Habitat Selection by Cerulean Warblers in Eastern Kentucky

Abstract

Abstract We examined habitat characteristics associated with Cerulean Warblers (Dendroica cerulea) in breeding areas on the Cumberland Plateau in eastern Kentucky. Cerulean Warbler distribution was examined in 2004 within a large forest stand and no differences were found between occupied and unoccupied areas. We examined differences between preferred song perches and random points in 2005, and identified three potentially important predictors of Cerulean Warbler habitat: large diameter trees, east-facing aspect, and high shrub cover. Cerulean Warbler habitat selection on the Cumberland Plateau appears to be similar to other well-studied portions of the breeding range. Conservation and management efforts directed toward establishing and protecting large tracts of mature forest, especially those on east-facing slopes, should be a reasonable approach to managing Cerulean Warbler populations in this area.