Abundance and Nesting Success of Acadian Flycatchers (Empidonax Virescens) at Different Scales of Fragmentation in Illinois, United States of America

I also tested the alternative hypothesis that vegetation structure and composition rather than fragmentation may influence nesting success and populations. I measured nest concealment, complexity and heterogeneity of vegetation in the vicinity of the nest, and the plant communities in which the nests were located. Acadian Flycatcher nesting success increased with increasing nest concealment. Although Acadian Flycatchers preferred to build their nests in certain tree species, tree species was unrelated to nest concealment and nesting success. Most of the other vegetation variables that were measured at the nest patch and habitat type did not influence nesting success. Local and landscape fragmentation effects appear to be the strongest correlates of nesting success of Acadian Flycatchers in Illinois, but other variables such as vegetation structure may account for the poor predictive power of these correlations.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Natural Resrouces and Environmental Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2001

Author dc:creator

• Chapa Vargas, Leonardo

Contributors dc:contributor

• Robinson, Scott K.

• Biology, Ecology

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3017038

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/83072