Black-capped Chickadee & Tufted Titmouse Foraging and Habitat Preference
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Authors
Cochetti, Alex
Issue Date
2022-04
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
In recent years, invasive plants have spread rapidly throughout forests in the New York. These plants take over forests and create thick understories that change the forest structure negatively impacting the native flora and fauna. Songbirds foraging habits facilitate the spread of invasive seeds to new areas. Songbirds like the black-capped chickadee and tufted titmice are non-migratory and forage actively throughout the winter. To determine if these songbirds are actively selecting these invasive understory habitats over native habitats, I am conducting research on songbird abundance and foraging rates in areas designated as native or invasive based on the presence and number of invasive plants or native plants. Abundance is calculated through point counts and foraging rates are calculated through activity budgets. Data will be interpreted through statistical analysis comparing abundance from native to invasive sites, as well as time spent foraging. This information will help to understand if these songbirds are helping to accelerate the spread of invasive plants through their foraging behaviors.