University of Michigan Biological Station

The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) was founded in 1909.

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A botanical analysis of Kirtland’s Warbler nests

TitleA botanical analysis of Kirtland’s Warbler nests
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1961
AuthorsSouthern WEdward
JournalThe Wilson Bulletin
Volume73
Pagination148-154
KeywordsWARBLERS
Abstract
  1. 25 nests of the Kirtland’s Warbler were examined; 20 were taken apart and the materials identified, weighed, and measured. 2. The prevalence of "pine islands" is apparently necessary for the presence of breeding Kirtland’s Warblers. 3. The nest is located on the ground near jack pines. 4. The nest was composed of three layers of noticeably different materials. 5. 29 species of plants were identified from nest contents. Most of these were fairly common in the pine plains. 6. The materials used in the nests were placed in 11 categories and each species of plant is discussed as to the amounts and portions used in the nests, postion in the nest, and the constancy of the species in the pine plains. 7. The abundance of sedges and grasses may be important in restricting the warblers to particular portions of the jack-pine plains. There was no indication that any one particular plant affected the distribution of the warblers. However, an association of plants, represented by those found within the nests, may have a definite influence upon the selection of nesting habitat by the warblers.