Habitat selection by dispersing yellow-headed blackbirds: evidence of prospecting and the use of public information

In migratory birds individuals may prospect for potential breeding sites months before they attempt to breed and should use the cues most predictive of future reproductive success when selecting a breeding site. However, what cues individuals use when prospecting and which cues are used in selecting a breeding site are unknown for most species. I investigated whether yellow-headed blackbirds (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) prospect for future breeding sites and whether they select breeding habitats based on food availability, male or female density, or the average number of young produced per female in the previous year. Although it is often assumed that migratory birds prospect for potential breeding sites at the end of the breeding season, I investigated this by recording all visits to sites early and late in the breeding season. I found that males and females who visited sites other than the site at which they bred were more likely to disperse than individuals only observed at the site where they bred, and that males and females were more likely to prospect late in the breeding season. Both food availability and density in year ^x were not predictive of the number of young per female in year ^x+1; however, the number of young produced per female at a site in year ^x was predictive of the number of young per female in year ^x+1. As expected, dispersers used the most informative cue, the number of young per female and moved to sites with a relatively high number of young per female. This study suggests that individuals prospect for potential breeding sites late in the breeding season when they can use information gathered from the reproductive success of other individuals (i.e., public information) to select a breeding site.     

Behavioral and physiological adjustments to new predators in an endemic island species, the Galápagos marine iguana

For the past 5 to 15 million years, marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), endemic to the Galápagos archipelago, experienced relaxed predation pressure and consequently show negligible anti-predator behavior. However, over the past few decades introduced feral cats and dogs started to prey on iguanas on some of the islands. We investigated experimentally whether behavioral and endocrine anti-predator responses changed in response to predator introduction. We hypothesized that flight initiation distances (FID) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations should increase in affected populations to cope with the novel predators. Populations of marine iguanas reacted differentially to simulated predator approach depending on whether or not they were previously naturally exposed to introduced predators. FIDs were larger at sites with predation than at sites without predation. Furthermore, the occurrence of new predators was associated with increased stress-induced CORT levels in marine iguanas. In addition, age was a strong predictor of variation in FID and CORT levels. Juveniles, which are generally more threatened by predators compared to adults, showed larger FIDs and higher CORT baseline levels as well as higher stress-induced levels than adults. The results demonstrate that this naive island species shows behavioral and physiological plasticity associated with actual predation pressure, a trait that is presumably adaptive. However, the adjustments in FID are not sufficient to cope with the novel predators. We suggest that low behavioral plasticity in the face of introduced predators may drive many island species to extinction.     

Using flight initiation distance to evaluate responses of colonial‐nesting Great Egrets to the approach of an unmanned aerial vehicle

Remote‐controlled, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be used to collect information in difficult‐to‐access places while potentially minimizing human disturbance. These devices have been widely used in a variety of ecological and behavioral studies in recent years, but additional study is needed to assess the magnitude of disturbance they cause to birds. We examined the responses of Great Egrets (Ardea alba) to a UAV in a breeding colony in Louisiana in 2016 where isolated patches of common reed (Phragmites australis) were used as nest sites by multiple breeding pairs. We examined the flush responses and flight initiation distances (FIDs) of nesting adults to the direct vertical approach of a UAV. Incubating adults were more likely to flush from nests and flushed at greater distances when approached by a UAV than adults with nestlings, suggesting that adult assessment of risk was based on the greater reproductive value of nestlings. We observed fewer flush responses and calculated lower set‐back distances using a UAV to approach nesting Great Egrets (~50 m) than set‐back distances calculated using traditional methods of approach (e.g., walking or boating; 87–251 m). We found that FIDs were shorter when more adults were present in nesting patches, suggesting that the perception of predation risk may be based in part on the reactions of other birds. Our results suggest that UAVs may be a useful alternative for monitoring colonial‐nesting waterbirds. However, our analyses were based exclusively on behavioral observations. Additional studies of the physiological responses of birds to the approach of UAVs are needed to better understand the stress responses of birds to these devices.     

