Could ecological release be responsible for the change in Dusky Flycatchers’ nest site location? If not, what could?
In our latest blog feature, Kathryn Purcell explores this question and shares the results of her research: https://shorturl.at/ZkwrR
#AFOblog #JournalofFieldOrnithology
New on our blog! "Why do Dusky Flycatchers nest in trees at high elevations?" Classical ecological theory suggests that two species cannot occupy the same niche when they co-occur. Two closely related and ecologically similar Empidonax species breed across an elevational gradient in the southern Sierra Nevada, California: Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri) and Hammond's Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii)
The two species coexist at lower elevations but only Dusky Flycatchers occur in high elevation forests. Hammond's Flycatchers always nest in trees. Dusky Flycatchers nest primarily in shrubs where the two species occur together. At high elevations where only Dusky Flycatchers occur, they nest predominantly in trees.
Dusky Flycatcher sitting on its nest. Picture by Gary Woods. AFO: Journal of Field Ornithology
¿Podría ser la liberación ecológica la razón del cambio de sitio de nificación de los Empidonax oberholseri?
Kathryn Purcell explora estas preguntas en nuestra última entrada de blog, donde comparte los resultados de su investigación: https://shorturl.at/ZkwrR
#AFOblog #JournalofFieldOrnithology
