Spatial distribution of bird species on the east flank of Mauna Loa

Author:

Conant, Sheila

Title:

Spatial distribution of bird species on the east flank of Mauna Loa

Year:

1975

Pages:

vi, 98 leaves

Subject:

Birds habitat Hawaii Island Birds Hawaii Island Birds Mauna Loa Mauna Loa Vegetation boundaries Mauna Loa

Summary:

Eleven transects in ten different types of plant communities along the east flank of Mauna Loa were sampled monthly using the "count x detectability" method of censusing birds. Species presence and density at each site were used to construct community (sampling site) ordinations. The results of the analyses defined transect zones for those sites located on the Mauna Loa Transect. The transect zones by avian community analyses were almost identical to those based on analyses of plant communities on Mauna Loa. The habitats selected by each bird species are discussed and optimum habitats as a reflection of maximum density are described. At least two types of environmental factors associated with the altitudinal gradient appear to be important influences on patterns of avian spatial distribution: 1) continuously varying environmental factors including rainfall, temperature, etc.; 2) habitat discontinuities such as narrow ecotones and abrupt changes in vegetation structure. In some cases (e.g., Apapane, Iiwi) it is apparent that very specific factors (e.g., blooming time and food plants abundance such as Metrosideros and Sophora) strongly influence the distribution and local abundance of a few bird species. However, vegetation structure appeared to be the single most important influence on population density and patterns of spatial distribution of the bird species studied.

URL:

https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/34436

Collection:

Monographs