Effects of acidification on the breeding ecology of a stream‐dependent songbird, the Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla)

Abstract

Summary1. We compared breeding ecology of the Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla) on acidified and circumneutral streams in the Appalachian Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania from 1996 to 2005.2. Headwater streams impacted by acid mine drainage and/or acidic precipitation showed reduced pH (range 4.5–5.5) compared to four circumneutral streams (pH c. 7). Acid‐sensitive taxa, including most mayflies (Ephemeroptera), were almost completely absent from acidified streams, whereas several acid‐tolerant taxa, especially stonefly (Plecoptera) genera Leuctra and Amphinemura, were abundant.3. Louisiana waterthrush breeding density (c. 1 territory km−1) was significantly reduced on acidified streams compared to circumneutral streams (>2 territories km−1). Territories on acidified streams were almost twice as long as on circumneutral streams. Territories usually were contiguous on circumneutral streams, but they were often disjunct on acidified streams. Breeding density declined on one acidified stream that we studied over a 10‐year period.4. Clutch initiation was significantly delayed on acidified streams, on average by 9 days in comparison to circumneutral streams, and first‐egg dates were inversely related to breeding density. Birds nesting along acidified streams laid smaller clutches, and nestlings had shorter age‐adjusted wing lengths. Stream acidity had no effect on nest success or annual fecundity (fledglings/female). However, the number of young fledged km−1 was nearly twice as high on circumneutral streams as on acidified streams.5. Acidified streams were characterized by a younger, less site‐faithful breeding population. Individuals were less likely to return multiple years to breed, allowing inexperienced breeders to settle on acidified streams. Pairing success was lower on acidified streams, and we observed four cases of waterthrushes emigrating from territories on acidified streams to nearby circumneutral streams in the following year.6. We conclude that acidified headwaters constitute lower quality habitat for breeding Louisiana waterthrush. However, breeding birds can apparently compensate for reduced prey resources to fledge young on acidified streams by increasing territory size, foraging in peripheral non‐acidified areas, and by provisioning young with novel prey.