Analysis of microhabitat characteristics at roost sites of Cerulean Warblers.

Clayton D Delancey,Kamal Islam,Tunira Bhadauria

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0241501

Abstract

Little information exists on songbird roosting habits and the types of habitats that songbirds select. To better understand a species’ habitat requirements, all aspects of its biology should be studied. The Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea, Wilson) is a Nearctic-Neotropical migrant that is a species of conservation concern across its range. It is one of the fastest declining species of wood-warbler (Parulidae) in North America. Since 2007, a breeding population of Cerulean Warblers has been monitored in southern Indiana, as part of the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment. The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment is a 100 yr project that studies the effects of different forest management practices on plant and animal communities. During the 2017 breeding season, 10 male Cerulean Warblers were tracked to roost locations. Roost sites selected by male Cerulean Warbler were characterized with less basal area, higher canopy cover, greater grapevine (Vitis spp., L.) presence, less shrubs, steeper slopes, and less white oak (Quercus alba, L.) abundance. With this new knowledge we can incorporate additional features of habitat in the formulation of a management plan for this declining species.

Highlights

The least studied aspect of animal biology, which ornithologists usually do not explore, is the nocturnal life of birds [1]
Roost sites selected by male Cerulean Warbler were characterized with less basal area, higher canopy cover, greater grapevine (Vitis spp., L.) presence, less shrubs, steeper slopes, and less white oak (Quercus alba, L.) abundance
During May-June 2017, 10 adult male Cerulean Warblers were outfitted with radio-transmitters and tracked at night to their nocturnal roosting locations (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

The least studied aspect of animal biology, which ornithologists usually do not explore, is the nocturnal life of birds [1]. The habitat requirements for diurnal use areas and nocturnal (roosting) use areas may be similar, like that of wintering Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla, L.), which tend to roost in the core of their diurnal home range [13]. This may not be true of every species. It is important to explore all aspects of a species’ ecology, especially in declining species

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