Seiurus Research Articles

The Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) as a Model for Testing Food-Value Theory

Food-value theory states that territorial animals space themselves such that each territory contains adequate food for rearing young. The ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) is often cited as a species for which this hypothesis is supported because ovenbird territory size is inversely related to ground-invertebrate abundance within territories. However, little is known about juvenile ovenbird diet and whether food availability is accurately assessed using ground-sampling methods. We examined the relationship between ground-litter food availability and juvenile ovenbird diet in mixed northern hardwood-coniferous forests of north-central Minnesota. We sampled food availability with pitfall traps and litter samples, and concurrently sampled diet of juvenile ovenbirds from stomach samples. We found that juvenile ovenbirds were fed selectively from available food resources. In addition, we found that both ground-sampling methods greatly under-sampled forest caterpillars and snails, which together comprised 63% of juvenile ovenbird diet by mass. Combined with recent radio-telemetry findings that spot-mapping methods can poorly estimate territory size for forest songbirds, our results suggest that comparisons of spot-mapped ovenbird territories with ground-sampled invertebrate availability may not be reliable tests of food-value theory. Food abundance is hypothesized to be one of the proximate cues used by songbirds when

Survival of Fledgling Ovenbirds

Abstract. Survival of fledgling songbirds can be influenced by habitat characteristics at multiple spatial scales, and identifying the relative influence of habitat characteristics at the micro (immediately surrounding fledglings) and meso (level of stand or cover type) scales is important for management and conservation planning. We modeled survival of fledgling Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) in managed forest in north-central Minnesota by using micro-scale and meso-scale habitat characteristics and nestlings' mass as explanatory variables. Meso-scale variables (e.g., use of logging roads and distance to cover types other than those used for nesting) better explained fledgling Ovenbirds' survival than did nestlings' mass or micro-scale variables, including ground cover, litter depth, vegetation density, and food availability. Crossing of logging roads had the strongest relationship with survival of fledgling Ovenbirds: survival of fledglings that crossed roads was 50% lower during the first 8 days after...

Avian mortality at communication towers in the United States and Canada: which species, how many, and where?

Birds migrating to and from breeding grounds in the United States and Canada are killed by the millions in collisions with lighted towers and their guy wires. Avian mortality at towers is highly variable across species, and the importance to each population depends on its size and trajectory. Building on our previous estimate of avian mortality at communication towers, we calculated mortality by species and by regions. To do this, we constructed a database of mortality by species at towers from available records and calculated the mean proportion of each species killed at towers within aggregated Bird Conservation Regions. These proportions were combined with mortality estimates that we previously calculated for those regions. We then compared our estimated bird mortality rates to the estimated populations of these species in the United States and Canada. Neotropical migrants suffer the greatest mortality; 97.4% of birds killed are passerines, mostly warblers (Parulidae, 58.4%), vireos (Vireonidae, 13.4%), thrushes (Turdidae, 7.7%), and sparrows (Emberizidae, 5.8%). Thirteen birds of conservation concern in the United States or Canada suffer annual mortality of 1–9% of their estimated total population. Of these, estimated annual mortality is >2% for Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis), Swainson’s Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii), Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea), Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera), Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum), Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor), and Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla). Avian mortality from anthropogenic sources is almost always reported in the aggregate (“number of birds killed”), which cannot detect the species-level effects necessary to make conservation assessments. Our approach to per species estimates could be undertaken for other sources of chronic anthropogenic mortality.

Estimating landscape carrying capacity through maximum clique analysis

Habitat suitability (HS) maps are widely used tools in wildlife science and establish a link between wildlife populations and landscape pattern. Although HS maps spatially depict the distribution of optimal resources for a species, they do not reveal the population size a landscape is capable of supporting--information that is often crucial for decision makers and managers. We used a new approach, "maximum clique analysis," to demonstrate how HS maps for territorial species can be used to estimate the carrying capacity, N(k), of a given landscape. We estimated the N(k) of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) in an 1153-km2 study area in Vermont, USA. These two species were selected to highlight different approaches in building an HS map as well as computational challenges that can arise in a maximum clique analysis. We derived 30-m2 HS maps for each species via occupancy modeling (Ovenbird) and by resource utilization modeling (bobcats). For each species, we then identified all pixel locations on the map (points) that had sufficient resources in the surrounding area to maintain a home range (termed a "pseudo-home range"). These locations were converted to a mathematical graph, where any two points were linked if two pseudo-home ranges could exist on the landscape without violating territory boundaries. We used the program Cliquer to find the maximum clique of each graph. The resulting estimates of N(k) = 236 Ovenbirds and N(k) = 42 female bobcats were sensitive to different assumptions and model inputs. Estimates of N(k) via alternative, ad hoc methods were 1.4 to > 30 times greater than the maximum clique estimate, suggesting that the alternative results may be upwardly biased. The maximum clique analysis was computationally intensive but could handle problems with < 1500 total pseudo-home ranges (points). Given present computational constraints, it is best suited for species that occur in clustered distributions (where the problem can be broken into several, smaller problems), or for species with large home ranges relative to grid scale where resampling the points to a coarser resolution can reduce the problem to manageable proportions.

Movements, cover-type selection, and survival of fledgling Ovenbirds in managed deciduous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests

We used radio telemetry to monitor movements, cover-type selection, and survival for fledglings of the mature-forest nesting Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) at two managed forest sites in north-central Minnesota. Both sites contained forested wetlands, regenerating clearcut stands of various ages, and logging roads, but differed in mature forest composition; one deciduous with open understory, and the other mixed coniferous-deciduous with dense understory. We used compositional analysis, modified to incorporate age-specific limitations in fledgling movements, to assess cover-type selection by fledglings throughout the dependent (on adult care) post-fledging period. Compared to those that were depredated, fledglings from nests in deciduous forest that survived the early post-fledging period had more older (sapling-dominated) clearcut available, directed movements toward older clearcuts and forested wetlands, and used older clearcuts more than other cover types relative to availability. Fledglings that were depredated had more young (shrub-dominated) clearcut and unpaved logging road available, and used mature forest and roads more than expected based on availability. For birds from nests in mixed mature forest with dense understory, movements and cover-type selection were similar between fledglings that survived and those that were depredated. However, fledglings that were depredated at that site also had more young clearcut available than fledglings that survived. We conclude that Ovenbird fledgling survival is influenced by distance of their nest to various non-nesting cover types, and by the subsequent selection among those cover types, but that the influence of non-nesting cover types varies depending on the availability of dense understory vegetation in mature forest.

Movement and Cover-type Selection by Fledgling Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) after Independence from Adult Care

We used radiotelemetry to monitor movements and cover-type selection by independent fledgling Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) at two managed-forest sites differing in mature-forest matrix: open-understory deciduous forest and dense-understory mixed-deciduous-conifer forest. Ovenbirds at each site made one to three single-day long-distance movements; those movements were of similar distance at the deciduous site ( = 849 ± 159 m) and the mixed-deciduous-conifer site ( = 1,133 ± 228 m). They also moved similar mean daily distances within stands at the deciduous site ( = 101 ± 12 m) and the mixed-deciduous-conifer site ( = 105 ± 11 m), and used areas of similar local vegetation density, but denser than that of their nesting habitat. Fledglings in the deciduous study area selected sapling-dominated clearcuts and forested wetlands over mature forest and shrub-dominated clearcuts. Fledglings in the mixed-deciduous-conifer study area generally used cover types in accordance with availability, and tended not to use shrub-dominated clearcuts. Our results suggest regenerating clearcuts may be important areas for independent fledgling Ovenbirds in landscapes that consist of otherwise contiguous open-understory mature forest, but not until saplings establish in those clearcuts, and not necessarily in forests where dense understory and naturally dense areas such as forested wetlands are common.

Conifer plantations consistently act as barriers to movement in a deciduous forest songbird: A translocation experiment

