The Use of Social Cues in Habitat Selection by Wetland Birds

Abstract

Abstract. Wetlands are dynamic and can be destroyed and created quickly by natural forces. Therefore, birds inhabiting these wetlands may need to locate new suitable sites quickly. We investigated the cues wetland birds use when selecting a breeding site. Many species may use both habitat (e.g., vegetation structure) and social cues (presence of conspecifics and/or heterospecifics) when selecting a location for breeding. Using a two-species occupancy-modeling approach, we found certain wetland birds more likely to occur with other species, suggesting the presence of heterospecifics may influence settlement. Species that preferred wetlands with a roughly 50:50 ratio of open water to vegetation (hemi-marsh) occurred more frequently than expected with the Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), suggesting these species may use the presence of grebes when selecting a habitat. Conversely, Yellow-headed Blackbirds (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) do not appear to use the presence of other species when selecting...