Moneglia P. (2010). Corsican nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi) and Corsican pine (Pinus nigra ssp. laricio var. corsicana): Food resource and fire impact. PhD thesis, Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, Laboratoire de Biogéographie et Ecologie des Vertébrés. 141 p.
Abstract:
The Corsican nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi) is a commensal species of the Corsican pine (Pinus nigra subsp. laricio var. corsicana). The present study is a contribution to the knowledge of the relationships between these two endemics. It focuses on the availability and the possible limiting effect of the main food resource for nuthatch in winter, the Corsican pine seeds, and on the impact of fires on the nuthatch.
Our results show a large temporal and spatial variability of seed production, which can occasionally place nuthatches in very difficult situations. However, we show that the nuthatch has developed a strategy (hoarding behavior and large home range) that allows her to tolerate the fluctuations of the food resource.
Corsican pine is a habitat-resource for which the fire represents a major disturbance that consequently affects the Corsican nuthatch. Our postfire monitoring shows a decline up to 67% of nuthatch population after fire. We show that this decline is long-lasting, and that the degree of alteration of the canopy (fire severity) is the key factor of the maintenance of the bird within its home range after fire.
Due to its endemism and to its specialization, the Corsican nuthatch can be considered as a good biological indicator of the condition of the laricio pine ecosystem. Our work helps to define guidance for maintaining or increasing the surface and the quality of nuthatch habitat.
Key words:
Sitta whiteheadi; Pinus nigra laricio; seed and cone production; forest birds; feeding ecology of birds; commensal; endemic; fire severity; salvage logging; bird conservation; Corsica.
Workshop on the Corsican nuthatch and its habitat, the Corsican pine forest
In June 2009, held a workshop in Corte (Corsica) on the Corsican nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi) organized by :
- Office de l’Environnement de la Corse,
- Direction de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement de Corse,
- Parc Naturel Régional de Corse,
- Office National des Forêts,
- Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes
- Centre Régional de la Propriété Forestière :
Title : Workshop on the Corsican nuthatch and its habitat, the Corsican pine forest (Gestion et conservation de la sittelle corse et de son habitat le pin laricio : Bilan et perspectives dans le cadre du plan national de restauration de la sittelle corse)
Workshop proceedings are available here
- Office de l’Environnement de la Corse,
- Direction de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement de Corse,
- Parc Naturel Régional de Corse,
- Office National des Forêts,
- Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes
- Centre Régional de la Propriété Forestière :
Title : Workshop on the Corsican nuthatch and its habitat, the Corsican pine forest (Gestion et conservation de la sittelle corse et de son habitat le pin laricio : Bilan et perspectives dans le cadre du plan national de restauration de la sittelle corse)
Workshop proceedings are available here
Corsican nuthatch is classified Vulnerable in IUCN Red List
Corsican nuthatch is classified Vulnerable in IUCN Red List.
This species has been uplisted to Vulnerable because recent data has shown that its small population has declined in the last decade due to logging and fires reducing the amount of large, mature Corsican pine available. Although some forests are regenerating, the slow maturation time of the pine means that potential new habitat does not compensate for the loss of mature pines elsewhere, therefore it is assumed that the population will continue to decline.
La Sittelle Corse (Sitta whiteheadi) vient d'être classée espèce menacée d'extinction dans la catégorie Vulnérable (VU) dans la liste rouge de l'UICN
La sittelle corse est endémique à la Corse, c'est-à-dire que sa répartition mondiale se situe uniquement en Corse. Passereau forestièr, la Sittelle est essentiellement présente dans les forêts de pin laricio.
Son effectif total est estimée à seulement 1557-2201 couples, sur une superficie de 185 km².
La Liste rouge de l’UICN constitue l’inventaire mondial le plus complet de l’état de conservation global des espèces végétales et animales. Elle s’appuie sur une série de critères précis pour évaluer le risque d’extinction de milliers d’espèces et de sous-espèces. Ces critères s’appliquent à toutes les espèces et à toutes les parties du monde.
