prescribed fire is increasingly being used as a forest management tool in eastern deciduous forests of the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . However, only recently have ecologists begun to investigate the effects of fire on non-game wildlife. Given the potential adverse consequences that prescribed burning may cause for some avian species and the fact that it is increasingly being used through the U.S., it is imperative that the effects of fire management be investigated. Thus, the primary objective of our study is to investigate the effects of prescribed fire on breeding bird abundance and avian community structure in Midwestern deciduous forests. To accomplish this, we examined avian community composition in burned and unburned forest stands of Hoosier National Forest The Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, provides a wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy. Rolling hills, back-country trails, and rural crossroad communities make this small but beautiful forest a favorite of tourists. in south-central Indiana during the 1996 and 1997 breeding seasons. METHODS Study area,--The study was conducted in the Fork Ridge area of the Hoosier National Forest, Jackson County, Indiana Jackson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2000, the population was 41,335. The county seat is Brownstown6. Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,331 km² (514 mi²). . This area is characterized by narrow ridgetops, steep mesic mes·ic adj. Ecology Of, characterized by, or adapted to a moderately moist habitat. mesic Relating or adapted to a moderately moist habitat. slopes (20-40%), and narrow hollows, with elevations ranging from 195-290 m. Both sites were forested areas with stands ranging in age from 60-120 yr. Oak (Quercus) and hickory (Carya) species dominated the upland sites, and American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and maples (Acer) dominated the lower slopes and hollows. The understory woody vegetation was dominated by seedlings and saplings of maple, beech, blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), sassafras sassafras: see laurel. sassafras North American tree (Sassafras albidum) of the laurel family. The aromatic leaf, bark, and root are used as a flavouring, as a traditional home medicine, and as a tea. (Sassafras albidum Sassafras albidum, n See sassafras. ), and flowering dogwood flow·er·ing dogwood n. See dogwood. (Cornus florida). In March 1993 and April 1995, the U.S. Forest Service set prescribed surface fires in the burned area to reduce understory shade-tolerant shrub and tree sapling density and to stimulate growth of herbaceous her·ba·ceous adj. 1. Relating to or characteristic of an herb as distinguished from a woody plant. 2. Green and leaflike in appearance or texture. vegetation and oak regeneration. Fires were ignited at hollows and allowed to spread upslope. Post-fire evaluations in 1993 indicated that 50-60% of leaf litter and 30-50% of understory vegetation were consumed. Top-kill of shade tolerant understory woody vegetation was 40%. In 1995, a second prescribed burn consumed 80% of leaf litter and understory vegetation and top-killed 80% of shade tolerant woody vegetation. As of 1997, live woody stem (<2.5 cm dbh) density and horizontal vegetation cover at levels > 0.5 m above ground were lower in the burned area than in the unburned area, while the density of dead small woody stems was greater in the burned area (Aquilani et al. 2000). Herbaceous ground cover, horizontal cover < 0.5 m above ground, and tree overstory o·ver·sto·ry n. The uppermost layer of foliage that forms a forest canopy. basal area Basal area is the term used in forest management that defines the area of a given section of land that is occupied by the cross-section of tree trunks and stems at their base. In most countries, this is usually a measurement taken at a person's breast height (1 - 1. did not differ between burned and unburned areas (Aquilani et al. 2000). We conducted breeding bird surveys in two approximately 160 ha forest areas (the burned treatment site and the unburned control site). These two similar forest areas were separated by 0.7 km of forest which was bisected by an infrequently used, unpaved road. A pipeline trail (<15 m wide) and a hiking trail (<10 m wide) bordered roughly one-half of the perimeter of each of the sites. Avian community sampling.--Birds were surveyed during the breeding season (18 May-25 June 1996 and 15 May-26 June 1997) using unlimited-radius point counts (Hutto et al. 1986). Thompson and Schwalbach (1995) recommended using unlimited-radius counts over fixed-radius counts in Hoosier National Forest. Unlimited-radius counts result in higher detections per plot and increased statistical power compared to 40, 50, or even 70 m radius plots (Thompson & Schwalbach 1995). Within each site, 18 permanent point count plots were established in 1996. In 1997, five additional permanent point count plots were established in each site. Point count plot centers were located at > 150 m intervals. The distance between adjacent points was beyond the range of auditory detectability of most Neotropical migrant bird species (Wolf et al. 1995), thus ensuring independence among sample counts. To minimize edge effects, no point counts were conducted within 50 m of non-forested areas. Each point count plot was visited three times. Upon arrival at each plot center, we observed a 1-min acclimation acclimation /ac·cli·ma·tion/ (ak?li-ma´shun) the process of becoming accustomed to a new environment. ac·cli·ma·tion n. 1. period. This was followed