Waterthrush seiurus noveboracensis, during the non-breeding season (2007).

Content Provider	CiteSeerX
Author	Smith, Joseph A. M. Reitsma, Leonard R. Rockwood, Larry L. Marra, Peter P.
Abstract	Several species of Nearctic-Neotropical migratory songbirds appear to form roosting aggregations while on their wintering grounds but little is understood about the ecology of this behavior. We studied roosting behavior and patterns of roost habitat selection in the northern waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis, during three winter years (20022004) in Puerto Rico using radio telemetry. Overall, red mangrove was selected for roosting disproportionately to its availability. Regardless of diurnal habitat used, 87 % (n86) of northern waterthrush selected dense stands of coastal red mangrove for roost sites. Individuals traveled up to 2 km to access roost sites in this habitat on a daily basis. The majority (8 of 14) of individuals roosted alone, while others roosted in loose aggregations near communal roosts of gray kingbirds Tyrannus dominicensis. Patterns of roost site selection did not vary by sex. Individuals showing aggressive response to playback during the day, however, selected roost sites significantly closer to the coast. Several additional migratory and resident bird species also used red mangrove for night-time roosting habitat. Red mangrove may be a critical nocturnal roosting habitat for bird populations that live in proximity to coastal areas in the Neotropics. The benefits of nocturnal roosting behavior as well as why individuals appear to select red mangrove remain poorly understood. Roosting behavior is poorly understood in many bird species. The majority of detailed studies have focused on species that form conspicuous communal roosts. Commu-
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Publisher Date	2007-01-01
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Red Mangrove Waterthrush Seiurus Noveboracensis Non-breeding Season Roost Site Winter Year Dense Stand Several Specie Coastal Area Coastal Red Mangrove Access Roost Site Conspicuous Communal Roost Bird Population Critical Nocturnal Roosting Habitat Communal Roost Resident Bird Specie Several Additional Migratory Puerto Rico Northern Waterthrush Radio Telemetry Gray Kingbird Tyrannus Dominicensis Detailed Study Northern Waterthrush Seiurus Noveboracensis Wintering Ground Roost Site Selection Nearctic-neotropical Migratory Songbird Diurnal Habitat Many Bird Specie Roost Habitat Selection Loose Aggregation Aggressive Response Daily Basis Night-time Roosting Habitat
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