Habitat use and behavior of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in central Pennsylvania
Open Access
- Author:
- Stewart, Rebecca Johanna
- Graduate Program:
- Wildlife and Fisheries Science
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- April 22, 2009
- Committee Members:
- Richard Tucker Yahner, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Richard Tucker Yahner, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor - Keywords:
- habitat use
Pheucticus ludovicianus
rose-breasted grosbeak
behavior - Abstract:
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) populations are declining overall but have increased in some areas within their range. There are conflicting descriptions of Rose-breasted Grosbeak habitat, and several studies assume they are mature forest birds. The Barrens Grouse Habitat Management Area (BGHMA) on State Gamelands 176, Centre County, Pennsylvania, provides a unique combination of habitat-age classes in small 1-ha plots, ranging in age from 7-8 to >70 years and arranged in 4-ha blocks in both cherry-maple (Prunus serotina and Acer rubrum) and mixed-aspen (Populus spp.) habitat types. The objective of this study was to determine Rose-breasted Grosbeak habitat use when given a wide range of habitat-age classes in a small area during the summers of 2007 and 2008. I compared abundance of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in different habitat-age class plots at the BGHMA to establish habitat use. I also determined the proportion of time spent in, and frequency of, (four) behaviors of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks consistently used the early successional 7-8 year old habitat over other age classes. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in 7-8 year old habitat spent the greatest proportion of their time in paused behavior but engaged in a higher frequency of territorial behavior. My research indicates that Rose-breasted Grosbeaks likely are declining due to habitat succession, and that silvicultural practices that generate small openings should aid in the recovery of this species.