Effect of habitat disturbance on pollination biology of the columnar cactus Stenocereus quevedonis at landscape‐level in central Mexico

Stenocereus quevedonis (‘pitire’) is a columnar cactus endemic to central Mexico, grown for its edible fruit. Phenology, pollination biology and behaviour of flower visitors of this species were compared in six conserved and disturbed sites, hypothesising that: (i) pitire pollination is self‐incompatible, requiring animal vectors; (ii) higher incidence of radiation on plants in cleared forest may lead to a higher number of flowers per pitire plant and longer blooming season, and disturbing and differential spatial availability of flower resources may determine differential attraction of pollinators to conserved and disturbed areas; (iii) if pitire pollination system is specialised, reproductive success would decrease with pollinator scarcity, or other species may substitute for main pollinators. In all sites, pitire reproduction started in January, flowering peak occurring in April, anthesis duration was 15 h and predominantly nocturnal (9 h), pollen was released at 23:00 h, nectar was produced throughout anthesis, and breeding system was self‐incompatible. Flower production per plant was similar in disturbed and conserved sites, but flower availability was higher (because of higher tree density) and longer in disturbed sites. Pollination is nocturnal, the most frequent legitimate pollinator being the bat Leptonycteris yerbabuenae; diurnal pollination is rare but possible, carried out by bee species. Fruit and seed set in control and nocturnal pollination treatments at disturbed sites were higher than in conserved sites. Frequency of L. yerbabuenae visits was similar among site types, but more visits of complementary nocturnal and diurnal pollinators were recorded in disturbed sites, which could explain differences in reproductive success.     

Behavioral and physiological adjustments to new predators in an endemic island species,the Galápagos marine iguana

For the past 5 to 15 million years, marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), endemic to the Galápagos archipelago, experienced relaxed predation pressure and consequently show negligible anti-predator behavior. However, over the past few decades introduced feral cats and dogs started to prey on iguanas on some of the islands. We investigated experimentally whether behavioral and endocrine anti-predator responses changed in response to predator introduction. We hypothesized that flight initiation distances (FID) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations should increase in affected populations to cope with the novel predators. Populations of marine iguanas reacted differentially to simulated predator approach depending on whether or not they were previously naturally exposed to introduced predators. FIDs were larger at sites with predation than at sites without predation. Furthermore, the occurrence of new predators was associated with increased stress-induced CORT levels in marine iguanas. In addition, age was a strong predictor of variation in FID and CORT levels. Juveniles, which are generally more threatened by predators compared to adults, showed larger FIDs and higher CORT baseline levels as well as higher stress-induced levels than adults. The results demonstrate that this naive island species shows behavioral and physiological plasticity associated with actual predation pressure, a trait that is presumably adaptive. However, the adjustments in FID are not sufficient to cope with the novel predators. We suggest that low behavioral plasticity in the face of introduced predators may drive many island species to extinction.     

Tibouchina pulchra (Melastomataceae): reproductive biology of a tree species at two sites of an elevational gradient in the Atlantic rainforest in Brazil

Low-temperature environments interfere with plant reproduction by reducing the frequency of pollinators, and this may favour reproductive strategies such as self-pollination and apomixis. Tibouchina pulchra is a common tree species that occurs at high and low sites of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. This study focussed on the pollination biology and breeding system of this species, describing the pollinators and the reproductive success at the two sites of an elevational gradient. Observations were made to determine extent of flowering and fruiting, to identify the richness and abundance of pollinators, and to record data on the floral and reproductive biology at these two sites. Despite more dense flowering at the high site, five visits of bees (two species) were recorded during the observation time (60?h), whereas at the low site there were 948 visits (seven species) during the same period. In contrast with the low site, the flowers of the high site released and received few pollen grains on the stigma. At the high site less fruit was set with fewer seeds as a result of open pollination than at the low site; at that site, however, more seeds were obtained from cross-pollination than at the low site. Tibouchina pulchra is self-compatible; however it is not apomictic and needs pollinators for seed set at both sites. Life-history traits other than the breeding system, for example more dense flowering, advantage of greater fertility in cross-pollination, and multiple reproductive events during the lifetime of the tree may reduce inbreeding depression, increase the hybrid vigour, and balance the lack of pollinators at the high site.     