Many authors have concluded that habitat loss has a greater influence on biodiversity than habitat fragmentation per se. Yet, several animal species have been shown to be reluctant to move across inhospitable landscape matrices, a phenomenon that would be expected to exacerbate fragmentation effects. In this study, we tested the ability of a forest songbird (Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla) to move across two contrasting landscapes whose matrix (intensively managed forest) would be expected to be relatively permeable compared to agricultural or urban matrices. We hypothesized that males would be less likely to return to their territory in a landscape dominated by forest generally unsuitable for breeding (spruce plantations) than in another dominated by potential breeding habitat (deciduous forest). The probability of resighting translocated males (n=48) on their territory was significantly lower in the plantation landscape and this relationship was consistent over two successive years. Neither translocation time nor body mass, time of capture, or structural size were significant predictors of probability of resighting. Although this species is sufficiently vagile to return quickly to its territory (e.g. one male returning in less than 2h), these results indicate that even a forested matrix may impose a resistance to the movements of a forest bird species when its structure or composition differs from that of breeding habitat. Matrix resistance to movements potentially restricts the ability of individuals to detect and colonize suitable habitat fragments. Less vagile species would be even more affected and, therefore, we submit that a more inclusive perspective on effects of landscape change is warranted.

Do we create ecological traps when trying to emulate natural disturbances? A test on songbirds of the northern hardwood forest1This article is one of a selection of papers from the 7th International Conference on Disturbance Dynamics in Boreal Forests.

Forest management inspired from natural disturbances is often claimed to have more benign effects on biodiversity than more traditional approaches but this premise has rarely been tested. In the northern hardwood forest, selection harvesting could be seen as a surrogate for the combined effects of windthrow, moderate ice storms, and senescence. Here, we quantified the response of two focal species of forest birds (Brown Creeper ( Certhia americana (Bonaparte, 1838)) and Ovenbird ( Seiurus aurocapilla (Linnaeus, 1766))) to this treatment (30%–40% basal area removal) in the first 5 years post-harvest using a replicated field experiment. We tested the possibility that selection harvesting creates ecological traps whereby individuals show a preference for a habitat type where their fitness is lower. We found that both focal species actually seemed to prefer control plots, where they reached a higher density than in treated plots. There was no evidence for a treatment effect on per capita productivity in either species. Hence, there was no evidence for an ecological trap. However, large-scale application of selection harvesting may have ecologically significant effects on productivity of the focal species per unit area of habitat. Future studies should test whether selection harvesting creates ecological traps for species naturally associated with canopy gaps.

Local- versus landscape-scale effects on the demography of three forest-breeding songbirds in Ontario, Canada

Reproductive success of songbirds breeding in forest fragments can be influenced by local habitat characteristics and by anthropogenic land uses in the surrounding matrix such as exurban development and agriculture. Effectively managing these songbirds requires an understanding of which spatial scales most strongly influence their demography. We conducted a multiscale study to investigate the relative influence of local vegetation characteristics and landscape composition at two spatial scales (100 and 2000 m) in a predominantly agricultural landscape on songbird demography. Density, pairing success, nest success, and productivity were assessed for Ovenbirds ( Seiurus aurocapilla (L., 1766)), Wood Thrush ( Hylocichla mustelina (J.F. Gmelin, 1789)), and American Robins ( Turdus migratorius L., 1766) in 16 deciduous forest fragments in southeastern Ontario. Demography of Ovenbirds was most strongly associated with local vegetation characteristics, while demography of Wood Thrush and American Robins was most strongly related to landscape composition within a 2000 m buffer. For all three species, cross-scale correlations influenced nest success, although other demographic parameters were less affected. We conclude that relationships between local- and landscape-scale metrics and songbird demography are complex, species-specific, and differ among reproductive parameters, necessitating a multiscale approach to management.

Assigning birds to geographic origin using feather hydrogen isotope ratios (δ2H): importance of year, age, and habitat

In North America, gradients in the ratio of stable hydrogen isotopes in amount-weighted, growing-season mean precipitation (2H:1H; depicted as δ2Hp) form a largely latitude-sensitive isoscape that can be used to estimate the geographical origin of animals. Feathers are metabolically inert following growth and δ2Hfvalues retain information on geographical origins. However, there are important assumptions underlying this approach that can only be tested using birds of known origin. Here, we investigated sources of variation in δ2Hfmeasurements from Ovenbirds ( Seiurus aurocapilla (L., 1766)) associated with year, age class, feather type, season, and habitat type in New Brunswick, Canada. The observed δ2Hfgenerally followed that predicted from the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation database. However, we found a strong year × age interaction on δ2Hf. Season, habitat type, and feather type explained only a small portion of the overall variation in δ2Hf. These results show the advantages of using annual δ2Hpisoscapes and age-specific corrections when converting δ2Hpto δ2Hf. We submit that the interaction effect can be modeled by accounting for interannual variation in the amount of precipitation during the breeding season. These procedures will allow for more precise estimates of the geographical origin of individual birds, especially for studies conducted near oceanic coasts, which are subject to significant annual variations in growing season δ2Hp.

