Breeding Habitats of the Wood Thrush and Veery

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Abstract
Habitat characteristics of 55 wood thrush [Hylocichla mustelina] and 61 veery [Catharus fuscescens] territories in western Connecticut [USA] were examined quantitatively to determine preferred habitat features and interspecific habitat differences. Both species tended to select sites with the wettest ground. Proximity to water and density of understory cover may have been important to a lesser degree. Wood thrushes required trees greater than about 12 m in height, perhaps for use as song perches. The major habitat difference was the absence of wood thrushes from thickets and early successional woods, which contained veeries. In mature woodland, veeries occupied sites which, on average, had cooler microclimates, as reflected in abundances of certain plant species. Possible proximate and ultimate factors involved in habitat selection are discussed. For some bird species, physical factors may be important habitat characteristics and should not be neglected in habitat analyses. Plant abundances may in some instances serve as useful indicators of physical habitat characteristics.