Survival of Fledgling Ovenbirds: Influences of Habitat Characteristics at Multiple Spatial Scales

[摘要] Abstract. Survival of fledgling songbirds can be influenced by habitat characteristics at multiple spatial scales, and identifying the relative influence of habitat characteristics at the micro (immediately surrounding fledglings) and meso (level of stand or cover type) scales is important for management and conservation planning. We modeled survival of fledgling Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) in managed forest in north-central Minnesota by using micro-scale and meso-scale habitat characteristics and nestlings' mass as explanatory variables. Meso-scale variables (e.g., use of logging roads and distance to cover types other than those used for nesting) better explained fledgling Ovenbirds' survival than did nestlings' mass or micro-scale variables, including ground cover, litter depth, vegetation density, and food availability. Crossing of logging roads had the strongest relationship with survival of fledgling Ovenbirds: survival of fledglings that crossed roads was 50% lower during the first 8 days after...

[学科分类] 动物科学

[关键词] fledgling;habitat;management;Seiurus aurocapilla;songbird;survival.