A genetic polymorphism in the sex‐linked ATP5A1 gene is associated with individual fitness in Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla)

While testing genetic sexing techniques in Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla), we found a genetic polymorphism in the ATP5A1 gene in 38% of individuals. The Z′ allele included changes in both intronic and exonic portions of the sequenced region, but there was no evidence that this changed the resulting ATP synthase product. Males that had one or more copies of this allele had higher relative body mass (mass corrected for size) than other genotypes. This allele was unrelated to stable isotope signatures, and so was not a useful predictor of latitude within the eastern portion of the Ovenbird breeding range. Future studies are needed to determine whether this polymorphism may be a useful geographic marker. This study is the first to link polymorphisms in the sex-linked ATP5A1 gene with fitness effects.

Long‐term changes in spatial distribution of birds responding to a group‐selection timber harvest

AbstractWe investigated the spatial response of 20 bird species to a group‐selection timber harvest within a 40‐ha forest stand over a 20‐year period (5 yr preharvest and 15 yr postharvest). To characterize the spatial response of each species, we examined trends in 3 metrics: proportion of harvest‐created canopy‐gap area that occurred within the area used by a species in each year, average distance to the nearest gap of all observations of a species in a year, and distribution of distances between observations and gaps for each species in each year. Eight species (eastern wood‐pewee [Contopus virens], winter wren [Troglodytes troglodytes], hermit thrush [Catharus guttatus], Nashville warbler [Vermivora ruficapilla], black‐and‐white warbler [Mniotilta varia], pine warbler [Dendroica pinus], common yellowthroat [Geothlypis trichas], and white‐throated sparrow [Zonotrichia albicollis]) responded positively to the timber harvest (i.e., the proportion of gaps in their area of use increased, the distance from gaps decreased, and their use of gaps and edges [0–25 m from gaps] increased). In contrast, veeries (Catharus fuscescens), black‐throated green warblers (Dendroica virens), and ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus) avoided gaps and edges. Changes in spatial distributions were generally short‐lived; by 15 years postharvest the use of the harvested areas by nearly all species had approached preharvest levels. The spatial response of birds to group‐selection timber harvesting indicates that there are unlikely to be serious long‐term effects of the harvest on forest bird populations. However, there may be more subtle, short‐term effects, such as crowding of mature‐forest bird species into surrounding forest, which merit further study. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.

Logging Affects Fledgling Sex Ratios and Baseline Corticosterone in a Forest Songbird

Silviculture (logging) creates a disturbance to forested environments. The degree to which forests are modified depends on the logging prescription and forest stand characteristics. In this study we compared the effects of two methods of group-selection (“moderate” and “heavy”) silviculture (GSS) and undisturbed reference stands on stress and offspring sex ratios of a forest interior species, the Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), in Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada. Blood samples were taken from nestlings for corticosterone and molecular sexing. We found that logging creates a disturbance that is stressful for nestling Ovenbirds, as illustrated by elevated baseline corticosterone in cut sites. Ovenbirds nesting in undisturbed reference forest produce fewer male offspring per brood (proportion male = 30%) while logging with progressively greater forest disturbance, shifted the offspring sex ratio towards males (proportion male: moderate = 50%, heavy = 70%). If Ovenbirds in undisturbed forests usually produce female-biased broods, then the production of males as a result of logging may disrupt population viability. We recommend a broad examination of nestling sex ratios in response to anthropogenic disturbance to determine the generality of our findings.