Cave breeding by African Penguins near the northern extreme of their range: Sylvia Hill,Namibia

Only three mainland sites are known among the total 27 breeding colonies of the African Penguin, Spheniscus demersus: two in South Africa and one in Namibia. The latter is a unique cave site near the northern extreme of the species' range on the edge of the Namib Desert. To determine the colony size, long-term viability and any difference in breeding ecology relative to more southern sites we combined data from previous visits to the site with four visits in 2001. We found that about 240 to 300 birds use the Sylvia Hill cave, and about 90 nests are active with a laying peak in January. Eggs are laid on top of guano mounds not in burrows as is usual for this species. Smaller clutches (1.68 eggs/nest) but larger broods (x = 1.31 chicks/nest) were apparent in this colony than those farther south. Larger mean clutches farther south suggest a latitudinal trend in clutch size for Namibia's penguins. We found no evidence for a population decline over 17 years, and thus no evidence that birds at the periphery of their range moved southwards into core areas. We conclude that the colony is healthy and thriving despite a general decline in penguin numbers in southern Africa.     

Breeding system and spatial variation in the pollination biology of the heterocarpic Thymelaea velutina (Thymelaeaceae)

Thymelaea velutina (Thymelaeaceae) is a unique dioecious and heterocarpic shrub, each female producing both dry and fleshy fruits. It is endemic to the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean) and has suffered an important regression in recent decades, especially due to habitat loss. It lives in coastal areas, mainly in dunes, but a few populations occur up to 1300 m in the mountains of Mallorca. In the present study, we examined its breeding system and pollen vectors, determined whether seed production is pollen-limited, and quantified the relative importance of different insect visitors at coastal and mountain sites. Selective exclusions showed no differences between populations in the relative importance of insects and wind as pollen vectors. Pollen was limiting at both populations, though not consistently in time. Flowers of T. velutina were visited mostly by generalist insects, and species composition and abundance of flower visitors varied both in space and time. The flowering period is about a month later in the mountain than in the dune, and this results in a higher frequency of insect visits to plants in the mountain due to the higher insect abundance; insects were also more diverse in the mountain, although they visited a proportionally lower number of flowers than in the dune. Despite this spatio-temporal variation in the frequency of insect visits and in the importance of a particular insect group, the ambophilous system in this species (previously described as anemophilous) ensures a relatively high fruit set at the two different sites.     

Breeding success at the range margin of a desert species: implications for a climate‐induced elevational shift

If the breeding range of a species is limited by biotic or abiotic environmental factors that depress breeding success at the range margin, then range expansion is expected when those limiting factors are alleviated. Over a three‐year period, we measured breeding success of a desert species, black‐throated sparrow Amphispiza bilineata, along a steep elevation gradient between the Peninsular Mountains and Colorado Desert (San Diego County, California) that is undergoing a warming trend. We compared breeding success at geographically marginal locations (higher‐elevation chaparral sites) to more central locations (lower‐elevation desert scrub sites) only a short distance apart. Breeding success was measured at the nest level, territory level, and population level. At each level measured, breeding success tended to be greater at higher‐elevation chaparral sites at the distribution margin compared to lower‐elevation sites where the bird was more common. Black‐throated sparrows had 100% reproductive failure at lower‐elevation sites during the two driest years of our study (2006–2007), but did relatively well at higher‐elevation sites. Only in a wetter year (2008) was breeding success improved at lower‐elevation sites. Surprisingly, there was no evidence of an upward elevational shift in distribution over a 26‐year period despite a clear warming trend and drier conditions. Greater territory density at lower‐elevation sites with reproductive failure during dry years suggests the possibility of an ecological trap in this system, which could prevent or delay climate‐induced range shifts. A common presumption has been that desert species will undergo relatively mild negative impacts due to a warming climate, but it is possible that some desert species are already at or near their temperature and aridity tolerance limits within their current range and shifts may not always be possible.     

Census methods for White stork (Ciconia ciconia): bias in sampling effort related to the frequency and date of nest visits

Periodic censuses have been widely used to identify the population numbers and conservation status of many bird species. In order to be comparable, a census must be homogeneous through time. However, this requirement is not always possible. For this reason, studies addressing a possible bias in sampling efforts are very useful to correct such errors. In the present work, a standardized periodic monitoring of breeding White stork (Ciconia ciconia) at six Spanish colonies was conducted to estimate survey accuracy. We estimated the percentage of breeding pairs and productivity (number of chicks), i.e., accuracy, detected in each possible combination of number of visits as compared with the results obtained for the whole intensive monitoring, i.e., reality. Our results showed that single visits resulted in lower percentages of the number of breeding pairs and productivity detected compared with combinations of two or more visits. Nevertheless, one visit in a single month (April for the number of breeding pairs and June for productivity) did not show significantly lower results than the rest of the combinations of two or more visits. Early or late visits in the season might underestimate breeders by not accounting for either late-occupied or failed nests, respectively. In addition, the obvious increase in the probability of detection related with the number and the size of chicks is probably the reason why later visits in the season reported the highest value of productivity. In conclusion, the estimation bias presented in this study may be used to adjust sampling efforts in the census of the White stork.     

