Post-fledging ecology of an endangered species: The golden-cheeked warbler

Understanding associations between habitat and the demography of endangered wildlife is essential for effective management. Habitat and demography relationships are further complicated when different habitat features may have different impacts across various life-stages of an individual. I investigated the survival, behaviors and habitat use of endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) fledglings in Texas. I monitored nests until fledging and tracked fledglings for at least four weeks after leaving the nest. I estimated survival rates for fledglings during the first four weeks out of the nest, analyzed how habitat and behavioral factors affect survival, and described temporal changes in habitat and behaviors as fledglings aged. Fledgling survival was much higher than expected, and higher than many other species during the dependent post-fledging stage. General habitat use did not change much over time, as fledglings appear to have ample habitat available, but focal tree use switched from juniper to oak as fledglings aged. Fledglings also began to forage more as parental care, especially by females, declined over time. Foraging success was higher in areas with more oak habitat. Habitat with a 70/30 ratio of juniper-oak appears to be sufficient not only for nesting but also for fledgling survival and foraging ability. Conserving habitat with a juniper-oak dominated matrix will be of utmost importance to promote survival of fledglings.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Natural Res & Env Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2019

Author dc:creator

• Trumbo, Evalynn Marie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ward, Michael P
• Brawn, Jeffrey D
• Sperry, Jinelle H.

• post-fledging survival
• habitat
• Setophaga chrysoparia
• behavior
• radio-telemetry

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2019 Evalynn Trumbo

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/105703

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/105703