Invasions of non-native earthworms related to population declines of ground-nesting songbirds across a regional extent in northern hardwood forests of North America

Non-native invasive earthworms (Lumbricus spp.) substantially change previously earthworm-free hardwood forests of North America by consuming the leaf litter layer, reducing cover and richness of herbaceous plants, and increasing dominance of sedges and grasses. These changes have been associated with reduced density of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) and Hermit Thrushes (Catharus guttatus) in 10–20 ha forest stands, and with reduced Ovenbird nesting success. Whether earthworms reduce songbird populations across a regional extent is unclear. We investigated relationships among Lumbricus, vegetation structure, landscape patterns of forest cover, and density of four ground-nesting songbird species at points scattered across the Chequamegon-Nicolet (Wisconsin) and Chippewa (Minnesota) National Forests, USA. In both national forests, Ovenbird density was significantly lower at invaded points than Lumbricus-free points, but only in sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and sugar maple/basswood (Tilia americana) (hereafter, maple-basswood) woodlands. Density of the Hermit Thrush, Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia), and Veery (Catharus fuscescens) did not differ in relation to Lumbricus. In maple-basswood forests, Lumbricus biomass was the best predictor of Ovenbird density, with greater biomass associated with reduced density. Vegetation structure and landscape pattern variables received weak support as density predictors. Across all forest types, Ovenbird density was most strongly related to forest cover within 500 and 1,000 m radii. Our results suggest that earthworm invasions may pose a regional threat to Ovenbirds within maple-basswood forests of the U.S. northern Midwest.

Influence of forest structure on density and nest success of mature forest birds in managed landscapes

AbstractManaging for forest wildlife requires attention not only to quantity but quality of forests within the landscape. We examined the extent to which local structural attributes and landscape context of forest stands explained variation in density and reproductive success of mature forest birds across 12 sites in southeast Ohio, USA, 2004–2006. Results suggest that several structural characteristics influenced bird–habitat relationships in our study. Densities of 3 songbird species (i.e., ovenbird [Seiurus aurocapilla], cerulean warbler [Setophaga cerulea], and scarlet tanager [Piranga olivacea]) were positively related to canopy openness, which is usually a function of canopy gaps. Habitat attributes described by ground litter, understory density, and canopy height were positively associated with densities of ground (i.e., worm‐eating warbler [Helmitheros vermivorum]), or shrub nesting species (i.e., Kentucky and hooded warblers [Geothlypis formosaandSetophaga citrina], respectively). Furthermore, the number of small trees likely drove the positive relationship between density of wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), a subcanopy nester. After accounting for temporal variability in daily nest survival rates, the odds of nest survival for all species increased 10.5% for every 1% increase in canopy openness and decreased 1.4% for each 5% increase in understory vegetation density. Habitat–nest survival relationships were not apparent at the level of the individual species. Our results suggest that structural attributes produced by increasing habitat heterogeneity may be necessary for conservation of forest bird communities. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.

Conditional likelihood approach for analyzing single visit abundance survey data in the presence of zero inflation and detection error

Current methods to correct for detection error require multiple visits to the same survey location. Many historical datasets exist that were collected using only a single visit, and logistical/cost considerations prevent many current research programs from collecting multiple visit data. In this paper, we explore what can be done with single visit count data when there is detection error. We show that when appropriate covariates that affect both detection and abundance are available, conditional likelihood can be used to estimate the regression parameters of a binomial–zero‐inflated Poisson (ZIP) mixture model and correct for detection error. We use observed counts of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) to illustrate the estimation of the parameters for the binomial–zero‐inflated Poisson mixture model using a subset of data from one of the largest and longest ecological time series datasets that only has single visits. Our single visit method has the following characteristics: (i) it does not require the assumptions of a closed population or adjustments caused by movement or migration; (ii) it is cost effective, enabling ecologists to cover a larger geographical region than possible when having to return to sites; and (iii) its resultant estimators appear to be statistically and computationally highly efficient. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Habitat selection in site-faithful ovenbirds and recruits in the absence of experimental attraction

Partial harvesting of forest stands has been shown to cause significant changes in the density of many bird species. However, the behavioral response of individuals to alteration of their habitat has rarely been investigated. Without this information, it is difficult to determine whether shifts in density reflect a response to habitat structure or the use of personal or public information. In this study, we compared the territory settlement sequence of male ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) with or without prior experience in our study plots upon their return from spring migration. We monitored settlement patterns in 2 pairs of 25-ha plots, 1 plot of each pair having been treated through selection harvesting (30–40% removal) in the winter of 2006–2007. From the second to the fourth year postharvest, control plots were first occupied at least 2–5 days earlier than treated plots. Males who bred successfully in a given year were more likely to return to the same plot the following year, independently of treatment. On average, banded males returning from previous years also tended to settle later in treated plots, but there was no treatment effect on the average settlement date of unbanded recruits. Recruits were never found to settle before the first returning male. Although patterns of first occupation suggest that ovenbirds preferred control plots, conspecific attraction (for recruits) and personal information (for returning individuals) seemed to play a greater role than vegetation structure in the habitat selection process.