Natural cavity restoration as an alternative to nest box supplementation

Nest box supplementation is widely used to increase nest‐site availability for cavity nesting animals but the analysis of its effects on individuals breeding in natural cavities is often neglected. This study offers a novel restoration technique to revert abandonment of natural breeding sites by a secondary cavity avian bird, the European roller (Coracias garrulus), and other ecologically similar species. We found that, after a program of nest box supplementation with ensuing monitoring, rollers gradually abandon nesting in natural and seminatural cavities in favor of nest boxes because the latter are of higher quality. We examine whether reducing the entrance size of natural and seminatural cavities improves their suitability for rollers. A 6‐year program reduced the diameter of the entrance of sandstone cavities and cavities in bridges. This led to a high occupancy (59%) of manipulated nest‐sites. Manipulated sites were most frequently occupied by rollers and little owls (Athene noctua) (31 and 18% of sites, respectively). Manipulation did not affect clutch size or fledgling success. We suggest that nest‐site diversity and nesting in natural cavities should be preserved to reduce nest box dependence. Our study illustrates the value of nest boxes when used alongside restoration of natural breeding sites and provides insights for the management of natural cavities.     

Detection probabilities of two introduced frogs in Hawaii: implications for assessing non-native species distributions

Two nonnative Caribbean frogs, the Puerto Rican coqui and the Cuban greenhouse frog, recently invaded Hawaii. Because of its louder breeding call, management efforts have focused on the coqui, while little has been done to address the more cryptic greenhouse frog, even though it may be as widespread and have similar ecological impacts. The goal of this research was to determine the distribution and detection probability of both species on the island of Hawaii. We conducted a breeding call presence/absence survey at 446 sites every 2 km along major road networks. We re-surveyed 125 sites twice to determine detection and occupancy probabilities. Greenhouse frog detection probabilities (0.24, 0.29, 0.48, for each of the three visits, respectively) were lower than coqui detection probabilities (0.58, 0.73, 0.50, respectively) and increased with visits while those of the coqui did not. Greenhouse frog detection probabilities were lower in the presence of coquis for the first two surveys (0.12, 0.14) than in sites with greenhouse frogs alone (0.41), while greenhouse frogs had no effect on the detection of coquis. Site occupancy estimates for the greenhouse and coqui frog were 0.35 and 0.31, respectively, suggesting the species are similarly widespread. Results suggest multiple visits to sites are required to detect the greenhouse frog. Furthermore, results suggest that accounting for detectability is essential when determining the extent of invasion of cryptic species.     

Kin‐bias,breeding site selection and female fitness in a cannibalistic Neotropical frog

Resource availability influences sexual selection within populations and determines whether behaviours such as territoriality or resource sharing are adaptive. In Thoropa taophora, a frog endemic to the Atlantic Coastal Rainforest of Brazil, males compete for and defend limited breeding sites while females often share breeding sites with other females; however, sharing breeding sites may involve costs due to cannibalism by conspecific tadpoles. We studied a breeding population of T. taophora to determine (i) whether this species exhibits polygynous mating involving female choice for territorial males and limited breeding resources; (ii) whether limited breeding resources create the potential for male–male cooperation in defence of neighbouring territories; and (iii) whether females sharing breeding sites exhibit kin‐biased breeding site choice, possibly driven by fitness losses due to cannibalism among offspring of females sharing sites. We used microsatellites to reconstruct parentage and quantify relatedness at eight breeding sites in our focal population, where these sites are scarce, and in a second population, where sites are abundant. We found that at localities where the appropriate sites for reproduction are spatially limited, the mating system for this species is polygynous, with typically two females sharing a breeding site with a male. We also found that females exhibit negative kin‐bias in their choice of breeding sites, potentially to maximize their inclusive fitness by avoiding tadpole cannibalism of highly related kin. Our results indicate that male territorial defence and female site sharing are likely important components of this mating system, and we propose that kinship‐dependent avoidance in mating strategies may be more general than previously realized.     

