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An efficient survey method for estimating populations of Marsh Tits Poecile palustris,a low-density woodland passerine |
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| Authors: | Richard K Broughton Daria Dadam Marta Maziarz Paul E Bellamy Shelley A Hinsley |
| Institution: | 1. Centre for Ecology &2. Hydrology, Wallingford, UK;3. British Trust for Ornithology, Thetford, UK;4. Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland;5. RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, Sandy, UK |
| Abstract: | Capsule: A playback survey comprising two visits to woodland in early spring can reliably detect Marsh Tits Poecile palustris and permit reasonable estimation of the number of territories. Aims: To assess the efficacy of an efficient survey method for detecting and estimating populations of Marsh Tits. Methods: Detection probability of colour-marked Marsh Tits, surveyed using playback, was assessed with Cormack–Jolly–Seber models. Reliability of territory estimates was compared between colour-marked and largely or wholly unmarked populations. Results: Playback surveys over two visits in early spring were highly effective in detecting individual Marsh Tits. Territory estimates were similar for woods in years where less than 20% of the population was marked compared to years when a higher proportion of birds were colour-marked, although territories may be underestimated in larger woods with unmarked populations. Conclusion: A playback survey comprising two visits in early spring is recommended as an efficient method of surveying Marsh Tit populations and locating individuals. A survey protocol is suggested. |
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