Within the Pleasant Run Unit of the Hoosier National Forest, Morgan-Monroe State Forest, and Yellowwood State Forest in Indiana, a total of 45 Cerulean Warbler territories were mapped during 2004 and 2005. We sampled vegetative characteristics of the Cerulean Warbler territories and 45 random plots in southern Indiana, as part of a description of Cerulean Warbler habitat usage in this part of their breeding range. Cerulean Warbler song-perch trees were larger and taller than surrounding trees within territories. In addition, certain species were selected as song-perch trees, whereas others were avoided. Territories were characterized by fewer mid-sized trees (11.6-14.9 m tall), and a higher mean canopy height. In addition to tree size, tree species may play an important role in territory site selection of Cerulean Warblers in southern Indiana. Relative abundance, reproductive success, territory sizes, and observations of nest material thievery are also reported. / Department of Biology

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2009. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 73 p. : ill. (some col.), maps. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

We determined foraging characteristics of Cerulean Warblers (Dendroica cerulea) in Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood state forests in southern Indiana from 2007-2009. The average foraging height, tree height, and tree diameter at breast height (dbh) were greater for males than females. During 2008, areas of our study site received silvicultural manipulations that allowed us to compare foraging behavior before and after treatments. Harvesting techniques included shelterwood and clearcut or single and group tree selection. Foraging Cerulean Warblers in harvested areas had a lower average foraging height, tree height, and dbh during post-treatment than in pre-treatment years. Additionally, we examined foraging tree species selection and determined expected foraging tree species use based on basal area and stem density of tree species in the territories. We compared territory composition to random sites to explore tree selection on a larger scale. The most commonly used foraging tree species were bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), white oak (Quercus alba), and tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). / Department of Biology

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2003. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vi, 53 p. : ill. (some col.), maps (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 28-35).

This study presents the results of a field study comparing the effects of two forest harvest methods on the Cerulean Warbler, a state-endangered songbird. Population estimates and a breeding study produced no significant differences among groups, although the species was not attracted to forest openings and experienced decreased nest success in treated sites. Additional study on prey influences showed strong correlations with timing of breeding and peak larval lepidopteran abundance, specifically on oak and hickory tree species. Data suggests that these trees are vital to increased probability of nest success due to an increase in prey availability within territories. Further study is recommended to ascertain the long-term effects of forest harvest and the importance of oak and hickory dominated landscapes to the persistence of this species. / Cerulean warbler population response and nesting success in forests with recent silviculture -- Avian nesting ecology and prey abundance using frass drop as an indicator. / Department of Biology

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2006. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 89 p. : ill. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Over the past five decades, populations of the Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) have declined precipitously and the response of populations to silviculture has been identified as a high-priority research need. This species was studied in nine forest management units in Southern Indiana following a harvest that took place in 2008. Males were detected, territories were demarcated, and male age-class was determined to identify settlement patterns. Vegetation was measured in all territories and associated random non-use sites. Data analyzed in ArcMap (ArcGIS 10) show that Cerulean Warbler territory size was smallest and density was highest in even-aged units. Territories contained a greater number of small woody species than non-use sites but no vegetative differences existed between male age-classes. Instead, males appeared to select areas by relying on social cues from experienced neighbors. It is possible that “social attraction” management techniques could influence male Cerulean Warbler settlement patterns, providing a valuable tool for the conservation of this species. / Forest management effects on cerulean warbler territory size in southern Indiana -- Conspecific social cues strongly influence cerulean warbler male settlement patterns in a managed forest. / Department of Biology

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2009. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 98 p. : ill. (some col.), col. maps. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references. WVU users: Also available in print for a fee.

There is no abstract available for this thesis. / Department of Biology

The Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea), a once common summer inhabitant and breeder in southern Indiana, has declined at both local and continental population levels. Effects of specific silvicultural practices on the distribution and abundance of the Cerulean Warbler is unknown. During the summers of 2005 & 2006, Cerulean Warblers were surveyed within the Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood state forests, as well as the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana. Three forest types were surveyed; unharvested reference sites were compared with single tree selection treatments and treatments where a combination of group and single tree selection was used. Mean bird abundance was estimated from bird surveys to determine if a correlation exists between silvicultural regimes and Cerulean Warbler abundance. Cerulean Warblers were located in all treatment types, with no significant differences in abundance between or among treatment types examined. These results suggest that uneven-age management practices, such as single tree and group selection harvesting, provide suitable breeding habitat for Cerulean Warblers.Knowledge of Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea) male pairing status based on song rates and frequencies, as well as familiarity with non-song vocalizations could be an effective management tool when studying this species. Cerulean Warblers were recorded throughout the breeding season, and 18 song variables were measured and compared between paired and unpaired males using Logistic Regression. Unpaired males had higher song rates and higher minimum frequencies than paired male counterparts. Female and fledgling call notes were also recorded and quantitatively analyzed. These analyses offer further understanding of intraspecific call functions of this species. / Department of Biology