Caribbean Birds

Patterns of Habitat Use by Birds on Lesser Antillean Island With Respect to Stage of the Taxon Cycle

Average values of habitat diversity, habitat position, and local density as a function of stage of taxon cycle. Habitat use by Lesser Antillean birds was determined by point counts (presence or absence during 20 minute stops at each of 10 stations in each of 7 habitat types). George Cox (1977; St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Trinidad), Joe Wunderle (1985; St. Vincent, Tobago) and Irby Lovette (in review; Dominica) quantified the frequency of each species habitat use (habitat diversity), its preferred habitat type (habitat position; 7 different habitats ranging from lowland grasslands to upland forests) and its abundance in each habitat (local density). Data are presented as means and standard errors. Statistical tests were determined in nested ANOVAs based on the F-ratio of stage/species(stage): diversity (F = 5.2, df = 3, 49, P = 0.0035); position (F = 4.6, df = 3, 36, P = 0.0065); density (F = 2.1, df = 3, 46, P = 0.12). t-tests of least-squares means identified the following significant differences: diversity (stages 1 and 2 vs. 3 and 4); position (1 vs. 2 vs. 3,4); density (1,2 vs. 3,4).