Breeding birds of isolated woodlots: area and habitat relationships.

Abstract:

Investigated breeding bird communities of isolated woodlots (1.8-600 ha) in E-central Illinois. Woodlots supported 9-43 species; composition was relatively constant among years. Ecological generalists dominated small woodlots; more specialized species increased in importance with area. Area accounted for most variation (86-98%) in total species number in each year; the species-area relationship did not change significantly among years. Area accounted for most variation in number of species in different migratory and breeding habitat categories, except for short-distance migrants, which correlated most strongly with habitat. Variation in habitat was not related to woodlot area and habitat accounted for additional variation in bird species numbers in most cases. Abundances of 1/3 to 1/2 of species examined correlated with woodlot area, but a greater proportion (66-72%) were influenced more strongly by habitat variables. Species that breed in forest interior habitat and winter in the tropics are most likely to be adversely affected by a reduction in forest habitat. Species found in smaller woodlots are subsets of species found in larger forests.-from Authors

Año de publicación:

1987

Keywords:

Fuente:

scopus