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MPG North

Protecting Open Space for Future Generations

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Dark-Eyed Juncos Response to Habitat Quality

Allison M. Bernhisel shares a research update exploring how habitat quality influences Dark-eyed Junco health.  

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In collaboration with researchers from the University of Montana, we captured several Dark-eyed Junco to measure their hormone levels and metabolic rates.

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Dark-eyed Juncos nest on the ground of mixed-conifer forests and spend much of their time walking or hopping around, foraging for insects.

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We used mist nets (top) to catch birds. In the lower image, Dr. Breuner removes a Dark-eyed Junco from a mist net.

 

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After the blood draw and banding is complete (top), Dr. Breuner offers the bird a few sips of a sugary drink (bottom) and then transfers the birds to the mobile laboratory.

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After the blood draw and banding is complete (top), Dr. Breuner offers the bird a few sips of a sugary drink (bottom) and then transfers the birds to the mobile laboratory.

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In the mobile laboratory (below), Dr. Zac Cheviron (inset) prepares the juncos for metabolic rate measurements.

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Dr. Cheviron transported a few juncos back to his laboratory at the University. There, he used quantitative magnetic resonance, a noninvasive procedure, to measure the birds’ fat and muscle mass.

 

  • Mixed Conifer

Tags: 

  • Dark-eyed Junco
  • tree swallow

Related

  • Bird Surveys and Species Detections at MPG North: 2007-2012
  • Tree Swallow Response to Habitat Quality
  • What happened to the White Pine seedlings?

Photos

Tree Swallow Chick by Alan Ramsey
Nestlings develop rapidly. These 12-day old nestlings, though covered with more feathers and fat, are still blind and will depend on their parents for a few more days.
By studying the health and reproductive success of birds, we can learn whether our restoration work has translated into habitat improvements that benefit wildlife.

Videos

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Bluebird and Dark-eyed Junco

Bluebird and Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco Singing

Dark-eyed Junco Singing

About MPG North

Established in 2005, the property boundary at MPG North encloses 200 undeveloped acres in Western Montana’s Swan Valley. Researchers and field staff manage the property to improve habitat quality for wildlife, discover new ways to restore damaged landscapes and study forest ecology. We also create opportunities to share what we've learned with local conservation organizations, students of all ages, management agencies and volunteers. Through these education and outreach efforts, we seek to inspire others to work together and protect undeveloped landscapes.