scholarly journals Breeding Bird Relationships to Landscape Metrics in Coastal Plain Georgia

ISRN Ecology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Brice B. Hanberry ◽  
Stephen Demarais ◽  
Jeanne C. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Plain ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Structural Condition ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Northern Parula ◽  
Field Sparrow ◽  
Declining Species ◽  
Prairie Warbler

Some avian species in the southeastern United States are declining, and population decreases may arise from changes in vegetation type area or structural condition. Our objective was to compare abundance of conservation priority bird species with landscape variables. We found, even in the highly forested Coastal Plain of Georgia, that areal extent and core area of cover types were related to abundance for certain bird species. Acadian flycatcher and field sparrow had models that incorporated positive area variables. Downy woodpecker, northern parula, orchard oriole, prairie warbler, and summer tanager had models that included positive area and edge associations with varying scales and vegetation types. Edge appeared in models for red-bellied woodpecker, blue jay, and brown-headed cowbird. More than half of all species did not have models that met prediction thresholds. Systematic assessment of area requirements for declining species provides information for management, conservation, and research.

Avian Use of a Lakeshore Buffer Strip and an Undisturbed Lakeshore in Maine

1990 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 114-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter N. Johnson ◽  
Patrick W. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Harvest Index ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Timber Harvest ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Buffer Strip ◽  
Bird Density ◽  
Northern Parula

Abstract We examined avian use of a lakeshore buffer strip and an undisturbed lakeshore in eastern Maine during 1984-85. Breeding bird density and species richness were lower in the buffer strip than in the undisturbed lakeshore. Of 35 species that nested in both study areas, 11 species nested only in the undisturbed lakeshore and 3 nested only in the buffer strip. A harvest index (HI) was developed to compare avian response to timber harvest within the buffer strip. Birds associated with forest interiors were observed less frequently on sites with a high HI than on sites with a low HI (e.g., blackburnian warbler, ovenbird, northern parula warbler). Species often found in cutover areas or edges were frequently counted on sites with a high HI. Eight species were found most frequently in lightly cut areas (i.e., low HI), 4 most frequently in moderate cuts, and 9 in greater HI. Although more species of birds were observed each year in the undisturbed lakeshore, the buffer strip provided breeding habitat for songbirds. For both years, 59% of all recorded breeding bird species were observed at both the undisturbed lakeshore and the buffer strip. North. J. Appl. For. 7:114-117, September 1990.

Functional evenness of bird communities varies along the elevational gradient in Europe: Conservation implications

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Morelli ◽  
Yanina
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Elevation Gradient ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Elevational Gradient ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Large Spatial Scale ◽  
Functional Evenness

ContextThe negative association between elevation and species richness is a well-recognized pattern in macro-ecology. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate changes in functional evenness of breeding bird communities along an elevation gradient in Europe. MethodsUsing the bird data from the EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds we estimated an index of functional evenness which can be assumed as a measure of the potential resilience of communities.ResultsOur findings confirm the existence of a negative association between elevation and bird species richness in all European eco regions. However, we also explored a novel aspect of this relationship, important for conservation: Our findings provide evidence at large spatial scale of a negative association between the functional evenness (potential community resilience) and elevation, independent of the eco region. We also found that the Natura2000 protected areas covers the territory most in need of protection, those characterized by bird communities with low potential resilience, in hilly and mountainous areas.ConclusionsThese results draw attention to European areas occupied by bird communities characterized by a potential lower capacity to respond to strong ecological changes, and, therefore, potentially more exposed to risks for conservation.

Die Brutvogelfauna eines Nadelwaldes der nördlichen Voralpen nach dem Sturm Lothar

2017 ◽  
Vol 168 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-66
Author(s):  
Pierre Mollet ◽  
René Hardegger ◽  
Res Altwegg ◽  
Pius Korner ◽  
Simon Birrer
Keyword(s):  
Forest Succession ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Mountain Forest ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Federal Institute ◽  
Central Switzerland ◽  
Bird Fauna

