Realm: Terrestrial
Climate: Temperate
Biome: Temperate coniferous forest
Central latitude: 31.583330
Central longitude: -94.816660
Duration: 16 years, from 1977 to 1992

140 records

14 distinct species

Across the time series Vireo griseus is the most frequently occurring species

Methods

In 1977 4 80- by 250-m transects (2 ha each) were established in the pine plantation with a 100-m buffer zone with adjoining woods or other transects. Transects were similar in topography and representative of the total plantation. Birds on each transect were censused 9 times an equal number of times by each of 3 census takers. Total number of birds detected on the 8 ha of transects were extrapolated to number per km2 to facilitate comparison with other studies. Annual censuses by the same people were conducted during May each year from plantation age 2 (1977) through plantation age 17 (1992). All birds within a 40-m lateral distance from the transect mid-line detected by sight or sound were plotted on each transect map while each census taker slowly traversed the midline of each transect (Conner and Dickson 1980). Censusing of each transect took from 12 to 20 minutes; the extra time on some plots was used for identifying and recording birds. All censusing was completed within 3 hours after sunrise. Censusing was avoided during high winds (>19 kph) or substantial rain. Neotropical migratory bird abundance and bird species diversity were calculated for all transects each year. Bird species diversity was calculated from the information theory formula (MacArthur and MacArthur 1961). The number size and species identity of reef fish are recorded within a 2 m wide swath centered along each transect extending 2 m off the bottom. Unit of abundance = CountPerSqM, Unit of biomass = NA

Citation(s)

Dickson, J.G., Conner, R.N. & Williamson, J.H. (1993) Neotropical migratory bird communities in a developing pine plantation. Procedings on the Annual Conference. SEAFWA, 47, 439-446.