Maladaptive Habitat Selection in a Migratory Bird
Author Information
Author(s): Hollander Franck A., Van Dyck Hans, San Martin Gilles, Titeux Nicolas
Primary Institution: Université catholique de Louvain
Hypothesis
Do migratory birds make maladaptive habitat choices in human-altered landscapes?
Conclusion
The study found that Red-backed shrikes prefer newly created open habitats in plantations, despite having lower reproductive success compared to traditional farmland habitats.
Supporting Evidence
- Territorial males preferred open areas in forests over farmland.
- Reproductive performance was higher in farmland than in woodland.
- Dominant males settled earlier in woodland habitats.
Takeaway
Birds sometimes choose bad homes that look good, which can make it harder for them to raise their babies.
Methodology
The study used field observations over three years to assess habitat preference and reproductive performance in two types of habitats.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the reliance on observable traits for assessing habitat preference.
Limitations
The study did not measure long-term survival rates, which are important for understanding habitat quality.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on the Red-backed shrike, a migratory passerine bird.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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