Research on Wood Warblers in Canada

Abstract

Zoological Record, Wildlife Review, Biological Abstracts, and government publications from 1960 to 1992 were searched to determine the amount and type of research conducted in Canada on 36 species of breeding wood warblers (Emberizidae: Parulinae). Warbler species that exclusively (>90% of breeding ranges) or commonly (50-80% of breeding ranges) breed in Canada were studied more frequently than species that less commonly (20-49% of breeding ranges) or rarely (<20% of breeding ranges) breed there. Despite this trend, the search revealed that data are needed on microhabitat use (tree/shrub species and foraging substates), nest site selection, foraging ecology (feeding behavior and diet), reproduction and dispersal of most wood warbler species. Ornithologists are urged to collect these critical data so that prudent management decisions can be made in light of extensive harvesting of Canadian forests.