by a 10 min observation period during which all birds seen or heard at the point were recorded. The presence of birds such as swifts, vultures and hawks also was recorded, but they were not included in analysis because relatively little attention was paid to the skies above the canopy (where these birds are most often seen). Surveys were conducted exclusively between 0545-4900 h. No point counts were made after 0900 h because bird activity and conspicuousness (primarily vocalizations) decreased markedly between 0930-1000 h. The order in which sites (burned vs. unburned) were visited was alternated daily. Furthermore, the order in which point count plots were visited during subsequent visits was alternated, as was the time of the visit such that each plot was visited at some time in the 0600, 0700 and 0800 h time periods. All point counts were conducted on calm (wind speed <20 km/hr) mornings without precipitation (Robbins 1981). To avoid inter-observer variability, only one individual conducted the bird surveys. For each site, the mean number of individuals detected per species per point count plot was derived using the average number of individuals of each species detected from the three visits to each point. In addition, the total number of individual birds detected per point per site was also calculated. Statistical analysis.--All analyses of bird relative abundance were based on the mean number of individuals derived from the three visits to each point during our unlimited-radius counts. Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to test for differences in relative abundance of each species between the burned and unburned sites. Two-tailed T-tests assuming equal variances were used to test for differences between sites in the total number of individuals detected per point. The relative abundance of bird species grouped by nesting guild was compared between the burned and unburned sites using Mann-Whitney U-tests. Species were placed into one of the following nesting guilds: ground- and shrub-nesting (nests placed from 0.0-1.0 m from ground) Neotropical migrants; ground- and shrub-nesting residents; cavity nesters; understory and subcanopy (nests placed from 1.0-10.0 m from ground) nesters; and canopy nesters (nests at >10 m). Brown-headed Cowbirds and migrant species that were detected but do not nest in this geographic area (i.e., Northern Junco junco or snowbird, small seed-eating bird of North America closely related to the sparrows. Juncos have white underparts and gray (sometimes also brown) backs. They travel in flocks. , Junco hyemalis Junco hyemalis slate-colored junco; sparrow-shaped bird inhabiting west coast of North America. ) were not included in comparisons of nesting guild abundance. RESULTS Avian community composition (1996).--In 1996, there were 26 and 30 species observed in the burned and unburned sites, respectively. There was no difference between the mean number of individuals detected per point in the burned (5.41) and unburned (5.33) sites (T = 2.032; DF = 34; P = 0.932). Ovenbirds and Eastern Towhees were more abundant within the unburned site compared to the burned site (Table 1). Conversely, Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea), and White-breasted Nuthatches were more abundant in the burned than the unburned site. Twelve species present in the unburned site were absent in the burned, including: Kentucky Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), American Red start (Setophaga ruticulla), Downy down·y adj. down·i·er, down·i·est 1. Made of or covered with down. 2. a. Resembling down: downy white clouds. b. Quietly soothing; soft. Adj. Woodpecker woodpecker, common name for members of the Picidae, a large family of climbing birds found in most parts of the world. Woodpeckers typically have sharp, chisellike bills for pecking holes in tree trunks, and long, barbed, extensible tongues with which they impale (Picoides pubescens), Hairy Woodpecker The Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) is a medium-sized woodpecker. Adults are mainly black on the upper parts and wings, with a white back, throat and belly and white spotting on the wings. There is a white bar above and below the eye. (P. villosus), Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus), Ruby-throated Hummingbird ru·by-throat·ed hummingbird n. A small bird (Archilochus colubris) of eastern North America, having metallic-green upper plumage and, in the male, a brilliant red throat. (Archilochus colubris), Ruffed Grouse ruffed grouse: see grouse. ruffed grouse North American species (Bonasa umbellus) of grouse, sometimes incorrectly called a partridge. Ruffed grouse live mainly on berries, fruits, seeds, and buds but also eat much animal food. (Bonasa umbellus Bonasa umbellus see ruffed grouse. ), Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus), and Eastern Towhee. Conversely, the following nine species were present in the burned site yet absent in the unburned site: Indigo Bunting, Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia petechia /pe·te·chia/ (pe-te´ke-ah) pl. pete´chiae [L.] a minute red spot due to escape of a small amount of blood.pete´chial pe·te·chi·a n. pl. ), Cerulean Warbler (D. cerulea), White-breasted Nuthatch nuthatch (nŭt`hăch), common name applied to a number of Old and New World species of small birds of the genus Sitta, related to the titmouse and the creeper. , Darkeyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), Mourning Dove mourning dove Species (Zenaida macroura) of pigeon (family Columbidae), the common wild pigeon of North America. They have long, pointed tails, and the sides of the neck are violet and pink. Their name comes from their call's haunting, mournful tone. (Zenaida macroura), Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica), and Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Avian community composition (1997).