Breeding bird fauna in a coniferous forest in the northern Prealps after storm Lothar In a 70-hectare large coniferous forest located on the northern edge of the Alps in central Switzerland, Canton of Obwalden, at an altitude of 1260 to 1550 metres above sea level, we surveyed the local breeding bird fauna in 2002 and 2013 by means of point counts as well as additional area searches for rare species. In December 1999, hurricane Lothar caused two large windthrow areas and several smaller areas with scattered throws in the survey range. We found a total of 48 breeding bird species, which is a very diverse species composition for a mountain forest. In the eleven years between surveys, a decline in distribution or abundance was recorded for four species, while seven species showed an increase; a further four species showed no change. For the remaining species, the data sets were too small to reliably estimate changes. A comparison with forest structure data provided by the Swiss Federal Institute of Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL revealed that for five bird species, the changes in distribution or abundance could be explained at least partially by forest succession. In order to obtain realistic distribution and abundance values in this kind of breeding bird survey, it is essential to collect large enough samples and to consider the detection probability of each individual species using appropriate statistical methods.

scholarly journals Developing indicators for European birds

2005 ◽  
Vol 360 (1454) ◽  
pp. 269-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard D Gregory ◽  
Arco van Strien ◽  
Petr Vorisek ◽  
Adriaan W Gmelig Meyling ◽  
David G Noble ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Farmland Birds ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Field Methods ◽  
Biodiversity Indicators ◽  
Farmland Bird

The global pledge to deliver ‘a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss by 2010’ is echoed in a number of regional and national level targets. There is broad consensus, however, that in the absence of conservation action, biodiversity will continue to be lost at a rate unprecedented in the recent era. Remarkably, we lack a basic system to measure progress towards these targets and, in particular, we lack standard measures of biodiversity and procedures to construct and assess summary statistics. Here, we develop a simple classification of biodiversity indicators to assist their development and clarify purpose. We use European birds, as example taxa, to show how robust indicators can be constructed and how they can be interpreted. We have developed statistical methods to calculate supranational, multi-species indices using population data from national annual breeding bird surveys in Europe. Skilled volunteers using standardized field methods undertake data collection where methods and survey designs differ slightly across countries. Survey plots tend to be widely distributed at a national level, covering many bird species and habitats with reasonable representation. National species' indices are calculated using log-linear regression, which allows for plot turnover. Supranational species' indices are constructed by combining the national species' indices weighted by national population sizes of each species. Supranational, multi-species indicators are calculated by averaging the resulting indices. We show that common farmland birds in Europe have declined steeply over the last two decades, whereas woodland birds have not. Evidence elsewhere shows that the main driver of farmland bird declines is increased agricultural intensification. We argue that the farmland bird indicator is a useful surrogate for trends in other elements of biodiversity in this habitat.

The Effects of Invasive Ants on the Nesting Success of Tristram's Storm-petrel, Oceanodroma tristrami, on Laysan Island, Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge

2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory T. W. McClelland ◽  
Ian L. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Success ◽  
Hawaiian Islands ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Invasive Ants ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Tramp Ant ◽  
Nest Type ◽  
Storm Petrel

The possible impact of invasive ants on the avifauna of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands was investigated by studying the breeding success of Tristram's Storm-petrel Oceanodroma tristrami on Laysan Island. The tramp ant Monomorium pharaonis (L.) was found to be abundant in storm-petrel nesting areas on Laysan Island. There were 380 observations made on incubating adults and 798 observations for chicks, for a total of 1178 observations from 116 storm-petrel nest sites. No ant harassment events involving incubating adult storm-petrels were recorded. Thirteen instances of more than 5 ants on Tristram's Storm-petrel chicks were recorded. One harassment event was recorded, involving approximately 200 ants. The chick left the nest site immediately following the event, did not return, and presumably died. The number of nest failures attributed to M. pharaonis was 1% (n = 116). There was a significant relationship between nest type and ant interactions (G = 24.45, p = <0.0001, n =55), with incidents only recorded from birds nesting under vegetation. It was hypothesized that the ant interactions recorded in this study were a result of Tristram's Storm-petrel chicks being in close proximity to M. pharaonis nests rather than direct predation. Thus no evidence was found of a severe impact of invasive ants on the breeding success of storm-petrels at Laysan Island. Despite no direct ant impact particular attention should be given to the interactions between M. pharaonis and bird species reliant on vegetation for nesting cover, and studies therefore should include additional breeding bird species.

scholarly journals Awifauna wodno-błotna środkowej Wisły w okresie lęgowym: wpływ działalności człowieka na rozmieszczenie, liczebność i bogactwo gatunkowe

