Assessing the Breeding Status and Breeding Habitat of the Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) on a Managed Nature Sanctuary in Southeastern Wisconsin

摘要

Breeding status for the Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) within the 379-acre property of Riveredge Nature Center in Saukville, Wisconsin was previously unknown as neither paired birds nor a nest had been observed, yet males had been observed singing in the past. Five sites were hypothesized as ideal breeding habitats based on the preferred habitat characteristics of Ovenbirds and were searched for behaviors indicating their breeding status. Observed behaviors were categorized into a qualitative, sequential checklist. Four of the five sites contained habitually singing males. Positive breeding status could be concluded at only one of these four sites,as behaviors indicating pairing success and a nest with young that later fledged were observed. Microhabitat measurements were conducted to compare qualitative and quantitative characteristics amongst these four sites to results from other research. Results had shown some similarity between, the microhabitat surrounding this nesting site and the nesting sites of LeBlanc et al. (2011 ),such as leaf litter depth,a low basal area, and dense canopy cover. The nesting site found on Riveredge property more closely resembled reported preferred Ovenbird habitat than the other three sites, however,this site was unique in that the forest was burned the year prior to remove invasive shrubs and release oak species.