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

这个博士研究项目综合了种群生物学和行为生态学的各个方面，研究了新热带候鸟（Setophaga ruticilla）在其越冬地的栖息地分布模式和机制及其对种群的影响。初步数据表明，雌性在不同的、可能不太理想的栖息地中发现，在那里，它们的越冬持久性（存活率）明显低于在更合适的栖息地中的雄性，并且在冬季体重下降更多。本研究的具体目的是测试社会优势是否是产生这种栖息地占用模式的机制，并确定是否对生理状况和生存产生影响。本研究结果将有助于了解新热带候鸟的种群生物学及其丰度下降的可能原因，并对制定合理的保护策略具有重要意义。

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.