Habitat selection in site-faithful ovenbirds and recruits in the absence of experimental attraction

Abstract

Partial harvesting of forest stands has been shown to cause significant changes in the density of many bird species. However, the behavioral response of individuals to alteration of their habitat has rarely been investigated. Without this information, it is difficult to determine whether shifts in density reflect a response to habitat structure or the use of personal or public information. In this study, we compared the territory settlement sequence of male ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) with or without prior experience in our study plots upon their return from spring migration. We monitored settlement patterns in 2 pairs of 25-ha plots, 1 plot of each pair having been treated through selection harvesting (30–40% removal) in the winter of 2006–2007. From the second to the fourth year postharvest, control plots were first occupied at least 2–5 days earlier than treated plots. Males who bred successfully in a given year were more likely to return to the same plot the following year, independently of treatment. On average, banded males returning from previous years also tended to settle later in treated plots, but there was no treatment effect on the average settlement date of unbanded recruits. Recruits were never found to settle before the first returning male. Although patterns of first occupation suggest that ovenbirds preferred control plots, conspecific attraction (for recruits) and personal information (for returning individuals) seemed to play a greater role than vegetation structure in the habitat selection process.