Breeding Bird Communities and Nest Plant Selection in Chihuahuan Desert Habitats in South-Central New Mexico

We examined the significance of arroyo-riparian habitat to birds in the Chihuahuan Desert of south-central New Mexico. Nests (N = 620) of 27 species were monitored during 1993-1995. Twenty-three species nested in arroyos and 20 species nested in uplands. Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos), Ro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Wilson bulletin (Wilson Ornithological Society) 1997-09, Vol.109 (3), p.424-436
Main Authors: Jeffrey M. Kozma, Mathews, Nancy E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Arroyos
Aviculture
Biological and medical sciences
Bird nesting
Birds
Breeding sites
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Habitat (Ecology)
Habitat selection
Highlands
Nesting sites
Plants
Shrubs
Sparrows
Synecology
Terrestrial ecosystems
Wildlife habitats
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Summary:We examined the significance of arroyo-riparian habitat to birds in the Chihuahuan Desert of south-central New Mexico. Nests (N = 620) of 27 species were monitored during 1993-1995. Twenty-three species nested in arroyos and 20 species nested in uplands. Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos), Rock Wrens (Salpinctes obsoletus), and Verdins (Auriparus flaviceps) nested most frequently in arroyos. Black-throated Sparrows (Amphispiza bilineata), Northern Mockingbirds, and Scott's Orioles (Icterus parisorum) nested most frequently in uplands. Nest density in arroyos was more than twice that of uplands (0.64 nests/ha versus 0.27 nests/ha). Nest success and predation rates did not differ between arroyos and uplands for Black-throated Sparrows, Northern Mockingbirds, and Crissal Thrashers (Toxostoma crissale). Nest predation was the primary cause of mortality to eggs and nestlings in both habitats. Torrey yucca (Yucca torreyi), javelina bush (Condalia warnockii), and little-leaf sumac (Rhus microphylla) were the most frequently used nest substrates, even though these shrubs were among the lowest in density. Maintaining this habitat and protecting sparse shrub species used as nest substrates may have long term importance in managing Chihuahuan Desert bird communities.
ISSN:0043-5643
2162-5204