--In 1997, there were 30 and 32 species observed in the burned and unburned sites, respectively. As in 1996, mean number of individuals detected per point did not differ between the burned (5.23) and unburned (5.91) sites (T = 2.015; DF = 44; P = 0.239). Ovenbirds, Eastern Phoebes, Black-and-white Warblers, and Eastern Towhees were more abundant in the unburned site, whereas White-breasted Nuthatches were more abundant in the burned site (Table 1). The following nine species were present in the unburned site, yet were absent in the burned site: Black-and-white Warbler, Eastern Phoebe, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), Cedar Waxwing cedar waxwing: see waxwing. (Bombycilla cedroruta), and Veery veery: see thrush. (Catharus fuscescens). Conversely, the following seven species were present in the burned site, yet absent in the unburned: Indigo Bunting, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler yel·low-throat·ed warbler n. A warbler (Dendroica dominica) of the southern United States, having a yellow throat and breast. (Dendroica dominica), Warbling Vireo war·bling vireo n. A small vireo (Vireo gilvus) with a whitish breast, noted for its pleasant warble. (Vireo gilvis), Swainson's Thrush Swainson's thrush n. See olive-backed thrush. [After William Swainson (1789-1855), British naturalist.] (Catharus ustulatus), Red-headed Woodpecker This article is about the woodpecker. For other uses, see Redhead (disambiguation). Not to be confused with Red-bellied Woodpecker. The Red-headed Woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus, is a small or medium-sized woodpecker. (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), and Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronota). DISCUSSION Prescribed burning at Fork Ridge had little effect on avian species richness or total bird density. Species-by-species comparisons between the two sites suggest that the prescribed burn may have affected bird community structure. Thus, it is possible that prescribed surface fires affect overall community structure without altering species richness or overall bird density. It is important to note, however, that our data are scant and represent only two field seasons recorded shortly after a prescribed burn. Additional research is necessary to elucidate what, if any, environmental or ecological factors may contribute to such patterns. Our data suggest that surface fire may alter avian community structure by making the habitat less suitable for some species that previously existed there. The abundance of ground- and shrub-nesting Neotropical migrant and resident species were considerably lower in the burned site. Ground-nesting species such as Black-and-white Warblers, Ovenbirds, and Eastern Towhees were uncommon in the burned area. Martin (1993) reported that predation rates were lower at nests concealed by vegetation and that birds may select nest-sites with dense vegetation as a means to reduce nest predation. The lower abundance of ground-and shrub-nesters observed in our study may be due to the elimination of understory vegetative vegetative /veg·e·ta·tive/ (vej?e-ta?tiv) 1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of plants. 2. concerned with growth and nutrition, as opposed to reproduction. 3. that many of these ground- and shrub-nesting species prefer (Kilgo et al. 1996; Lewis & Yahner 1999). Prescribed fire also may have altered other habitat components which may influence ground- and shrub-nesting migrant abundance that were not previously measured at this site, such as food abundance or amount of leaf litter (Burke & Nol 1998). Aquilani et al. (2000) report that nest-sites of ground- and shrub-nesting Neotropical migrants in the same burned area of Hoosier National Forest are exposed to higher rates of nest predation and brood parasitism, presumably pre·sum·a·ble adj. That can be presumed or taken for granted; reasonable as a supposition: presumable causes of the disaster. due to increased visibility of nests and parental activity in areas where understory cover is significantly reduced. Thus, ground and shrub-nesters may be avoiding these sub-optimal nesting habitats. Some species were more abundant in the burned site. For example, White-breasted Nuthatches were more abundant in the burned site during the 1996 and 1997 breeding seasons. Prescribed burning may have increased the availability of nest-sites for this cavity-nesting species by creating snags from smaller size-class trees killed by these fires. Anecdotal evidence anecdotal evidence, n information obtained from personal accounts, examples, and observations. Usually not considered scientifically valid but may indicate areas for further investigation and research. for this hypothesis was observed in two White-breasted Nuthatch nests found within the burned site in small snags or tree trucks (dbh <15 cm) that were heavily fire-scarred. In conclusion, our study suggests that low intensity prescribed fires in Hoosier National Forest appear to have little effect on overall species richness and total bird density, yet species composition in burned and unburned sites differs. Our results suggest that to maximize regional avian biodiversity, prescribed burn regimes should be implemented in a patchy fashion that preserves dense, woody understory in some areas, yet burns others.