Fondée sur une solide base scientifique, la Liste rouge de l’UICN est reconnue comme l’outil de référence le plus fiable sur l’état de la diversité biologique spécifique. Sur la base d’une information précise sur les espèces menacées, le but essentiel de la Liste rouge consiste à mobiliser l’attention du public et des responsables politiques sur l’urgence et l’étendue des problèmes de conservation, ainsi qu’à inciter la communauté internationale à agir en vue de limiter le taux d’extinction des espèces.
This species has been uplisted to Vulnerable because recent data has shown that its small population has declined in the last decade due to logging and fires reducing the amount of large, mature Corsican pine available. Although some forests are regenerating, the slow maturation time of the pine means that potential new habitat does not compensate for the loss of mature pines elsewhere, therefore it is assumed that the population will continue to decline.
La Sittelle Corse (Sitta whiteheadi) vient d'être classée espèce menacée d'extinction dans la catégorie Vulnérable (VU) dans la liste rouge de l'UICN
La sittelle corse est endémique à la Corse, c'est-à-dire que sa répartition mondiale se situe uniquement en Corse. Passereau forestièr, la Sittelle est essentiellement présente dans les forêts de pin laricio.
Son effectif total est estimée à seulement 1557-2201 couples, sur une superficie de 185 km².
La Liste rouge de l’UICN constitue l’inventaire mondial le plus complet de l’état de conservation global des espèces végétales et animales. Elle s’appuie sur une série de critères précis pour évaluer le risque d’extinction de milliers d’espèces et de sous-espèces. Ces critères s’appliquent à toutes les espèces et à toutes les parties du monde.
Fondée sur une solide base scientifique, la Liste rouge de l’UICN est reconnue comme l’outil de référence le plus fiable sur l’état de la diversité biologique spécifique. Sur la base d’une information précise sur les espèces menacées, le but essentiel de la Liste rouge consiste à mobiliser l’attention du public et des responsables politiques sur l’urgence et l’étendue des problèmes de conservation, ainsi qu’à inciter la communauté internationale à agir en vue de limiter le taux d’extinction des espèces.
Is social orgnaization in winter determined by short- or long-term benefits? A case study on migrant Red-breasted Nuthatches Sitta canadensis
Matthysen E., Cimprich D., Grubb Jr. T. C. (1992). Is social orgnaization in winter determined by short- or long-term benefits? A case study on migrant Red-breasted Nuthatches Sitta canadensis. Ornis Scnadinavia 23: 43-48.
Abstract:
We studied home ranges and sociality of Red-breasted Nuthatches wintering in two central Ohio woodlots. Using data on social coherence and home range overlap we identified different groups of one to three individuals, including solitary males and females and one male-male pair. We found no evidence for territory defence. We suggest that the difference in winter social organization between this species and its sedentary congeners can be explained by the absence of long-term benefits of social behaviour.
Abstract:
We studied home ranges and sociality of Red-breasted Nuthatches wintering in two central Ohio woodlots. Using data on social coherence and home range overlap we identified different groups of one to three individuals, including solitary males and females and one male-male pair. We found no evidence for territory defence. We suggest that the difference in winter social organization between this species and its sedentary congeners can be explained by the absence of long-term benefits of social behaviour.
A Note on the Vocalizations of the Chinese Nuthatch
Matthysen E., Gaunt S. L. L., McCallum D. A. (1991). A Note on the Vocalizations of the Chinese Nuthatch. The Wilson Bulletin 103 (4): 706-710
Introduction:
Within the rather uniform genus Sitta there is a species group of four small conifer-dwelling nuthatches: Corsican Nuthatch (Sit& whiteheudi), Kabylie or Algerian Nuthatch (S. ledanti), Kruper’s Nuthatch (S. kruperi) in Asia Minor, Chinese Nuthatch (S. villosa) in eastern Asia. These nuthatches have a highly disjunct distribution in the Palearctic region. Interest in this group has been stimulated by the recent discovery of S. ledanti (Vielliard 1976). Though some comparative information is available on the three Mediterranean species concerning voice, general behavior and details of plumage (Liihrl 196 1, Ledant and Jacobs 1977, Ledant 1978, Vielliard 1978, van den Berg 1982), little is known about the Chinese Nuthatch (Liihrl 1988). This species is of particular interest as it is regarded as the most primitive member of the genus (Vielliard 1978). Here we describe vocalizations of the Chinese Nuthatch recorded in the province of Sichuan, China, and discuss the relationship with vocalizations of the Mediterranean nuthatch species.
