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

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

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

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