Limited evidence for conspecific attraction in a low-density population of a declining songbird, the Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Many bird species utilize the presence of conspecifics to gauge habitat quality and guide territory selection. When individuals preferentially settle in areas where conspecifics are perceived, this process is referred to as conspecific attraction. Substantial attention has been given to how natural and simulated social signals can recruit species to protected habitats, particularly as a conservation tool for migratory songbirds. While there is strong experimental evidence that broadcasting territorial song is a feasible strategy to recruit male songbirds, most experiments carried out to date have been in high-density populations and at a local scale. Because many species of conservation concern persist at low densities across heterogeneous landscapes, and because conspecific attraction as a management strategy has the most potential to benefit these species, it is important to test its efficacy in low-density populations. We tested the response to conspecific attraction in a low-density populatio...