Authors: |
Robert A. Sargent, John C. Kilgo, Brian R. Chapman, Karl V. Miller |
Year: |
2003 |
Type: |
Scientific Journal |
Station: |
Southern Research Station |
Source: |
Southeastern Naturalist 2(2):217-222. 2003. |
Abstract
We studied nesting success of the Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) in bottomland and upland hardwood forests in South Carolina. Twenty-one of 26 nests (80.8%) were located in bottomland sites, and 76.2% of these nests were in narrow (<150-m wide) bottomland corridors. No nests were found in upland sites enclosed by fields. The Mayfield success rate for 20 nests was 35.3%. All nest failures were attributed to predation; no nests were parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater). Nest sites were characterized by a dense overstory and a moderately developed understory. Bottomland hardwoods, especially relatively narrow corridors, appear to provide suitable nesting habitat for Wood Thrush in this region. Brood parasitism by Brown- headed Cowbirds does not appear to be a significant factor in the failure of Wood Thrush nests in these sites.
Citation
Sargent, Robert A.; Kilgo, John C.; Chapman, Brian R.; Miller, Karl V. 2003. Nesting Ecology of Wood Thrush (Turdidae: Passeriformes) in Hardwood Forests of South Carolina. Southeastern Naturalist 2(2):217-222. 2003.