Effects of Parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds May Persist Into Post-fledging

Brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) typically decreases the number of host juveniles that fledge: however, little information exists regarding the effect of cowbird parasitism during the post-fledging period. We monitored 115 Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) nests in 2006–2008 in northcentral Minnesota, six of which were parasitized. We used radiotelemetry to monitor movements of 36 Ovenbird fledglings (nine additional fledglings depredated <24 hrs after fledging were excluded from the movement analysis) from non-parasitized nests and one fledgling from a parasitized nest. Clutch sizes and productivity were lower in parasitized Ovenbird nests than non-parasitized nests, similar to populations at other locations. The fledgling we tracked from a parasitized nest (in 2008) died after 26 days. It was the only fledgling in our study that died (n = 20) with no sign of predation and an empty stomach. That fledgling took 12 days to travel >50 m from its nest and 25 days to travel >100 m from its nest. Fledglings from non-parasitized broods tracked for ≥25 days during 2008 (n = 16) took 4.1 ± 0.71 and 9.5 ± 1.14 days to travel the same distances. Our observations suggest that negative effects of brood parasitism may persist into the post-fledging period, possibly confirming observations of cowbird-only survival compiled from the literature.

Avian responses to experimental harvest in southern boreal mixedwood shoreline forests: implications for riparian buffer management

Conventional management of shoreline forest in harvested boreal landscapes involves retention of treed buffer strips to provide habitat for wildlife species and protect aquatic habitats from deleterious effects of harvesting. With shoreline forests being considered for harvest in several jurisdictions, it is important to determine the potential impacts of this disturbance on birds. In this study, responses of riparian- and upland-nesting birds to three levels of harvest (0%–50%, 50%–75%, and 75%–100% within 100 m of the water) in shoreline forests around boreal wetlands were assessed 1 year before and each year for 4 years after harvest relative to unharvested reference sites. Upland-nesting species showed variable responses to harvest, with greatest declines in abundance of interior forest nesting species (e.g., Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapillus L.) with the highest levels of harvest. Shrub-nesting and generalist species increased in abundance in harvest treatments relative to reference sites. Riparian birds showed little response to harvest, suggesting that shoreline forest harvest has little effect on their abundance up to 4 years after harvest. Retention of small buffers may not be an effective management strategy for conservation of birds occupying shoreline forests, particularly interior forest nesting species. We suggest that alternatives to conventional buffer management be explored.

Fire severity has mixed benefits to breeding bird species in the southern Appalachians

Fire is frequently applied as a management tool on both public and private lands. However, in some ecosystems there is little information about bird species’ responses to these fire programs. In 2004 we measured habitat characteristics and conducted point counts in 12 burned sites and four unburned sites in the Chattahoochee National Forest of northern Georgia. Burns were categorized by severity (low, medium, or high) and time since fire (1–2 or 3–6 years). The basal area of snags, shrub stem density and percent canopy cover were similar among all treatments except high severity. Otherwise, fire severity had limited impacts on measured habitat characteristics. Following fires the densities of early-succession species such as eastern towhee ( Pipilo erythropthalmus) and indigo bunting ( Passerina cyanea) were greatest in areas of higher fire severity. A ground-nesting species (ovenbird [ Seiurus aurocapilla]) was less abundant in burned sites and the density of a shrub nesting species, the hooded warbler ( Setophaga citrine) was greatest in areas that received low severity fires. Scarlet tanager ( Piranga olivacea), tufted titmouse ( Baeolophus bicolor), red-eyed vireo ( Vireo olivaceus), black-throated green warbler ( Setophaga virens), and black-and-white warbler ( Mniotilta varia) had similar densities among all burn severities and showed no relationships with time since fire. Low and medium severity fires provided few benefits for most bird species. When conditions allow for their application, severe fires may be considered as a useful and historically appropriate management tool for some high-priority bird species in the southern Appalachian Mountains.