Reproductive success and habitat characteristics of Golden-winged Warblers in high-elevation pasturelands
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Abstract
The Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) is one of the most rapidly declining vertebrate species in the Appalachian Mountains. It is the subject of extensive range-wide research and conservation action. However, little is known about this species' breeding ecology in high-elevation pasturelands, a breeding habitat with conservation potential considering the U.S. Natural Resource Conservation Service's Working Lands for Wildlife program targeting private lands in the Appalachian Mountains. We located 100 nests of Golden-winged Warblers in pastures in and around the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia during 2008–2012. Daily nest survival rate (mean ± SE = 0.962 ± 0.006), clutch size (4.5 ± 0.1), and number of young fledged per nest attempt (2.0 ± 0.2) and successful nest (4.0 ± 0.1) fell within the range of values reported in other parts of the species' range and were not significantly affected by year or the presence/absence of cattle grazing. Classification tree analysis revealed that nests were in denser vegetation (≥52%) and closer to forest edges (<36.0 m) and shrubs (<7.0 cm) than random locations within the male's territory. Successful nests had significantly more woody cover (≥9%) within 1 m than failed nests. Our results suggest that cattle grazing at 1.2–2.4 ha of forage/animal unit with periodic mowing can create and maintain these characteristics without interfering with the nesting of Golden-winged Warblers. High-elevation pasturelands may provide a refuge for remaining populations of Golden-winged Warblers in this region.
Publication type | Article |
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Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Title | Reproductive success and habitat characteristics of Golden-winged Warblers in high-elevation pasturelands |
Series title | Wilson Journal of Ornithology |
DOI | 10.1676/13-114.1 |
Volume | 126 |
Issue | 2 |
Year Published | 2016 |
Language | English |
Publisher | BioOne |
Publisher location | Washington, D.C. |
Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Leetown |
Description | 9 p. |
First page | 279 |
Last page | 287 |
Online Only (Y/N) | N |
Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |