Avian Use of Campground and Noncampgound Sites in Riparian Zones

Abstract
We compared use of riparian habitat by 14 avian species [Catharus ustulatus, Turdus migratorius, Dumetella carolinensis, Vireo gilvus, Dendroica petechia, Oporornis tolmiei, Pheucticus melanocephalus, Selasphorous platycerus, Empidonax oberholseri, E. traillii, Parus atricapillus, Passerina amoena, Melospiza melodia, Passerella iliaca] during the breeding season on campground (n = 31) and noncampground (n = 80) sites in northern Utah [USA]. Multivariate analysis showed that 7 avian species were closely associated with campgrounds, whereas 6 of 7 species associated with noncampgrounds were ground- or shrub-nesting, or ground-foraging. These avian responses may be explained by differences in shrub and sapling density, litter depth, and amount of dead woody vegetation occurring between the 2 habitats. Our results can be used to design and manage campgrounds in riparian zones.

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