The other day I heard a drongo making what I would describe as its beta call as
I was walking out the door to head off to work. The little chap got a bit
agitated when I mimiced its call.
I contacted the author and received a pdf version of the following item ...
Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 2001. 32:251?76
THE ROLE OF DISTURBANCE IN THE ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF BIRDS§
Jeffrey D. Brawn,1 Scott K. Robinson,2 and Frank R. Thompson III3
1Illinois Natural History Survey and Department of Natural Resources and
Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois 61820;
e-mail:
2Department of Animal Biology, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois
61820; e-mail:
3USDA Forest Service, North Central Research Station, University of Missouri,
Columbia, Missouri 65211-7260; e-mail:
Abstract
Natural ecological disturbance creates habitats that are used by diverse groups
of birds. In North America, these habitats or ecosystems include grasslands or
prairies, shrublands, savannas, early successional forests, and floodplains.
Whereas the extent of all natural habitats has diminished significantly owing to
outright loss from agriculture and development, the suppression of disturbance
by agents such as fire and flooding has led to further losses. Accordingly, the
abundances of many bird species adapted to disturbance-mediated habitats have
declined as well. In North America, these declines have been more severe and
common than those of species associated with less frequently disturbed habitats
such as mature or closed-canopy forests. Field studies consistently reveal the
direct role of disturbance and successional processes in structuring avian
habitats and communities. Conservation strategies involving the management of
disturbance through some combination of flooding, application of fire, or the
expression of wildfire, and use of certain types of silviculture have the
potential to diversify avian habitats at the local, landscape, and regional
scale. Many aspects of the disturbance ecology of birds require further
research. Important questions involve associations between the intensity and
frequency of disturbance and the viability of bird populations, the scale of
disturbance with respect to the spatial structure of populations, and the role
of natural vs. anthropogenic disturbance. The effects of disturbance and ensuing
successional processes on birds are potentially long-term, and comprehensive
monitoring is essential.
[While I'm on the subject, has anyone had a chance to read Tim Lowe's latest
book "The New Nature" and in a position to comment on his reported views on
backyard birds?]
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