Patterns of Avian Population Density, Habitat Use, and Flocking Behavior in Urban and Rural Habitats During Winter*

Abstract

This study examined the use of urban and rural habitats by woodland bird species in winter in the vicinity of Athens, Georgia, USA. Population densities of most species on urban sites were either comparable to or greater than those on rural sites, and most species were flexible in their habitat use patterns. On urban sites, only the golden-crowned kinglet consistently avoided vegetation that had been opened either by felling trees or clearing undergrowth. Nuthatches and chickadees flocked together less often at urban than at rural sites.