Abstract
In this study, I (1) describe habitat features important to Wood Thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina) nesting in eastern Texas, and (2) describe the effects of different edge habitats on their reproductive success. I conducted my study during 1993-1994 at the Sam Houston National Forest in San Jacinto County, Texas. I found 41 nests during 1993 and 14 nests during 1994. Vegetative measurements collected at nest sites were compared to random sites. The proportion of hardwoods in the 5-15-cm category was significantly higher for nest sites. Nest sites had significantly greater mean percent canopy closure than random sites. Mean foliage densities were significantly greater for nest sites in the 7-10-m canopy layer. Wood Thrushes built nests in the dense foliage at the upper understory (2-4 m) and midstory (6-10 m) despite the availability of taller overstory trees. Percent of nests which fledged young was 27.00-o in 1993 and 50.0'-. in 1994. Percent of nests predated was 67.6% in 1993 and 50.0% in 1994. Nest predation was examined in relation to distance from plantations, clearcuts, fields, and roads. More nests were predated than were successful in all categories of edge, except fields. A significant number of successful nests were built > 100 m from plantations. I observed a significant interaction between the distance a nest was located from an edge and the height of the nest. Nests built > 6 m in height near clearcuts appeared to be more frequently predated. Percent of nests parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) was 2.7% in 1993 and 7.1% in 1994.
Carrie, Neil Ross (1995). Habitat selection of the Wood Thrush nesting in east Texas. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1995 -THESIS -C3762.