Importance of Coarse Woody Debris to Avian Communities in Loblolly Pine Forests

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Abstract: To investigate the importance of standing (snags) and down coarse woody debris ( DCWD) to bird communities in loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda) forests, we compared breeding (1997–1999) and nonbreeding (1997–1998, 1998–1999) responses of birds among two coarse woody debris (CWD) removal and control treatments. In each of four blocks, we established four experimental units: (1) DCWD removed, (2) snags and DCWD removed, and (3) and (4) unmodified control plots. We quantified vegetation layers to determine their effects on the experimental outcome. Total breeding bird abundance, abundance of resident species, breeding bird diversity, breeding species richness, and abundance of Great Crested Flycatchers ( Myiarchus crinitus) were reduced by the removal of DCWD and snags. Total woodpecker and Carolina Wren ( Thryothorus ludovicianus) breeding territories were reduced by snag removal. Weak excavating and secondary cavity‐nesting species, Neotropical migrants, and Eastern Towhees ( Pipilio erythrophthalmus) had fewer breeding territories on plots where DCWD was removed. Red‐headed Woodpeckers ( Melanerpes erythrocephalus) and midstory and canopy‐nesting species were at lowest densities on plots where all CWD had been removed. The CWD removal had no effect on the nonbreeding bird community. Most breeding and nonbreeding species used habitats with sparse midstory and well‐developed understory, whereas sparse canopy cover and dense midstory were important to some nonbreeding species. Snag and DCWD retention, and practices that maintain a dense understory and sparse midstory and canopy, will create favorable breeding habitat for many bird species of loblolly pine forests.