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

The Cerulean Warbler is a small migratory that is currently considered a species of special concern. Cerulean Warbler response to two types of silvicultural treatments in southern Indiana was assessed by comparing relative abundance and territory data collected during the two years prior to tree harvest to data collected one year immediately following the harvest. ArcGIS was then used to identify spatial attributes of territories that appeared to be important to the species. Lastly, a method of sampling canopy openings by using a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit was introduced. The results suggest that Cerulean Warblers were not negatively affected by the harvest and that moderate prescribed silviculture treatments that create small canopy openings can benefit the species. / Immediate Cerulean warbler response to silviculture in southern Indiana -- Effects of silviculture on spatial characteristics of Cerulean warbler territories -- A method of sampling canopy openings associated with Cerulean warbler territories. / Department of Biology