Abstract
Oak (
Quercus spp.) regeneration has declined drastically over the past century in eastern deciduous forests predominantly because of decreased disturbance (i.e., fire). Many forests are undergoing mesophication, a positive feedback system that occurs within closed-canopy systems wherein shade-tolerant, late successional, mesic species such as maples (
Acer spp.) and American beech (
Fagus grandifolia) outcompete fire-adapted oak. The Central Hardwood region is predicted to be the first major system to convert to climax succession. Numerous neotropical migrant populations have declined in this region. Oaks are a keystone species and provide many resources for forest birds; the ability of mesic species to provide similar resources is untested. To determine whether patches of distinct oak forest and mesic forest provide similar resources, we examined two nonexclusive habitat-selection hypotheses about avian abundance and distribution: (1) habitat heterogeneity and (2) availability and distribution of food resources. We predicted oak-dominated patches would provide greater heterogeneity and more food resources than mesic patches.
Parent Publication
Citation
Sierzega, Kevin P.; Eichholz, Michael W. 2014. Factors influencing avian habitat selection between oak-hickory and mesic forests in southern Illinois. In: Groninger, John W.; Holzmueller, Eric J.; Nielsen, Clayton K.; Dey, Daniel C., eds. Proceedings, 19th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; 2014 March 10-12; Carbondale, IL. General Technical Report NRS-P-142. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 102-103.