Introduction:
Within the rather uniform genus Sitta there is a species group of four small conifer-dwelling nuthatches: Corsican Nuthatch (Sit& whiteheudi), Kabylie or Algerian Nuthatch (S. ledanti), Kruper’s Nuthatch (S. kruperi) in Asia Minor, Chinese Nuthatch (S. villosa) in eastern Asia. These nuthatches have a highly disjunct distribution in the Palearctic region. Interest in this group has been stimulated by the recent discovery of S. ledanti (Vielliard 1976). Though some comparative information is available on the three Mediterranean species concerning voice, general behavior and details of plumage (Liihrl 196 1, Ledant and Jacobs 1977, Ledant 1978, Vielliard 1978, van den Berg 1982), little is known about the Chinese Nuthatch (Liihrl 1988). This species is of particular interest as it is regarded as the most primitive member of the genus (Vielliard 1978). Here we describe vocalizations of the Chinese Nuthatch recorded in the province of Sichuan, China, and discuss the relationship with vocalizations of the Mediterranean nuthatch species.
Systematic notes on Asian birds. 64. The range of the Chinese Nuthatch Sitta villosa and an evaluation of subspecies validity
Nazarenko A.A. (2006). Systematic notes on Asian birds. 64. The range of the Chinese Nuthatch Sitta villosa and an evaluation of subspecies validity. Zoologische Mededelingen. Leiden 80-5: 265-271
Abstract:
A critical analysis of the literature regarding Sitta villosa and the examination of specimens has shown that the range of this species is divisible into three main areas. These are well separated and each population is best treated as a valid subspecies, although for corea, the easternmost population, further research is needed to understand the distinctions between two apparently disjunct populations.
Keywords:
Sitta villosa, habitat loss, range fragmentation, subspecies variation.
Abstract:
A critical analysis of the literature regarding Sitta villosa and the examination of specimens has shown that the range of this species is divisible into three main areas. These are well separated and each population is best treated as a valid subspecies, although for corea, the easternmost population, further research is needed to understand the distinctions between two apparently disjunct populations.
Keywords:
Sitta villosa, habitat loss, range fragmentation, subspecies variation.
Foraging behavior of the Corsican nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi) in the Corsican pine (Pinus nigra laricio)
Villard P., Bichelberger S., seguin J.-F., Thibault J.-C. (2003). Foraging behavior of the Corsican nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi) in the Corsican pine (Pinus nigra laricio). Vie et milieu 53 (1): 27-32.
Abstract:
Les substrats, les structures de végétation et les strates qui sont exploités par la Sittelle corse (Sitta whiteheadi) dans son habitat principal, le Pin laricio (Pinus nigra laricio), sont décrites en montrant les différences qui existent entre la période de reproduction et la période hivernale. Les substrats exploités: durant la reproduction, les arbres constituent les 3/4 des substrats explorés par les Oiseaux pour s'alimenter, le 1/4 suivant concerne des captures en vol effectuées depuis un affût. En hiver, les Oiseaux glanent presque exclusivement dans les arbres. Les structures de végétation exploitées: durant la reproduction les Oiseaux explorent surtout les grosses branches, les troncs et les lichens lorsqu'ils s'alimentent dans les arbres. En hiver, les cônes de pins, les troncs et les grosses branches constituent l'essentiel des structures explorées. Parmi les strates exploitées pendant la reproduction, la cime est fréquentée d'une façon marginale, alors que le tronc l'est davantage, les Oiseaux visitent essentiellement le centre de la couronne, la zone de transition tronc-couronne et la périphérie de la couronne. Cette utilisation optimale des ressources de l'habitat à Pin laricio permet aux Sittelles adultes d'être complètement sédentaires.
