Dissertation Research: Winter Habitat Segregation in a Neotropical Migrant Bird: Implications for Year-round Population Dynamics

小行星9423591 这个博士研究项目整合了种群生物学和行为生态学的各个方面，以研究新热带区鸟类迁徙（Setophaga ruticilla）在其越冬地的栖息地分布及其人口后果的模式和机制。 初步数据表明，女性被发现在不同的，也许是不太可取的栖息地，在那里他们经历了显着较低的越冬持久性（生存）和失去更多的体重在冬季比男性在更合适的栖息地。 本研究的具体目标是测试社会优势是否是产生这种栖息地占用模式的机制，并确定是否有生理条件和生存的后果。 本研究的结果将有助于了解新热带区候鸟的种群生物学，其丰度下降的可能原因，此外，是必不可少的健全的保护策略的发展。

9423591 HOLMES This doctoral research project integrates aspects of population biology and behavioral ecology to examine the patterns and mechanisms of habitat distribution and their population consequences of a Neotropical avian migrant (Setophaga ruticilla) on its wintering grounds. Preliminary data suggest that females are found in distinct and perhaps less preferable habitats, where they experience significantly lower overwinter persistence (survival) and lose more weight over winter than do males in more suitable habitat. The specific objectives of this research are to test whether social dominance is the mechanism producing this pattern of habitat occupancy, and to determine if there are consequences to physiological condition and survival. Results of this research will contribute to understanding the population biology of Neotropical migrant birds, the possible causes of their declining abundances, and furthermore, is essential to the development of sound conservation strategies.