Territoriality, habitat use and ecological distinctness of an endangered Pacific island reed-warbler
Craig RJ. 1992. Territoriality, habitat use and ecological distinctness of an endangered Pacific island reed-warbler. Journal of Field Ornithology. 63(4):436-444
Nightingale reed-warblers (Acrocephalus luscinia) were studied on Saipan, Mariana Islands from 1988 to 1991 to assess the territoriality, habitat use and morphology of this endangered, endemic, island species. Data were compared to those for closely related mainland forms to gain insights into differences evolved in an insular environment. Peak territorial activity was reached in January-February, the dry season. Males exhibited high site fidelity, but females had low mate fidelity between years. Birds inhabited mostly upland thicket-meadow vegetation, but they also used reed marshes, wetland thickets, and forest openings. Males were larger than females; mass, wing, tail and tarsus length reliably distinguished sexes.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Craig, Robert
- Units
- AMME , PACN
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Birds (Aves), Habitat Utilization, nightingale reed warbler (Acrocephalus luscinia), Saipan CNMI, Territory, Threatened-Endangered-Sensitive Animals