AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Nest-Sites and Habitat of Red-Shouldered and Red-Tailed Hawks in Iowa

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1982
Authors:Bednarz, JC, Dinsmore, JJ
Journal:The Wilson Bulletin
Volume:94
Issue:1
Date Published:1982
ISBN Number:00435643
Keywords:Accipitridae, Buteo, Buteo jamaicensis
Abstract:This study compares nest-site microhabitats and nesting habitats of Red-shouldered and Red-tailed hawks in northeastern and central Iowa. RSH and RTH nest-sites differed significantly in nest tree height; tree-nest height difference, nest tree dbh, canopy cover at nest height, mean support branch diameter, mean nest diameter, mean distance between support branches, slope of ground supporting nest tree, woodlot size, distance to nearest water, distance to nearest road and distance to nearest building. Red-tail nests were characterized by accessibility, being placed high in a tree, on small support branches, in areas of little canopy cover, typically on a hillside and having large distances between support branches. Red-shoulder nests usually had secure support and protection by being placed lower in trees, on large support branches, in areas of greater canopy cover, on level topography and having smaller distances between support branches. Red-shoulders built nests in woodlots with more canopy trees and a greater tree density than woodlots used by red-tails. The area of floodplain forest, marsh, upland nonforested hunting area, cropland, open water, number of hunting areas, mean size of hunting areas and total edge surrounding the nest differed significantly between species. Red-shoulders required large amounts of floodplain forest, edge and numerous small hunting areas. Red-tails typically were found in areas with nearly equal proportions of woodland, pasture and cropland. Logging in floodplain forests may open these areas to encroachment by red-tails and displacement of red-shoulders.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4161575
Short Title:The Wilson Bulletin
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