Table 1.--Mean number of individuals per unlimited-radius count in
burned and unburned sites at Fork Ridge, Hoosier National Forest.
1996
Bird species Burned Unburned U P
Archilochus colubris 0.00 0.02 153.0 0.32
Bombycilla cedrorum -- -- -- --
Bonasa umbellus 0.00 0.02 153.0 0.32
Caprimulgus vociferus 0.00 0.04 144.0 0.15
Cardinalis cardinalis 0.02 0.09 143.5 0.28
Catharus fuscescens -- -- -- --
Catharus ustulatus -- -- -- --
Centurus carolinus 0.19 0.07 202.0 0.13
Coccyzus americanus 0.19 0.28 128.5 0.24
Colaptes auratus 0.00 0.04 144.0 0.15
Contopus virens 0.67 0.52 190.5 0.35
Corvus brachyrhynchos 0.13 0.15 159.0 0.91
Cyanocitta cristata 0.39 0.31 198.5 0.22
Dendroica cerulea 0.02 0.00 171.0 0.32
Dendroica coronata -- -- -- --
Dendroica dominica 0.02 0.06 144 0.296
Dendroica petechia 0.02 0.00 171.0 0.32
Dryocopus pileatus 0.13 0.11 159.0 0.91
Empidonax virescens 0.43 0.22 205.0 0.15
Helmitheros vermivorus 0.17 0.13 171.0 0.74
Hylocichla mustelina 0.52 0.52 177.5 0.60
Junco hyemalis 0.02 0.00 171.0 0.32
Melanerpes erythrocephalus -- -- -- --
Meleagris gallopava 0.02 0.00 171.0 0.32
Mniotilta varia 0.00 0.07 135.0 0.08
Molothrus alter 0.41 0.46 135.0 0.37
Myiarchus crinitus 0.22 0.26 148.0 0.63
Oporornis formosus 0.00 0.17 125.0 0.07
Parus bicolor 0.11 0.09 170.0 0.74
Passerina cyanea 0.15 0.00 198.0 0.04
Picoides pubescens 0.00 0.02 153.0 0.32
Picoides villosus 0.00 0.02 153.0 0.32
Pipilo erythrophthalmus 0.00 0.11 117.0 0.02
Piranga olivacea 0.57 0.32 263.0 0.02
Sayornis pheobe 0.00 0.04 144.0 0.15
Seiurus aurocapillus 0.02 0.28 96.5 0.01
Setophaga ruticilla 0.00 0.02 153.0 0.32
Sitta carolinensis 0.13 0.00 216.0 0.01
Sphyrapicus varius -- -- -- --
Thryothorus ludovicianus 0.24 0.19 164.0 0.94
Vireo gilvus -- -- -- --
Vireo olivaceus 0.50 0.52 161.5 0.99
Wilsonia citrina 0.13 0.20 155.0 0.78
Zenaida macroura 0.02 0.00 171.0 0.32
1997
Bird species Burned Unburned U P
Archilochus colubris 0.00 0.03 241.5 0.15
Bombycilla cedrorum 0.00 0.09 253.0 0.32
Bonasa umbellus -- -- -- --
Caprimulgus vociferus -- -- -- --
Cardinalis cardinalis 0.00 0.06 241.5 0.15
Catharus fuscescens 0.00 0.04 230.0 0.08
Catharus ustulatus 0.07 0.00 287.5 0.15
Centurus carolinus 0.25 0.15 303.0 0.32
Coccyzus americanus 0.03 0.17 231.5 0.37
Colaptes auratus 0.00 0.04 230.0 0.08
Contopus virens 0.39 0.44 241.5 0.60
Corvus brachyrhynchos 0.28 0.30 243.0 0.53
Cyanocitta cristata 0.17 0.22 245.5 0.53
Dendroica cerulea -- -- -- --
Dendroica coronata 0.09 0.00 276.0 0.32
Dendroica dominica 0.01 0.00 276.0 0.32
Dendroica petechia 0.01 0.00 276.0 0.32
Dryocopus pileatus 0.20 0.13 287.5 0.54
Empidonax virescens 0.35 0.29 264.0 0.99
Helmitheros vermivorus 0.20 0.28 253.0 0.76
Hylocichla mustelina 0.26 0.51 191.0 0.08
Junco hyemalis 0.09 0.00 287.5 0.15
Melanerpes erythrocephalus 0.09 0.00 299.0 0.08
Meleagris gallopava 0.04 0.07 243.0 0.33
Mniotilta varia 0.00 0.15 195.5 0.01
Molothrus alter 0.36 0.51 210.0 0.19
Myiarchus crinitus 0.16 0.20 247.0 0.65
Oporornis formosus 0.03 0.19 227.0 0.19
Parus bicolor 0.23 0.15 295.5 0.44
Passerina cyanea 0.23 0.03 279.0 0.56
Picoides pubescens 0.04 0.01 276.5 0.54
Picoides villosus 0.00 0.01 253.0 0.32
Pipilo erythrophthalmus 0.00 0.09 207.0 0.03
