Bird Use of Forest Structural Classes in Grand Fir Forests of the Blue Mountains, Oregon
Authors: Sallabanks R.1; Riggs R.A.2; Cobb L.E.3
Source: Forest Science, Volume 48, Number 2, 1 May 2002 , pp. 311-321(11)
Abstract:
We sampled breeding birds in 83 stands in the Blue Mountains, northeastern Oregon, 1994–1996, to describe bird use of forest structural classes in grand fir (Abies grandis) forests. We classified stands, based on basal area in different tree-size categories, into six forest structural classes: (1) stand initiation (SI); (2) stem exclusion, open canopy (SEOC); (3) stem exclusion, closed canopy (SECC); (4) understory reinitiation (UR); (5) young forest, multistory (YFMS); and (6) old forest, multistory (OFMS). Most species were detected in all structural classes, but slightly more than onethird of species analyzed (13 of 38) differed in abundance among structural classes (P < 0.004). Cluster analysis, based on structural attributes measured in each stand and weighted by avian abundance, grouped birds with similar habitat associations and allowed us to identify “non-SI associates,” “SI associates,” “structural class generalists,” and “mature forest associates.” We did not identify any species that could be considered strictly “OFMS associates.” With the exception of some SI associates, such as the mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) and house wren (Troglodytes aedon), we found little evidence of structural class specialization by birds. In grand fir forests of the Blue Mountains, ecologists and managers should focus on understanding how specific silvicultural prescriptions influence structural attributes that are correlated with avian abundance, rather than on stand age per se. FOR. SCI. 48(2):311–321.Keywords: Avian abundance; bird–habitat relationships; breeding bird communities; forest management; neotropical migratory birds; forest structure; timber harvest; old growth; environmental management; forest; forest management; forest resources; forestry; forestry research; forestry science; natural resources; natural resource management
Document Type: Miscellaneous
Affiliations: 1: Director (Idaho office) Sustainable Ecosystems Institute, 1543 N. Mansfield Place, Eagle, Idaho, 83616, Phone/Fax: (208) 938-4804 rsallaba@sei.org 2: Wildlife and Range Scientist Boise Cascade Corporation, 1917 Jackson Avenue, La Grande, Oregon, 97850, Phone: (541) 962-2046 Robert_Riggs@bc.com 3: 708 4th Street, La Grande, OR, 97850, Phone: (541) 963-6707 wetdog@eoni.com
