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Nest site characteristics of three coexisting Accipiter hawks in northeastern Oregon

Raptor Research
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Abstract

Habitat data were evaluated at 34 Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), 31 Cooper's Hawk (A. cooperii), and 15 Sharp-shinned Hawk (A. striatus) nest sites in coniferous forests of northeastern Oregon. Crown volume profiles indicate a strong similarity in vegetative structure at nest sites of cooperii and striatus; both commonly nest in younger successional stands than gentilis. Habitat separation of nest sites among the three species was illustrated using a stepwise discriminant analysis; 88% of all gentilis sites were correctly classified. Interspecific overlap in nest site habitat was further demonstrated using a canonical analysis of habitat variables. Nest site habitat space of gentilis is distinct and is less variable in structure than that of the other species. Cooperii preferred nesting sites with norhern aspects, whereas striatus and gentilis showed no preference. The use of mistletoe (Arceuthobium sp.) growth by cooperii for nest platforms (64% of all nests) may explain its preference for Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) as a nesting tree. Douglas fir is most commonly parasitized by mistletoe.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Nest site characteristics of three coexisting Accipiter hawks in northeastern Oregon
Series title Raptor Research
Volume 17
Issue 3
Year Published 1983
Language English
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 65-76
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Raptor Research
First page 65
Last page 76
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