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The Hummingbird Monitoring Network: Habitat requirements for successful nesting of hummingbird species in the Madrean Pine-Oak Woodlands of southeastern Arizona Amount awarded: $4,300 Objectives: 1) Determine if there are specific habitat requirements for nesting of hummingbird species in this zone; 2) If grazing alters the habitat sufficiently to effect change in nesting success; 3) Determine the best long-term monitoring sites for all North American hummingbirds; and 4) Estimate abundance so trends in populations can be detected. Project Description: The Hummingbird Monitoring Network (HMN) and the Southwestern Research Station in the Chiricahua Mountains are developing a partnership to study habitat requirements for successful nesting of hummingbird species in the Madrean Pine-Oak Woodlands. Hummingbirds live in virtually all wooded habitats but reach their highest diversity in forest habitats where they use different age structure forests. Often, they nest in mature growth but forage in areas of disturbance where many of their nectar plants grow. A review of the Birds of North America (BNA) species accounts for hummingbirds indicates that at least nine of North American species rely on forests for breeding and seven of these nest in the Madrean Pine-Oak Woodlands. Two recent studies have shown that sites in southeastern Arizona support large numbers of hummingbirds, particularly during southbound migration. Results from HMN's monitoring work in southeastern Arizona suggest that the Madrean Pine-Oak Woodlands support the largest number of hummingbird species in the Sonoran Joint Venture region. Since southeastern Arizona supports high hummingbird richness, high abundance, and most North American hummingbird species rely on forests for breeding, habitats within the Madrean Pine-Oak Woodland are likely the most critical for maintaining hummingbird diversity in North America. However, little is known about habitat requirements for nesting and long-term reproductive success of most hummingbird species. This project will increase knowledge of habitat requirements of hummingbirds in this little-known and very important habitat.
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