A comparative study of bird communities in coniferous and broadleaved woodland at various stages in the growth cycle.

Abstract

Bird counts were conducted in four coniferous and three broadleaved forests during the 1998 breeding season. Species richness and density at various stages in the growth cycle were determined. Conifers at thicket stage supported the highest number of bird species, which declined thereafter. Species richness in broadleaves increased over the life of the crop and at maturity exceeded that of conifers. Bird densities in both forest categories increased with crop age, though it was in 15- year-old stands that those in broadleaves equalled, and thereafter exceeded those in conifers. Densities at the studied sites were generally higher than those recorded in previous studies. Census method may account for some of this variation. Habitat diversity, tree species and vegetation management determined the bird species present. In the interest of species richness these factors should be considered in forest management.