Publication Date
6-1-2005
Abstract
Suburban sprawl in a central-Texas city gradually entrapped native nesting birds in a heavily wooded ravine. The birds were spot-mapped in 6-ha plots for 39 years, and the kinds and causes of avifaunal change were measured. Habitat area was reduced overall but not in study plots, which were partly modified by sewer-line construction, and temperatures became warmer. Permanent-resident populations were stable or grew with invasions by four species, while three species were lost. Summer-resident populations declined, and nine species were lost. At the end of study, survivors were largely permanent residents and arboreal and cavity nesters by contrast to lost ground and open nesters. Body size was inconsequential to survival. Entrapment promoted an avifauna partly supported by cultural resources and modified natural factors. By using guild proportions, native avifaunas may be assessed in support of the ecological and educational values of preservation.
Creative Commons License
Recommended Citation
Gehlbach, Frederick R.
(2005)
"Native Texas Avifauna Altered by Suburban Entrapment and Method for Easily Assessing Natural Avifaunal Value,"
Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society: Vol. 38:
Iss.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tos_bulletin/vol38/iss2/4