Comparative detection,density, and reproductive performance of Kirtland's warbler in jack and red pine

The formerly endangered Kirtland's warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) is among a growing number of conservation-reliant species that depend on active management to avoid reverting to endangered status. Because the Kirtland's warbler is a habitat specialist of young, even-aged jack pine (Pinus banksiana), managers of the recovery effort stressed creating new jack pine stands and monitoring numbers of singing males through an annual census using single visits to individual stands. Kirtland's warbler will occupy and breed in red pine (P. resinosa), but red pine has not been surveyed for Kirtland's warblers in the annual population census. Furthermore, the current monitoring approach cannot determine their species detection probability or individual detection probability, which is essential to evaluate both red pine use and the accuracy of the census. From 2016–2018 we estimated density and detection probabilities in jack pine and red pine stands through repeated visits to a limited number of stands rather than single visits to many stands. Estimates of species detection probability indicated that ≥1 male Kirtland's warbler would be detected on most sites when any were present, but individual detection probabilities were less and varied by stand type, indicating that single visits to sites would underestimate numbers and that accurate estimation of detection probability was important for estimation of density in different stand types. We offer quantitative estimates of detection probabilities for determination of Kirtland's warbler population size in jack pine versus red pine stands in the same areas and breeding seasons. Managers of Kirtland's warblers should incorporate detection probabilities into population surveys to achieve more accurate estimates of population size.     

Nest monitoring does not affect nesting success of Whinchats Saxicola rubetra

It is important to assess the effect that research activities may have on animals in the wild, especially when key parameters, such as breeding success, could potentially be influenced by observer activity. For birds, some studies have suggested that nest monitoring can increase the chances of nest failure due to predation, whereas others suggest that human nest visits may actually deter mammalian predators. Nest monitoring visits can also influence breeding success more indirectly by altering parental provisioning behaviour. Here, the influence of monitoring activities on nest success was examined in a ground‐nesting grassland bird, the Whinchat Saxicola rubetra. During the egg phase, a sample of nests were not visited between the initial finding event and the estimated hatching date; instead, the nest status was assessed at a distance. Daily survival rates (DSR) for these nests were compared with that of nests visited every 2 days. During the nestling phase, the effects of observer nest visits on parental provisioning behaviour were determined. Nest visits were found not to affect egg DSR significantly, and parental provisioning was disrupted for a maximum of 20 min (0.52% of the nestling period) following an observer visit. Given the variation in response to nest visits across species, we suggest that consideration should be given to observer impact in all studies where predation risk is high. Here, we illustrate a method for researchers to assess the impact of their nest visits to ensure they are not biasing estimates of breeding success.     

Light data from geolocation reveal patterns of nest visit frequency and suitable conditions for efficient nest site monitoring in Common Swifts Apus apus

ABSTRACT

Capsule: We developed a protocol for efficient monitoring of potential Common Swift Apus apus nest sites which considers variation in nest visit frequency across the breeding season and in relation to time of day and weather.

Aims: To investigate patterns of nest visit frequency in Common Swifts in order to improve the efficiency and reliability of the monitoring of nest sites threatened by building renovations.

Methods: We derived information on nest attendance from light data recorded by geolocators from ten adult Common Swifts during three breeding seasons (n?=?686 individual sampling days) and analysed how nest visit frequency varied across the breeding season and in relation to time of day and weather.

Results: The mean nest visit frequency was 5.63 visits per bird per day (0.32 visits per hour of daylight). The daily number of visits was highest at the beginning of July during chick-rearing. Moreover, it was positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with rainfall and wind speed. Nest visit frequency showed a distinct peak around sunset, while also being relatively high in the morning and around noon.

Conclusion: We recommend monitoring potential Common Swift nest sites in Central Europe between the end of June and mid-July during good weather between 0.50 and 7.75?h after sunrise or between 3.00?h before sunset and sunset, when observation bouts of 0.5–2.0?h provide an encounter probability greater than 90%. Our study shows that repurposing geolocator light data – usually used to study bird migration – for investigating nest attendance in cavity-breeding birds can provide important information for bird conservation.     

Population changes of breeding waders on farmland in relation to agri-environment management

Capsule Population response of breeding waders to agri-environment management varied between management options and species; implementation has been on too small a scale to reverse national population declines.

