WOOD THRUSH NESTS IN DENSE UNDERSTORY MAY BE VULNERABLE TO PREDATORS

Abstract

Abstract We used Mayfield logistic regression and an information-theoretic approach to examine habitat characteristics associated with nesting success of Wood Thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina) across an urban to forested gradient in southwestern Pennsylvania in 2003 and 2004. Both nest placement and number of understory stems provided equally plausible models. Mayfield success was 20% higher for nests >3 m above ground level while dense understory was associated with low nest height. Wood Thrush nests in the forest interior averaged 2 m higher with a third less understory than edge nests. Urbanization and distance to the forest edge were not useful predictors of Wood Thrush nest success. The analysis was confounded by low breeding density at the most urbanized sites, but we found moderate success (42%, n = 63) across a fragmented landscape with minimal core forest area. Interior nests in a large contiguous forest were twice as successful (60%, n = 31) compared to edge nests (25%, n = 33) adjacent to a small...