Subsequent-year recaptures at winter sites in three species of shrubland sparrows (Emberizidae)
The tendency by individual birds to return to winter sites in subsequent years can be important in assessing the potential influence of habitat changes during the nonbreeding period. We recaptured five Brewer's (Spizella breweri), seven sagebrush (Artemisiospiza nevadensis), and three black-throated (Amphispiza bilineata) sparrows from 1–3 subsequent years at the same winter location following their initial capture. Two Brewer's and one sagebrush sparrow returned to the same winter location at least 4 years after their initial capture. Levels of feather deuterium indicated that birds captured together on winter sites had different breeding ranges. Although individuals of these species returned to specific sites used in previous years, the low recapture rate suggests that wintering individuals may use an itinerant strategy adapted to seasonal food resources.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2017 |
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Title | Subsequent-year recaptures at winter sites in three species of shrubland sparrows (Emberizidae) |
DOI | 10.1894/0038-4909-62.2.165 |
Authors | Steven T. Knick, Matthias Leu, Steve E. Hanser |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Southwestern Naturalist |
Index ID | 70189697 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center |