LE3 .A278 2005

2005

Taylor, Phil

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Biology

Biology

In this study I examine the influence of forest harvesting on bird assemblages by comparing relative abundance, species composition, and movement behaviour in naturally heterogeneous and harvested landscapes. Relative abundance and species composition were examined using a combination of mark-release-recapture and point count data. Movement was measured using mark-release-recapture data only. Overall, the relative abundance of all birds and the relative abundance of habitat generalists (open species) was higher in harvested than natural landscapes but forest species had similar abundances in both landscape types. Species composition was highly similar in the two landscape types but there were some key differences, namely, Northern Waterthrush were characteristic of natural landscapes and Fox Sparrow and Slate-coloured Junco were associated with harvested landscapes. Fine-scale movement behaviours varied by species but overall, for all sexes, ages, and species groups, distances moved by birds were shorter in harvested landscapes relative to natural landscapes. Comprehensive knowledge of the demographics and movement behaviours of the songbird community is needed to understand how forest harvesting influences birds. This study provides a baseline for continued work in the area in an effort to better understand the songbird community and to develop management strategies to minimize adverse impacts of forest harvesting on birds.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:337