Urban forest fragments vs residential neighborhoods: Urban habitat preference of migratory birds

Abstract

Both residential areas and urban forest fragments can provide stopover habitat for migrating birds. However, it is not clear which migrant species use urban forest fragments versus residential areas. Objectives for this study were to determine: (1) which species primarily use urban forest fragments versus adjacent residential areas during migration; (2) whether birds in different vertical strata guilds (canopy and under canopy) are associated with urban forest fragments versus residential areas, and which vegetation characteristics are important for certain species that preferentially utilize one habitat over the other. Conducted in Gainesville, Florida, 39 random point counts were situated in urban forest fragments, adjacent residential areas, and forest-residential edges during spring and fall migration. We recorded 44 migrant species across all point counts. Ten (38%) under-canopy birds significantly preferred urban forest fragments compared to residential neighborhoods. Canopy birds typically used forest fragments and residential areas more equally, with only one species showing significant preference for the residential habitat. Residential neighborhoods that retain vertical vegetation structure were more likely to have more species of birds. These results show the importance of conserving and restoring certain vegetative characteristics in urban ecosystems: preserving large trees in residential neighborhoods, retaining small forest remnant patches throughout the urban matrix, and increasing vertical vegetation structure in yards. These practices will help provide avian habitat during migration, increasing avian diversity in urban areas.