A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Effects of low-density housing development on shrubland birds in western Massachusetts
Highlights ► Four bird species increased and one decreased with housing development. ► Avian responses to development were correlated with trends in bird populations. ► One species had lower nest success in more developed landscapes; 7 species did not. ► Brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds increased with development.
Abstract Housing development in rural areas is the fastest-growing type of land use in the U.S. For birds, development near natural habitats is a problem because it can reduce abundances and nesting success and increase brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater). In southern New England, populations of shrubland birds are declining rapidly while exurban development is widespread and increasing. We studied effects of landscape-scale low-density housing development on abundance and nesting success of birds in western Massachusetts shrublands. Study sites included beaver wetlands, utility rights-of-way managed as shrublands, regenerating clearcuts, and mechanically treated old fields. Of 14 focal bird species, four increased with development within 1km of study sites whereas white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) decreased. Abundances of avian nest predators increased slightly with development, and abundances of brown-headed cowbirds decreased with development. Prairie warblers (Dendroica discolor) had lower nest success in more developed areas, but for seven bird other species and the community as a whole, nest success did not change with development in the surrounding landscape. Brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds was higher on sites with more development. Overall, only white-throated sparrow and prairie warbler showed negative impacts of development, but both of these species are declining rapidly in New England. Housing development in the surrounding landscape should be a consideration in management of these species. For other shrubland birds, however, low-density housing development at the landscape scale appears to have more neutral or even positive effects.
Effects of low-density housing development on shrubland birds in western Massachusetts
Highlights ► Four bird species increased and one decreased with housing development. ► Avian responses to development were correlated with trends in bird populations. ► One species had lower nest success in more developed landscapes; 7 species did not. ► Brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds increased with development.
Abstract Housing development in rural areas is the fastest-growing type of land use in the U.S. For birds, development near natural habitats is a problem because it can reduce abundances and nesting success and increase brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater). In southern New England, populations of shrubland birds are declining rapidly while exurban development is widespread and increasing. We studied effects of landscape-scale low-density housing development on abundance and nesting success of birds in western Massachusetts shrublands. Study sites included beaver wetlands, utility rights-of-way managed as shrublands, regenerating clearcuts, and mechanically treated old fields. Of 14 focal bird species, four increased with development within 1km of study sites whereas white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) decreased. Abundances of avian nest predators increased slightly with development, and abundances of brown-headed cowbirds decreased with development. Prairie warblers (Dendroica discolor) had lower nest success in more developed areas, but for seven bird other species and the community as a whole, nest success did not change with development in the surrounding landscape. Brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds was higher on sites with more development. Overall, only white-throated sparrow and prairie warbler showed negative impacts of development, but both of these species are declining rapidly in New England. Housing development in the surrounding landscape should be a consideration in management of these species. For other shrubland birds, however, low-density housing development at the landscape scale appears to have more neutral or even positive effects.
Effects of low-density housing development on shrubland birds in western Massachusetts
Schlossberg, Scott (author) / King, David I. (author) / Chandler, Richard B. (author)
Landscape and Urban Planning ; 103 ; 64-73
2011-06-08
10 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Effects of low-density housing development on shrubland birds in western Massachusetts
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