Fire and bird communities in the South

Abstract

Fire has long been a natural and anthropogenic force shaping southern forests and their fauna. Some species are attracted to recent burns. There is little direct mortality of adult birds by fire, but growing season fires may consume some nests. Fire affects bird communities mainly through effects on vegetation. Fires effective enough to limit understory hardwood development would reduce habitat suitability for associated birds, but would promote species associated with grass-forb vegetation. In the long term, fire would disfavor species associated with deciduous foliage and favor species associated with pine canopies.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings: the role of fire for nongame wildlife management and community restoration: traditional uses and new directions

Citation

Dickson, James G. 2002. Fire and bird communities in the South. In: Ford, W. Mark; Russell, Kevin R.; Moorman, Christopher E., eds. Proceedings: the role of fire for nongame wildlife management and community restoration: traditional uses and new directions. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-288. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station: 52-57.