Characteristics of the Least Bell's Vireo Nest Sites Along the Santa Ynez River, Santa Barbara County

Abstract

Due primarily to alteration of riparian vegetation and nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), the least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) has under-gone a tremendous decline in range and numbers since the 1920's. In 1987, we sampled vegetation at 32 nest sites to characterize nesting habitat of least Bell's vireos in the Santa Ynez River drainage. Most next (59.4%) were located in willows (Salix spp.) or mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana) at heights of less than 1 m. Vireos selected sites with relatively dense vegetative cover in the vicinity of the nests. Herbaceous species and dead plant material comprised much of the nesting cover.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the California riparian systems conference: protection, management, and restoration for the 1990s; 1988 September 22-24; Davis, CA.

Citation

Olson, Thomas E.; Gray, M. Violet. 1989. Characteristics of the Least Bell''s Vireo Nest Sites Along the Santa Ynez River, Santa Barbara County. In: Abell, Dana L., Technical Coordinator. 1989. Proceedings of the California Riparian Systems Conference: protection, management, and restoration for the 1990s; 1988 September 22-24; Davis, CA. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-110. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; p. 278-284