Forestry management practices and populations of breeding birds in a hardwood forest in Nova Scotia

Abstract

Effects of forestry practices on the breedig birds of a hardwood forest in Nova Scotia were studied. Total breeding density on 3 uncut control plots was (.times. .+-. SD) 663 .+-. 145 pairs/km2. Total breeding densities on 3 plots clear-cut 3-5 yr earlier were somewhat lower (588 .+-. 155 pairs/km2), as were the densities on 1 thinned plot (550 pairs/km2) and on 2 strip-cut plots (475 and 575 pairs/km2), but differences between treatment were not statistically significant. Marked differences occurred in the species composition of the bird communities in the various plots. The most important breeding species on the control plots were least flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) and ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus). In the clear-cut plots the bird community was dominated by chestnut-sided warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica), common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) and white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). The species mixtures of the thinned and strip-cut plots were intermediate between those of the control and clear-cut plots.