Keywords:
Vertebrata, Aves, Softwood forest tree, Spermatophyta, Gymnospermae, Coniferales, Feeding, Feeding behavior, Europe, France, Pinus nigra, Corsica, Endemic species, Vegetation structure, Sedentary ,Substrate selection, Habitat selection, Foraging behavior
Abstract:
Les substrats, les structures de végétation et les strates qui sont exploités par la Sittelle corse (Sitta whiteheadi) dans son habitat principal, le Pin laricio (Pinus nigra laricio), sont décrites en montrant les différences qui existent entre la période de reproduction et la période hivernale. Les substrats exploités: durant la reproduction, les arbres constituent les 3/4 des substrats explorés par les Oiseaux pour s'alimenter, le 1/4 suivant concerne des captures en vol effectuées depuis un affût. En hiver, les Oiseaux glanent presque exclusivement dans les arbres. Les structures de végétation exploitées: durant la reproduction les Oiseaux explorent surtout les grosses branches, les troncs et les lichens lorsqu'ils s'alimentent dans les arbres. En hiver, les cônes de pins, les troncs et les grosses branches constituent l'essentiel des structures explorées. Parmi les strates exploitées pendant la reproduction, la cime est fréquentée d'une façon marginale, alors que le tronc l'est davantage, les Oiseaux visitent essentiellement le centre de la couronne, la zone de transition tronc-couronne et la périphérie de la couronne. Cette utilisation optimale des ressources de l'habitat à Pin laricio permet aux Sittelles adultes d'être complètement sédentaires.
Keywords:
Vertebrata, Aves, Softwood forest tree, Spermatophyta, Gymnospermae, Coniferales, Feeding, Feeding behavior, Europe, France, Pinus nigra, Corsica, Endemic species, Vegetation structure, Sedentary ,Substrate selection, Habitat selection, Foraging behavior
Which method to fit a very small songbird with a radio transmitter? Radio-tracking Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi
Villard P., Thibault J.-C. (2001). Which method to fit a very small songbird with a radio transmitter? Radio-tracking Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi. Alauda 69 (2): 329-330
Taking advantage of a crisis: the behaviour of Corsican Nuthatches after a wildfire
Thibault J.-C., Villard P. (2005). Taking advantage of a crisis: the behaviour of Corsican Nuthatches after a wildfire. British Birds 98: 158-9.
Annual survival rates of adult male Corsican Nuthatches Sitta whiteheadi
Thibault J.-C., Jenouvrier S. (2006). Annual survival rates of adult male Corsican Nuthatches Sitta whiteheadi. Ringing & Migration 23: 85-88.
Abstract:
The endemic Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi population is small and currently restricted to mountain forests of Corsican Pine Pinus nigra laricio. An estimate of annual survival rate is an important parameter to allow evaluation of extinction risk. Adult Corsican Nuthatches were colour-ringed and resighted on territory in the Ascu Valley, central Corsica, from 1998 to 2005. Mark–recapture methods were used to estimate the annual apparent survival rate of male Corsican Nuthatches as 0.616 (95% CI 0.524–0.700), the best model being independent of time. The longest lifespan recorded for any individual was five years and seven months. During the study, there was no strong evidence that annual survival was affected by the variation in a key food source, Corsican Pine seeds.
