Effects of habitat characteristics on occupancy and productivity of a forest-dependent songbird in an urban landscape

Authors: D. H. Robinson

Habitat fragmentation and isolation can result in decreased occupancy and reproductive success within songbirds, particularly for species inhabiting urban environments where suitable habitat may be limited. The golden-cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) is a federally endangered songbird that inhabits oak-juniper (Quercus spp.- Juniperus spp.) across central Texas. Past research on this warbler has indicated decreased patch occupancy near urban areas and negative reproductive effects associated with decreased distance to edge and decreased canopy cover. A rural study indicated warblers occupy patches ≥3 ha, and warblers in patches ≥20 ha are more likely to successfully fledge young. There are no thresholds yet identified for this warbler within urban environments, where effects of habitat fragmentation on reproductive success are more pronounced than within rural environments. I monitored patch occupancy, territory establishment, pairing success, and fledging success of warblers in an urban environment. I determined minimum patch-size thresholds for productivity measurements, and also monitored effects on productivity from canopy cover, woodland composition, distance to and size of the nearest habitat patch, and distance to the nearest habitat patch >100 ha. I compared my results to those from a similar study conducted in a rural system. I compared territory size and territory density between an urban and rural system. Warblers occupied 24% (n = 63) patches surveyed; the smallest patch occupied was 3.5 ha. The smallest patch with an established territory was 10.7 ha, and 10% (n = 63) of habitat patches had at least one established territory. Warblers successfully fledged young in 3 patches, the smallest of which was 26.5 ha. I found patch-size was predictive for territory establishment and pairing success with warblers requiring 13 ha (95% CI: 10.0 – 16.8 ha) and 19 ha (95% CI: 15.7 – 22.6 ha) habitat patches, respectively. I found a minimum threshold of approximately 66% canopy cover (95% CI: 65.2 – 66.4%) required for patch occupancy, and found no warblers established a territory in a habitat patch >25 m from the next nearest patch. I found higher minimum thresholds within an urban system for territory establishment and pairing success than those seen within a rural system. I suggest preserving warbler habitat patches >22 ha that are in close proximity to other habitat patches. This will help to enhance warbler habitat within urban areas and maintain reproductively viable habitat patches, while not halting development completely.

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