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31 December 2017 Does Age Structure Influence Golden-Cheeked Warbler Responses Across Areas of High and Low Density?
Hannah L. Pruett, Ashley M. Long, Heather A. Mathewson, Michael L. Morrison
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Abstract

Age-based differentiation in the timing of avian migration can influence subsequent habitat use and, therefore, reproductive success. Over 2 breeding seasons, we compared arrival dates, pairing success, and fledging success for second-year (SY) and after-second-year (ASY) federally endangered Golden-cheeked Warblers (Setophaga chrysoparia) occupying areas of low (n = 9 sites) and high (n = 10 sites) warbler density. Male warblers arrived on low-density sites on average 6 days later (11 March) than high-density sites (5 March). Male warblers that established territories on low-density sites tended to be younger than male warblers that established territories on high-density sites. Overall pairing and fledging success were similar across low- and high-density sites, but overall pairing and fledging success were lower for SY males compared to ASY males; no SY birds fledged young on low-density sites. We found no difference in pairing or fledging success for ASY males at low- and high-density sites. For some species, habitat that supports fewer birds may be of lower quality. However, warblers in our study area fledged young at low- and high-density sites. As such, low-density sites may fill an important role in conservation efforts for this species.

© 2017
Hannah L. Pruett, Ashley M. Long, Heather A. Mathewson, and Michael L. Morrison "Does Age Structure Influence Golden-Cheeked Warbler Responses Across Areas of High and Low Density?," Western North American Naturalist 77(4), 421-429, (31 December 2017). https://doi.org/10.3398/064.077.0403
Received: 8 June 2017; Accepted: 1 August 2017; Published: 31 December 2017
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