Dawn R. Houston

Analysis of Upland and Riparian Habitats as Stopover Sites for Migratory Songbirds in Central Texas

Migration may be the most perilous period for migratory birds and has profound effects on breeding success and survivorship. High-quality stopover sites, with abundant food resources, allow for rapid refueling of energy stores enabling a songbird to continue the next portion of its journey. Riparian areas are recognized as important stopover habitats, particularly in the desert Southwest, whereas upland habitats provide adequate stopover sites in other areas, such as the Midwest. Central Texas lies squarely in the Central Flyway, yet no research to date has investigated stopover habitat in this region. I propose to assess the relative stopover habitat quality of riparian and upland habitats by comparing refueling performance, physiological condition, and chronic stress of migratory songbirds. I will also compare fine-scale habitat characteristics using remote sensing methods between habitat types in regard to migratory songbird abundance. Finally, I will evaluate arthropod abundance to identify which habitat type may be more useful as a resource to migrating songbirds. My goal is to acquire knowledge of stopover habitat ecology in Central Texas to identify priority habitat for migratory bird conservation.