The effect of soil parameters and earthworm abundance on the fine-scale nocturnal habitat use of the Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola).

ABSTRACT: The Eurasian woodcock prefers habitats where its main prey, earthworms, can be found in higher densities. Although they are forest-dwelling birds, they regularly visit pastures and natural grasslands at night, where earthworm abundance is generally higher. However, there is little information on fine-scale habitat use in relation to variation in habitat characteristics and prey availability, particularly beyond the breeding season. In our study, we investigated if the nocturnal occurrence of woodcocks during migratory stopover periods differed between two neighbouring fields, or management units, with similar vegetation structure, and if within-field variation in the spatial patterns of woodcock sightings were associated with fine-scale earthworm densities and soil parameters. Specifically

SUBMITTER: Schally G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11301443 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature