scholarly journals Chicago’s Urban Cemeteries as Habitat for Cavity-Nesting Birds

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis D. Smith ◽  
Emily Minor
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Individual Bird ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Landscape Level

Although not explicitly managed for conservation, urban cemeteries may provide a reserve of dead and dying trees for cavity-nesting birds. However, the ability of urban cemeteries to support these birds on current landscapes is largely unknown. We surveyed cavity-nesting birds and their habitat in 18 cemeteries in Chicago, Illinois (USA). At each location, we examined vegetation, availability of gravestones and monuments for perches, and landscape-level environmental conditions. We tested the importance of these variables for presence of individual bird species, and for overall richness of native cavity-nesting birds. We also assessed the availability and characteristics of tree cavities and their distribution among different tree species. We found that most cemeteries contained at least one dead or dying tree. Across all sampled areas, we detected 207 naturally-occurring and 77 excavated tree cavities. Tree species generally supported cavities in proportion to their abundance. We observed 12 native and two non-native cavity-nesting bird species in the cemeteries. Cavity-nesting bird species richness was best explained by landscape-level variables such as canopy cover and distance to water, but local-level variables (e.g., number of graves in a 50 m radius) influenced habitat selection for some species. Based on our results, we make suggestions for how both existing cemeteries and new “green” cemeteries can support biodiversity conservation.

scholarly journals Exotic parrots breeding in urban tree cavities: nesting requirements, geographic distribution, and potential impacts on cavity nesting birds in southeast Florida

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua M. Diamond ◽  
Michael S. Ross
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Geographic Distribution ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Interference Competition ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Inspection System ◽  
Dade County ◽  
Science Data ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Cavity Nesting

Abstract Background Exotic parrots have established breeding populations in southeast Florida, including several species that nest in tree cavities. We aimed to determine the species identity, nest site requirements, relative nest abundance, geographic distribution, and interactions of parrots with native cavity-nesting bird species. Methods We searched Miami-Dade County, Florida, and nearby areas for natural cavities and holes excavated by woodpeckers, recording attributes of potential nest trees. We inspected all cavities with an elevated video inspection system to determine occupancy by parrots or other birds. We mapped nearly 4000 citizen science observations of parrots in our study area corresponding to our study period, and used these to construct range maps, comparing them to our nesting observations. Results Not all parrots reported or observed in our study area were actively breeding. Some parrots were observed at tree cavities, which previous studies have suggested is evidence of reproduction, but our inspections with an elevated video inspection system suggest they never initiated nesting attempts. Several parrot species did successfully nest in tree cavities, Red-masked Parakeets (Psittacara erythrogenys) and Orange-winged Parrots (Amazona amazonica) being the most common (n = 7 and 6 nests, respectively). These two parrots had similar nesting requirements, but Orange-winged Parrots use nests with larger entrance holes, which they often enlarge. Geographic analysis of nests combined with citizen science data indicate that parrots are limited to developed areas. The most common parrots were less abundant cavity nesters than the native birds which persist in Miami’s urban areas, and far less abundant than the invasive European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Conclusions Exotic parrots breeding elsewhere in the world have harmed native cavity-nesting birds through interference competition, but competitive interference in southeast Florida is minimized by the urban affinities of parrots in this region. The relative abundance and geographic distribution suggest that these parrots are unlikely to invade adjacent wilderness areas.

The effects of tree age and tree species composition on bird species richness in a Central European montane forest

Biologia ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 70 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomáš Birčák ◽  
Jiří Reif
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Montane Forest ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Tree Species Composition ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Number Of Species ◽  
Study Sites

AbstractLarge areas of montane forests are commercially harvested, while some other parts remain unmanaged. These conditions provide an opportunity to study the response of bird communities to forest management. Here we focused on the effects of tree species composition and tree age on bird species richness. We counted birds in two types of montane forest (beech and mixed) replicated in three age classes (managed 55-65 years, managed 85-95 years, unmanaged over 200 years) in the Vtačnik Mountains, Slovakia. Number of bird species at individual study sites (local richness) was predicted solely by the tree age and not by the forest type. Specifically, the number of species was highest in the oldest stands, while the stands of 55-65 and 85-95 years did not differ from each other. By contrast, forest type seems important for total bird species richness (number of species recorded in all study sites of a given type) with more species recorded in mixed forests than in beech forests. The local richness seems thus limited by the amount resources available at a given site, which is highest in the oldest stands irrespective to forest type, probably due to largest amount of food, dead wood or tree cavities, being particularly suitable for habitat specialists. However, larger species pool in mixed forest, enriched by birds adapted to coniferous trees, increases the total number of species observed in this type. We thus recommend to shift the harvest to the highest possible age and to include some other tree species into parts of beech monocultures.

scholarly journals Habitat patch size and tree species richness shape the bird community in urban green spaces of rapidly urbanizing region of India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Kaushik ◽  
Samakshi Tiwari ◽  
Kumari Manisha
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Community ◽  
Local Scale ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Landscape Level

AbstractRapid urbanization and associated biodiversity loss is rampant globally but especially a cause of concern for developing countries. However, numerous studies investigating the role of urban green spaces have established their key role in conserving larger suites of species in urban area. Yet our knowledge is lopsided due to lag in research in developing countries. We examined how landscape and local scale features of urban green spaces influence bird species richness, density, fine-foraging guild richness and composition during breeding and non-breeding season. This is the first study of this nature in one the Himalayan states of India. We quantified landscape level variables in the 250m buffer around 18 urban green spaces. We sampled vegetation and bird community during breeding and non-breeding season through 52 intensive sampling point spread across 18 urban green spaces. Size of the urban green space at landscape level and tree richness at the local scale emerged as important predictor variables influencing bird species richness, density and richness of imperiled insectivorous guild across seasons. Urban green spaces within education institutions and offices experiencing much less management supported higher bird richness and density whereas city parks were the most species poor. Community composition was affected more strongly by built-up cover and barren area in the matrix and also by tree species richness within urban green spaces. City planners should focus on establishing larger city parks during design stage whereas biodiversity potential of the existing urban green spaces could be enhanced by selecting native tree and shrub species to increase overall habitat complexity.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Barred Owl (Strix varia) nest sites in Manitoba, Canada

2014 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Todd M. Whiklo ◽  
James R. Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Cavity Depth ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Strix Varia ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Barred Owls

During 2009 and 2010, nine Barred Owl (Strix varia) nest sites were located in Manitoba, Canada, and data on nest trees, nest structure, and nest site habitat were collected. Nests were located in a variety of tree species, including Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera), Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera), Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and Burr Oak (Quercus macrocarpa). All nests were in tree cavities, and the majority of nests were in dead trees (67%) and had lateral openings (67%). Habitat surrounding nest trees and estimated canopy cover were highly variable. Diameter at breast height of nest trees, cavity width, and cavity depth were consistent and were determined to be the most reliable indicators of nest suitability for breeding Barred Owls. We conclude that the distribution of nesting Barred Owls is influenced more by availability of suitable nest sites than by nest tree species or nest site habitat.

The effects of vegetation structure on the birds in a tropical savanna woodland in north-eastern Australia

2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. Tassicker ◽  
A. S. Kutt ◽  
E. Vanderduys ◽  
S. Mangru
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Woody Vegetation ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Savanna Woodland ◽  
Bird Richness ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern

