An evaluation and comparison of conservation guidelines for an at-risk migratory songbird

Darin J. McNeil, Jeffery L. Larkin, Lynn Siefferman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

For at-risk wildlife species, it is important to consider conservation within the process of adaptive management. Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) are Neotropical migratory songbirds that are experiencing long-term population declines due in part to the loss of early-successional nesting habitat. Recently-developed Golden-winged Warbler habitat management guidelines are being implemented by USDA: Natural Resource Conservation Service (2014) and its partners through the Working Lands For Wildlife (WLFW) program. During 2012–2014, we studied the nesting ecology of Golden-winged Warblers in managed habitats of the eastern US that conformed to WLFW conservation practices. We evaluated five NRCS “management scenarios” with respect to nesting success and attainment of recommended nest site vegetation conditions outlined in the Golden-winged Warbler breeding habitat guidelines. Using estimates of territory density, pairing rate, nest survival, and clutch size, we also estimated fledgling productivity (number of fledglings/ha) for each management scenario. In general, Golden-winged Warbler nest survival declined as each breeding season advanced, but nest survival was similar across management scenarios. Within each management scenario, vegetation variables had little influence on nest survival. Still, percent Rubus cover and density of >2 m tall shrubs were relevant in some management scenarios. All five management scenarios rarely attained recommended levels of nest site vegetation conditions for Golden-winged, yet nest survival was high. Fledgling productivity estimates for each management scenario ranged from 2.1 to 8.6 fledglings/10 hectares. Our results indicate that targeted habitat management for Golden-winged Warblers using a variety of management techniques on private lands has the capability to yield high nest survival and fledgling productivity, and thus have the potential to contribute to the species recovery.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)90-103
Number of pages14
JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation
Volume9
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016

Keywords

  • Early-successional habitat
  • Golden-winged warbler
  • Grazing
  • Nest success
  • Old field
  • Prescribed fire
  • Timber harvest

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecology
  • Nature and Landscape Conservation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An evaluation and comparison of conservation guidelines for an at-risk migratory songbird'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this