Institution: | 1. Southern Sierra Research Station, P.O. Box 1316, 7872 Fay Ranch Road, Weldon, CA, 93283 USA;2. Southern Sierra Research Station, P.O. Box 1316, 7872 Fay Ranch Road, Weldon, CA, 93283 USA
Current affiliation: California State Parks, Colorado Desert District, 200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, USA;3. School of the Environment, Washington State University, 100 Dairy Road, Pullman, WA, 99164 USA;4. Southern Sierra Research Station, P.O. Box 1316, 7872 Fay Ranch Road, Weldon, CA, 93283 USA
Current affiliation: Great Basin Bird Observatory, 1755 E. Plumb Lane Suite 256A, Reno, NV 89502, USA |
Abstract: | The western distinct population segment of yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus; western cuckoo) has been extirpated from most of its former breeding range in the United States because of widespread loss and degradation of riparian cottonwood (Populus spp.)-willow (Salix spp.) forests. Restoration and management of breeding habitat is important to the recovery of this federally threatened species, and identification of high-quality breeding habitat can help improve the success of recovery. In 2005, the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, a long-term, multi-agency effort, was initiated to maintain and create wildlife habitat within the historical floodplain of the lower Colorado River (LCR) for federally endangered and threatened species, including western cuckoos. We conducted an empirical, multi-scale field investigation from 2008–2012 to identify habitat characteristics selected by nesting western cuckoos along the LCR. Multiple logistic regression models revealed that western cuckoos selected nest sites characterized by increased densities of small, native, early successional trees measuring 8–23 cm diameter at breast height, and lower diurnal temperature compared to available habitat in restoration and natural forests. Nesting cuckoos selected sites with increased percent canopy closure, which was also important for nest success in restoration sites along the LCR. Our results show habitat components selected by nesting western cuckoos in restoration and natural riparian forests and can help guide the creation, enhancement, and management of riparian forests with habitat conditions necessary to promote nesting of western cuckoos. © 2021 The Wildlife Society. |