Management of the dynamics of woody vegetation in Australia’s tropical savannas is a vexing issue for both pastoralists and conservation biologists. In savanna regions around the world, increasing density of woody vegetation contributes to declines in pastoral productivity, but its effects on native fauna are largely unknown. In this paper we examine the avifauna in savanna woodlands of varying structure in the Desert Uplands bioregion, Queensland. Vegetation cover maps derived from aerial photographs were used to choose 60 sites, across 4 cattle stations. We sampled sites mapped at 30–45% and 45–60% foliage cover, and areas which previously had these levels of cover but had been mechanically modified, both by broad scale clearing and selective thinning. Between May and June 2004, we measured a range of habitat variables and sampled the birds at each site. Bird species composition varied significantly between treatments. Bird richness and frequency was greatest in intact vegetation. Thirteen species of birds were most frequently encountered in sites with 30–45% canopy cover, compared with 10 species in the 45–60% cover sites, 4 species in the thinned sites and 7 in the cleared sites. Our results suggest that increasing density of woody vegetation in savanna woodland may be to the advantage of some savanna bird species. Mechanical modification to reduce woody vegetation appears to also benefit some common, widespread species, but has a generally negative overall effect on bird species richness.

Differences in bird species richness and abundance among three successional stages of aspen-dominated boreal forests

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (8) ◽  
pp. 1417-1431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Schieck ◽  
Marie Nietfeid ◽  
J. Brad Stelfox
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Tree Cavities ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
Successional Stages ◽  
Young Forests ◽  
Species Richness And Abundance

Birds and vegetation were surveyed in young, mature, and old aspen-dominated boreal forests in Alberta. Height and size of live trees, density of large dead trees, and volume of downed woody material increased during succession, whereas density of live trees decreased. Canopy heterogeneity had a bimodal relationship with succession: old forests had the highest, mature forests the lowest, and young forests an intermediate canopy heterogeneity. Old forests had greater bird species richness than young forests, which in turn had greater richness than mature forests. Twenty-seven, 3, and 10 bird species had their highest abundances in old, mature, and young forests, respectively. Seven bird species that nest and forage in canopy gaps and three bird species that nest and forage in large trees and snags were more abundant in young and old forests than in mature forests. Contrary to our predictions, patterns of richness and abundance for bird species that nest and forage in the canopy or in tree cavities were similar to those for bird species that nest or forage in the lower strata. Bird species preferring coniferous forests tended to be more abundant in old than in young or mature aspen-dominated forests, possibly because old aspen forests had more conifers than younger aspen forests.

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.

scholarly journals Patterns of bird species richness explained by annual variation in remotely sensed Dynamic Habitat Indices

2021 ◽  
Vol 127 ◽  
pp. 107774
Author(s):  
Martina L. Hobi ◽  
Laura S. Farwell ◽  
Maxim Dubinin ◽  
Dmitrij Kolesov ◽  
Anna M. Pidgeon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Annual Variation ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Remotely Sensed ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Dynamic Habitat

scholarly journals Can clearcuts increase bird species richness in managed forests?

2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 189-193
Author(s):  
M. Żmihorski
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Cumulative Number ◽  
Managed Forests ◽  
Managed Forest ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Forest Interior ◽  
Transect Counts ◽  
The Difference

Clearcuts are one of the results of forest management. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of clearcuts on bird communities in a managed forest in Western Poland. I applied the method of point transect counts. 20 points were located near clearcuts (less than 100 m from the nearest clearcut) and 25 points in the forest interior. In total, 36 bird species were recorded. On average, I found 9.20 bird species at points located near clearcuts and 6.72 species at points situated in the forest interior, and the difference was significant. The cumulative number of bird species for a given number of sampling points in the vicinity of clearcuts was higher than in the forest interior. The obtained results indicate that in managed, even-aged forests the generation of clearcuts can lead to an increase in local bird species richness.

Tree Species Preferences of Foraging Birds in Jarrah Forest in Western Australia.

1985 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 461 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Abbott ◽  
PV Heurck
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Selective Logging ◽  
Jarrah Forest ◽  
Eucalyptus Marginata ◽  
Silvicultural Treatments ◽  
Species Preferences

A study of foraging by 10 bird species suggests that selective logging of large Eucalyptus marginata will only have affected Melithreptus lunatus, but that proposed silvicultural treatments, including removal of Banksia grandis, may affect several other bird species.

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