Piranga olivacea 0.67 0.38 302.0 0.39
Sayornis pheobe 0.00 0.09 195.5 0.01
Seiurus aurocapillus 0.04 0.39 166.0 0.01
Setophaga ruticilla -- -- -- --
Sitta carolinensis 0.19 0.03 333.0 0.02
Sphyrapicus varius 0.03 0.01 265.0 0.98
Thryothorus ludovicianus 0.04 0.15 252.5 0.72
Vireo gilvus 0.01 0.00 276.0 0.32
Vireo olivaceus 0.61 0.59 266.5 0.96
Wilsonia citrina 0.04 0.13 225.5 0.22
Zenaida macroura -- -- -- --
Table 2.--Comparison of relative abundance, of avian species based on
their nesting habits between burned and unburned sites at Fork Ridge,
Hoosier National Forest, 1996 and 1997. Nesting guilds included:
grounds/shrubs (nests places from 0.0-1.0 m above ground), understory/
sub/canopsy (1.0-10.0 m), and canopy (>10.0 m) nesters.
Nesting Habit Burned Unburned U P
1996
Ground/shrub (neotropical
migrant) 0.122 0.248 3323.3 0.013
Ground/shrub (resident) 0.005 0.042 2339.5 0.016
Cavity (resident) 0.079 0.050 8356.5 0.264
Understory/Sub-canopy
(resident and migrant) 0.103 0.095 8028.5 0.814
Canopy (resident and migrant) 0.364 0.275 6516.5 0.109
1997
Ground/shrub (neotropical
migrant) 0.053 0.196 7815.0 <0.001
Ground/shrub (resident) 0.014 0.054 2142.0 0.031
Cavity (resident) 0.124 0.074 22657.0 0.139
Understory/Sub-canopy
(resident and migrant) 0.074 0.094 25018.0 0.070
Canopy (resident and migrant) 0.275 0.241 16614.0 0.714
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We thank the U.S. Forest Service, Hoosier National Forest and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. , Division of Fish and Wildlife, for providing financial and logistical support for this research. We especially thank Cid Morgan and Ellen Jacquart of the Hoosier National Forest for their assistance. We also would like to acknowledge the dedicated effort provided by our field assistants, Janet Cramer, Tricia Cummings, and Kelley Donnelly. LITERATURE CITED Askins, R.A. 1995. Hostile landscapes and the decline of migratory songbirds. Science 267:1956-1957. Askins, R.A., J.F. Lynch & R. Greenberg. 1990. Population declines in migratory birds in eastern North America. Pp. 1-57, In Current Ornithology ornithology Branch of zoology dealing with the study of birds. Early writings on birds were largely anecdotal (including folklore) or practical (e.g., treatises on falconry and game-bird management). , Volume VII. Plenum Press, New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , New York. Aquilani, S.M., D.C. LeBlanc & T.E. Morrell. 2000. Effects of prescribed surface fires on ground- and shrub-nesting Neotropical migratory bird species in a mature Indiana oak forest. Natural Areas Journal 20:317-324. Brittingham, M.C. & S.A. Temple. 1983. Have Cowbirds caused forest songbirds to decline? Bioscience 33:31-35. Burke, D.M. & E. Nol. 1998. Influence of food abundance, nest-site habitat, and forest fragmentation on breeding Ovenbirds. Auk 115:96-104. DeGraaf, R.M. & J.H. Rappole. 1995. Neotropical migratory birds. Comstock Publishing, Ithaca, New York
