Spatial distribution of the Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pennsylvanica) across a forested landscape

Abstract

The Chestnut-sided Warbler (<italic>Setophaga pennsylvanica</italic>) is considered a species of the forest edge and shrubby meadows. An integral question remains how this species chooses a territory and how the structure of the landscape affects that choice. Fine scale habitat patches using aerial photography were collected for nine 1600m x 1600m survey plots across northern Minnesota using point counts along transects during the breeding season of 1994 and 1995. Edges between habitat patches were quantified by the degree of contrast within these large plots. A chi-square analysis was used to determine what patches and edges Chestnut-sided Warblers selected in comparison with a random distribution. I found significant (P <0.05) selection for regeneration-aged forest patches on five of the nine survey plots. Chestnut-sided Warblers did not select for edges when all edges were considered; however, four plots had significant selection for abrupt edges. Chestnut-sided Warblers were strongly associated with shrubby, regenerating forest patches, but showed variable selection for edges in these forested landscapes. Current management practices are likely sufficient to provide adequate habitat for the Chestnut-sided Warbler and disturbance by clear-cutting or forest fire would be beneficial to this species.