Nesting-Habitat Relationships of Riparian Birds along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona

Vegetation structure and the numbers of shrubs were measured at nest sites of 11 species of riparian birds in a tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) community to characterize breeding habitat by species. Discriminant function analysis indicated that riparian birds exhibited significant differences in thei...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Southwestern naturalist 1989-06, Vol.34 (2), p.260-270
Main Authors: Brown, Bryan T., Trosset, Michael W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aviculture
Bird nesting
Breeding sites
Canyons
Forest habitats
Orioles
Riverine habitats
Shrubs
Vegetation
Wildlife habitats
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Summary:Vegetation structure and the numbers of shrubs were measured at nest sites of 11 species of riparian birds in a tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) community to characterize breeding habitat by species. Discriminant function analysis indicated that riparian birds exhibited significant differences in their use of nesting habitat. Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii), yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia), and yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens) were relative generalists in their use of nesting habitat, while common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) and Bullock's oriole (Icterus galbula bullockii) were relative specialists. Bell's vireo and American coot (Fulica americana) used the most dissimilar habitats. Willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) and yellow warbler used the most similar habitats. Willow flycatcher and yellow warbler consistently used habitat most similar to that used by other species. The tamarisk community created by the operation of Glen Canyon Dam represents the ecological equivalent of native habitat for some riparian birds, and its presence has enhanced breeding habitat for these 11 species of birds.
ISSN:0038-4909
DOI:10.2307/3671736