Densities and Biomass Relationships of Birds Nesting in Boreal Forest Habitats

Abstract

A spot-mapping technique was applied to obtain quantitative data on bird populations on 25-acre (10 hectare) plots in northern boreal forest habitats. The number of breeding passerines varied from 15 to 42 pairs per plot. The number of species varied from 6 to 11 breeding passerines and 4 to 8 non-passerines and non-breeding passerines. Biomass of the breeding passerines ranged from 3100 to 5496 grams per 100 acres (40 hectare). Members of the Fringillidae family contributed the highest percentage of the total avian biomass, followed by Turdidae, Parulidae, Bombycillidae, Sylviidae, Paridae and Tyrannidae.