Date of Award
Spring 5-13-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Biological Science (MBioSci)
Department
Wildlife Resources
First Advisor
Christine Brodsky
Second Advisor
Andrew George
Third Advisor
Rebecca Butler
Keywords
Ecology, Mining, Birds, Wildlife, Land use, Environment
Abstract
As bird populations continue to decline across North America, it is important to understand the benefits that disturbed habitats can have for breeding birds. One of the major land disturbances and causes of habitat loss in the United States is surface mining, which often results in altered vegetative communities. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the relationships between bird populations, habitat, previous and current land use, and densities of invasive plant species on formerly strip-mined land. Due to the proliferation of invasive shrub species in post-mined landscapes, we sought to determine the effects of post-mined habitat features on three shrub-nesting bird species: Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii), Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), and Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea). In addition to assessing their densities, we estimated each species’ reproductive success to understand future population trends. We conducted point count surveys, and searched for and monitored nests of these shrubland birds at 84 sites varying in land use and mining history. Overall, we detected 7,999 individuals from 87 bird species. Forested mined lands had the most diverse bird communities. We found that habitat type (i.e., forest, grassland, or rangeland) best described patterns in each focal species’ density, with densities differing by habitat type for all three shrub-dependent species. We located 178 nests, the majority of which belonged to Bell’s Vireos and Northern Cardinals. Logistic exposure models predicted daily nest survival for Bell’s Vireos as a function of habitat type between post-mined grasslands and rangelands, while Northern Cardinals daily nest survival was a function of nest age. If demographic rates were consistent across the study region, Bell’s Vireo reproductive rates were not high enough to maintain their populations. Particularly as woody invasion continues, invasive shrub populations grow, and land cover changes occur in the Midwest, both species’ breeding success may be negatively impacted, resulting in their population declines. This information will be useful for creating a more informed management plan for non-game birds and exotic plant species on reclaimed mined lands.
Recommended Citation
Headings, Luke, "DENSITY AND NEST SUCCESS OF SHRUB-DEPENDENT BIRDS ON FORMERLY STRIP-MINED LANDS" (2023). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 448.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/448