Aims To test whether numbers of five breeding wader species have shown a more positive response between 1992 and 2005, at sites with appropriate agri-environment management, than at sites that have remained outside such schemes.

Methods Using data from 60 pairs of farmland study areas in Scotland first surveyed in 1992/93, before agri-environment scheme (AES) implementation, and again in 2005, after scheme implementation, we tested at both site and field scales whether changes in the abundance of five breeding wader species were associated with AES management options designed to benefit these species.

Results Changes in breeding wader abundance were more positive on sites in AES, especially for Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus and Common Redshanks Tringa totanus, even though management had not been targetted specially at breeding waders on those sites. However, AES management was associated only with modest population increase for Common Redshanks, and a reduction in the magnitude of decline for Northern Lapwings. At the field scale, there was evidence for Northern Lapwings, Common Redshanks and Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago that options which limited grazing and other agricultural activity were associated with more positive outcomes than those which also manipulated water levels.

Conclusions AES management for breeding waders slowed, and in some cases reversed, breeding wader decline at field and farm scales. These benefits were from options that limited grazing and agricultural operations during the breeding season, but not those that also aimed to raise water levels. A possible explanation is that when wetland options are applied to agriculturally marginal fields, grazing reduction or abandonment, and succession to rank vegetation cover then occur over the course of 5-year agreements, with detrimental effects for breeding waders. Verification arrangements need to be robust enough to guard against this. Levels of agri-environment provision in 2005 were too limited and too poorly targeted at remaining key areas for breeding waders to be able to halt or reverse national population declines.     

Himalayan musk deer (Moshcus leucogaster) behavior at latrine sites and their implications in conservation

Elusive species often use latrines which also serves as communication and information hubs. Thus, studying behavior at latrines may provide critical insights into the species’ ecology and behavior. While it is established that musk deer use latrines for defecating, very little is known about the endangered Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) and their latrines. We examined musk deer behavior from the various video clips lasting 238 min altogether, captured at latrine sites during both breeding and non‐breeding seasons in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal. A total of 428 visits by musk deer and 479 behavioral events by them were captured. We constructed an ethogram to describe musk deer behavior and compared behavior across individuals and sex using parametric and non‐parametric tests. We found that musk deer are crepuscular and nocturnal animals. Both male and female musk deer repeatedly and independently visited shared latrine sites as well as exclusively used latrine sites. The proportion of male musk deer visited latrine sites were significantly higher than that of female musk deer. Hence, male musk deer were found more active (>2 times) than females during both seasons. The most frequently observed behavioral activities at the latrine sites were defecating, sniffing and browsing, followed by scrapping and covering, and ignoring the latrine sites. The defecating and sniffing activity were performed throughout breeding and non‐breeding seasons to establish communication among peers and to claim territory. Based on the behaviors observed at the latrine sites, we can presume that Himalayan musk deer likely use latrines to convey various messages, including personality, maturity, sexual status, and territory marking among conspecifics. These findings of this study can be used for the conservation of musk deer in its natural habitat and replicated in captivity to enhance breeding performance that improves long‐term conservation prospects for this species.     

Breeding habitat preferences of the turtledove (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptopelia turtur</Emphasis>) in the Dadia-Soufli National Park and its implications for management

Forested areas provide important breeding habitats for the turtledove (Streptopelia turtur) in Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli National Park, Northeastern Greece. We censused the birds in two forested habitat types using the point-count technique at 60 sites during the breeding season (from mid-April to mid-June) in 2001 and 2002. We sampled vegetation structure at the same sites by measuring horizontal (tree species and density in different size classes) and vertical (percentage canopy closure in dominant, intermediate, suppressed and shrub layer) characteristics within 0.04 ha circular plots centred on the established points. Univariate and multivariate statistical techniques were employed to examine the response of the turtledove′s presence to habitat differences between used and unused sites. The results of this study indicate that habitat structure influence the presence of the turtledove during the breeding season. Middle-aged forest stands particularly those dominated by pine trees with low percentage cover in understory are likely to be beneficial to breeding the turtledove population. A combination of multipurpose forestry operations allowing development of managed woodland in mosaics with other habitat types could provide high-quality habitats for a wide range of wildlife species including game and non-game species in the area. Silvicultural methods of maintaining appropriate breeding habitat for turtledove in Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli National Park (DLS NP), which are in conflict with commercial forestry, are discussed.