Polymorphism in the White-throated Sparrow: habitat occupancy and nest-site selection

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Abstract
We analysed several vegetational variables in four populations of White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) to determine if differences exist between the white-stripe (WS) and tan-stripe (TS) morphs at the level of the macrohabitat (territory) and the microhabitat (nest site). Univariate and discriminant function analyses revealed that trees were farther apart, more light penetrated to the forest floor, and fewer shade-tolerant plants occurred in territories of WS than TS males. There was little difference between females of the morphs in selection of nest sites. The distribution of territories of WS males along the discriminant function axis (macrohabitat analysis) was narrower than that of TS males, and was concentrated toward the "open" habitat end of the axis. The distribution of territories of TS males spanned the length of the axis, from "open" to "dense" habitat. The question why WS male × TS female pairs occupy a relatively narrow range of habitat whereas TS male × WS female pairs occupy a much broader range is discussed.

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