Assessment of rusty blackbird habitat occupancy in the Long Range Mountains of Newfoundland, Canada using forest inventory data

Manson, K. K.E., McDermott, J. P.B., Powell, L. L., Whitaker, D. M. and Warkentin, I. G. (2020) Assessment of rusty blackbird habitat occupancy in the Long Range Mountains of Newfoundland, Canada using forest inventory data. Diversity, 12(9), 340. (doi: 10.3390/d12090340)

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Abstract

Rusty blackbirds (Euphagus carolinus), once common across their boreal breeding distribution, have undergone steep, range-wide population declines. Newfoundland is home to what has been described as one of just two known subspecies (E. c. nigrans) and hosts some of the highest known densities of the species across its extensive breeding range. To contribute to a growing body of literature examining rusty blackbird breeding ecology, we studied habitat occupancy in Western Newfoundland. We conducted 1960 point counts across a systematic survey grid during the 2016 and 2017 breeding seasons, and modeled blackbird occupancy using forest resource inventory data. We also assessed the relationship between the presence of introduced red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), an avian nest predator, and blackbird occupancy. We evaluated 31 a priori models of blackbird probability of occurrence. Consistent with existing literature, the best predictors of blackbird occupancy were lakes and ponds, streams, rivers, and bogs. Red squirrels did not appear to have a strong influence on blackbird habitat occupancy. We are among the first to model rusty blackbird habitat occupancy using remotely-sensed landcover data; given the widespread availability of forest resource inventory data, this approach may be useful in conservation efforts for this and other rare but widespread boreal species. Given that Newfoundland may be a geographic stronghold for rusty blackbirds, future research should focus on this distinct population.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This research was funded by the Centre for Forest Science and Innovation (Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Natural Resources), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and Gros Morne National Park of Canada. The Article Processing Charges were funded by Parks Canada.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Powell, Dr Luke
Creator Roles:
Powell, L. L.Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Writing – review and editing, Visualization, Supervision
Authors: Manson, K. K.E., McDermott, J. P.B., Powell, L. L., Whitaker, D. M., and Warkentin, I. G.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Diversity
Publisher:MDPI
ISSN:1424-2818
ISSN (Online):1424-2818
Published Online:04 September 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 The Authors
First Published:First published in Diversity 12(9): 340
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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