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dariusz Bukaciński ◽  
Monika Bukacińska ◽  
Arkadiusz Buczyński
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
River Channel ◽  
River Valley ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Vistula River ◽  
Breeding Habitats ◽  
Natura 2000 Site ◽  
River Bottom

The inventory of birds was conducted in the years 2005-2010 on the Vistula River section between Dęblin (388 km of the river) and Podwierzbie (435 km of the river). The study area includes a southern section of the European Ecological Natura 2000 Site in Poland PLB140004 „Middle Vistula River Valley” (IBA, PL083). In most areas the Vistula flows here within unregulated or relatively little modified riverbed, having features of natural, lowland, braided river. Sandy islands and braid bars within the main channel, steep banks, and old riparian afforestation create the unique breeding habitats of the Vistula River Valley. Especially the river channel habitats provide suitable breeding sites for many rare bird species, constituting some of them the key-breeding sites. There are, however, fragments of several kilometers, where people transformed the Vistula River in a more visible way (Table 1). These are, among others: an urban section within Dęblin boundaries (km 388-393 of the river), a fragment adjacent to Kozienice Power Plant (km 421-426), and the area, where since 2007 gravel for the industry has been mining from the river bottom (km 426-431). The aim of this inventory was the comparison of richness and abundance of breeding bird species associated directly with the river channel on fragments mentioned above. It will allow us to estimate soberly how very the intensity of human utilization of the river affects the distribution of avifauna of the Vistula, determining the richness and abundance of valuable and/or endangered species breeding in a given area.

scholarly journals Population dynamics of five riverbed breeding bird species on the lower Drava River, NE Slovenia

Acrocephalus ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (174-175) ◽  
pp. 85-126
Author(s):  
Luka Božič ◽  
Damijan Denac
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Population Increase ◽  
General Situation ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Main River Channel ◽  
Extreme Flood ◽  
Gravel Bars ◽  
Gravel Bar

AbstractIn 2006–2017, annual censuses of breeding bird species regarded as indicators of natural rivers were carried out on the 38.9 km long lowland stretch of the Drava riverbed between Maribor and Zavrč with altered flow regime due to the operating hydropower plants. Gravel bar habitats were surveyed in four years of the study period by combining orthophoto analysis and analysis of field photographs. Effects of gravel bar management were evaluated based at 20 locations. The Little Ringed PloverCharadrius dubiusoccurred on 39.8% of the gravel bars, but most were occupied only in a few years and held just one breeding pair. Low numbers between 2009 and 2012 (< 30 pairs) were followed by a steep population increase from 2014 onwards to a maximum of 66–73 pairs (1.7–1.9 p/km). Such population dynamics was attributed to the lack of large discharges (>500 m3/s) and consequent overgrowing of riverbed in the first part of the study period, while the increase in the second part was due to the creation of extensive shingle areas (from 20,6 ha in 2009/10 to 37,8 ha in 2014) by the extreme flood in early November 2012, subsequent regular occurrence of large discharges outside the breeding seasons and large-scale removals of woody vegetation. Breeding population of Common SandpiperActitis hypoleucosremained at a rather similar low level (<20 p) during most of the period studied after an initial decline, and did not reflect changes in the overall surface area of riverbed habitats. Contrary to the general situation, the number of breeding pairs on gravel bars subjected to management increased several-fold. Maximum number of pairs on these bars was reached up to four years after the initiation of management measures, as only then the optimal mosaic of early successional stages interspersed with shingle areas developed at main sites. The species was widespread only on lower part of the Drava. KingfisherAlcedo atthiswas fairly widely distributed along the riverbed, but occurred in rather low densities throughout (c. one pair on 2–3 km of the studied riverbed on average), probably as a result of limited bank erosion and consequent overgrowing/lack of suitable nest sites. The population was estimated as stable with effects of harsh winter conditions on breeding numbers in some years. The majority of nest holes were excavated in eroded river banks along the main river channel (77.8%), followed by similar sites located in mouth areas of small tributaries of the Drava (14.8%). Regular breeding of Sand MartinRiparia ripariasince 2012 (up to 259, mostly at only one location annually) was almost exclusively the result of the annual artificial nest site preparation programme. Fairly large gravel bar-breeding population of White WagtailMotacilla alba, monitored since 2013 and predominantly ground nesting in sparsely vegetated areas, seems unusual considering the prevalent breeding habits of the species at the European scale. Conservation implications and guidelines for future management efforts are discussed.

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