Abstract
Abstract. In this study we measured two physiological traits (levels of corticosterone and immunoglobulin) in two species of landbirds, the Canyon Towhee (Melozone fusca) and Inca Dove (Columbina inca), occupying three degrees of human alteration of a subtropical mountain landscape: forest edges, croplands, and urban sites. We found that both physiological variables differed by species and habitat condition. In both species, corticosterone concentration was significantly higher in croplands. But immunoglobulin concentration behaved differently, in C. inca being highest at urban sites, where in M. fusca it was lowest. Contrary to expectation, we only found one strong significant relationship between both physiological variables: M. fusca in urban areas. Our results suggest that 30% of the towhees captured in urban areas are under chronic stress. Results for body condition support this hypothesis, as the condition of towhees in urban areas was poorer, suggesting physiological vulnerability. Although we expe...
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