For other places or objects named Ithaca, see Ithaca (disambiguation). . 676 pp. Hagan, J.M. & D.W. Johnston. 1992. Ecology and Conservation of Neotropical Landbirds. Smithsonian Institute Press, Washington, D.C. Herkert, J.R. 1995. An analysis of Midwestern breeding bird population trends: 1966-1993. American Midland Naturalist 131:41-50. Hurto, R.L., S.M. Pletshet & E Hendricks. 1986. A fixed radius count method for nonbreeding and breeding season use. Auk 103:593-602. Kilgo, J.C., R.A. Sargent, K.V. Miller & B.R. Chapman. 1996. Nest sites of Kentucky Warblers in bottomland hardwoods of South Carolina South Carolina, state of the SE United States. It is bordered by North Carolina (N), the Atlantic Ocean (SE), and Georgia (SW). Facts and Figures Area, 31,055 sq mi (80,432 sq km). Pop. (2000) 4,012,012, a 15. . Journal of Field Ornithology 67:300-306. Lewis, A.R. & R.H. Yahner. 1999. Sex-specific habitat use by Eastern Towhees in a managed forested landscape. Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 72:77-79. Martin, T.E. 1993. Nest predation and nest sites. Bioscience 43:523-533. Peterjohn, B.G., J.R. Sauer & C.S. Robbins. 1995. Population trends from the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Pp. 3-39, In Ecology and Management of Neotropical Migratory Birds (T.E. Martin & D.M. Finch, eds.). Oxford University Press, New York. Robbins, C.S. 1981. Bird activity levels related to weather. Pp. 301-331, In Estimating Numbers of Terrestrial Birds (C.J. Ralph & J.M. Scott, eds.). Studies in Avian Biology VI. Cooper Ornithological or·ni·thol·o·gy n. The branch of zoology that deals with the study of birds. or  ni·tho·log Society.
Robinson, S.K., ER. Thompson, T.M. Donovan, D.R. Whitehead & J. Faaborg. 1995. Regional forest fragmentation and the nesting success of migratory birds. Science 267:1987-1990. Rodewald, P.G., & K.G. Smith. 1998. Short-term effects of understory and overstory management on breeding birds in Arkansas oak-hickory forests. Journal of Wildlife Management 62:1411-1417. Thompson, F.R. & M.J. Schwalbach. 1995. Analysis of sample size, counting time, and plot size from an avian point count survey on Hoosier National Forest, Indiana. Pp. 45-48, In Monitoring Bird Populations by Point Counts (C.J. Ralph, J.R. Sauer & S. Droege, eds.). USDA USDA, n.pr See United States Department of Agriculture. Forest Serrice General Technical Report PSW-GTR-149. Wolf, A.T., R.W. Howe & G.J. Davis. 1995. Detectability of forest birds from stationary points in northern Wisconsin. Pp. 19-23, In Monitoring Bird Populations by Point Counts (C.J. Ralph, J.R. Sauer & S. Droege, eds.). USDA Forest Service General Technical Report PSW-GTR-149. Manuscript received 12 June 2003, revised 14 August 2003. Steven M. Aquilani (1), Thomas E. Morrell, and David C. LeBlanc: Department of Biology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306 USA (1) Current address: Department of Biology, Delaware County Community College Delaware County Community College, also known as DCCC or Delco, or high School 2 is a 2-year community college in the Philadelphia area. While it is based in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, it has two campuses, three centers, and several locations throughout Delaware and Chester , Media, Pennsylvania 19063 USA |
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