From Field and Study: Notes on the use of the creosote bush by birds
Anderson AH and Anderson A. 1946. From Field and Study: Notes on the use of the creosote bush by birds. The Condor. 48(4):179
Creosote bush is not utilized by birds when growing in pure stands. However, in the Tucson area, when mixed with other species verdins (_Auriparus flaviceps_) and gnatcachers (_Polioptila_ sp.) forage throughout the year. Audubon warblers (_Dendroica auduboni_), Pileolated warblers (_Wilsonia pusilla_), Cactus wrens (_Heleodytes brunneicapillus_), House sparrows (_Passer domesticus_), House finches (_Carpodacus mexicanus_), Green-backed goldfinch (_Spinus psaltria_), and Black-chinned hummingbirds (_Archilochus alexandri_) use the plant for various purposes and at various times. Evidently the slender upright branches, the lack of support-forming intertwining twigs, and the scarcity of forking make this shrub undesirable for nest location. A Black-tailed gnatcatcher (_Polioptila melanura_) nested near Rillito Creek 2.5 feet above ground on May 26, 1944.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Anderson, Anders; Anderson, Anne
- Units
- SODN
- Keywords
- creosote bush, Ecology (Animal), Ornithology (migration,dispersal behavior)