Abstract:
The endemic Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi population is small and currently restricted to mountain forests of Corsican Pine Pinus nigra laricio. An estimate of annual survival rate is an important parameter to allow evaluation of extinction risk. Adult Corsican Nuthatches were colour-ringed and resighted on territory in the Ascu Valley, central Corsica, from 1998 to 2005. Mark–recapture methods were used to estimate the annual apparent survival rate of male Corsican Nuthatches as 0.616 (95% CI 0.524–0.700), the best model being independent of time. The longest lifespan recorded for any individual was five years and seven months. During the study, there was no strong evidence that annual survival was affected by the variation in a key food source, Corsican Pine seeds.
Habitat requirements and foraging behaviour of the Corsican nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi
Thibault, J.-C., Prodon, R., Villard, P. and Seguin, J.-F. 2006. Habitat requirements and foraging behaviour of the Corsican nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi. Journal of Avian Biology 37: 477-86.
Abstract:
We examined the relationship between the Corsican nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi, a passerine endemic to the island of Corsica and Corsican pine Pinus nigra laricio forest, its virtually exclusive habitat, currently restricted to inland mountains. The Corsican nuthatch prefers older Corsican pine stands with tall, large trees, and avoids younger stands, both in the breeding and wintering seasons. This preference is explained by the greater availability of pine seeds from older trees. Territorial adults are almost completely sedentary, a trait that is influenced by seed hoarding behaviour. From late autumn to early spring (i.e., when cones are mature), and during sunny weather (i.e., when cones are open), nuthatches remove pine seeds from cones and cache them on branches and under the bark of trunks. The birds retrieve the cached seeds in cold and wet weather. The presence of old Corsican pine stands appears to be a key-factor in the survival of the Corsican nuthatch, whose habitat is currently threatened by logging and fires.
Abstract:
We examined the relationship between the Corsican nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi, a passerine endemic to the island of Corsica and Corsican pine Pinus nigra laricio forest, its virtually exclusive habitat, currently restricted to inland mountains. The Corsican nuthatch prefers older Corsican pine stands with tall, large trees, and avoids younger stands, both in the breeding and wintering seasons. This preference is explained by the greater availability of pine seeds from older trees. Territorial adults are almost completely sedentary, a trait that is influenced by seed hoarding behaviour. From late autumn to early spring (i.e., when cones are mature), and during sunny weather (i.e., when cones are open), nuthatches remove pine seeds from cones and cache them on branches and under the bark of trunks. The birds retrieve the cached seeds in cold and wet weather. The presence of old Corsican pine stands appears to be a key-factor in the survival of the Corsican nuthatch, whose habitat is currently threatened by logging and fires.
Estimating the impact of the fires of summer 2000 on the number of a threatened endemic bird: the Corsican Nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi)
Thibault J.-C., Prodon R., Moneglia P. (2004). Estimating the impact of the fires of summer 2000 on the number of a threatened endemic bird: the Corsican Nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi). Ecologia Mediterranea, 30 (2): 63-71.
Abstract:
The Corsican Nuthatch is a passerine endemic to Corsica island. Its habitat mostly consists in old stands of Corsican pine and locally of Maritime pine. Large fires affected several mountain forests during the summer of 2000. Our objective is to estimate the impact of these fires on Corsican nuthatches population. Among the forest stands occupied by this bird, 848 ha of Corsican pines and 275 ha of Maritime pines were either totally “charred” or simply “browned”. The ranges considered as “charred” amounted to 20.1 % for the Corsican pine and 14.6 % for the Maritime pine. Considering densities measurements obtained from several mapping censuses in unburned forests, we estimate at 25-38 the number of territories eliminated because the stands were completely burned, and at 47-80 the number of territories more or less affected by fire or salvage cutting, the total representing about 4 % of the Corsican nuthatch population. However, data on burnt surfaces did not take into account forest mosaic where nuthatches are able to survive. We then discuss the direct effects of fires on the nuthatches (disappearance from territories owing to the fires itself, or to postfire logging) and the secondary effects (delayed mortality of pines, difficulties for the birds to find new nesting sites and/or to obtain food from the cones during the following winter.)
Keywords:
Forest fires, Corsican Nuthatch, Corsican Pine, endemism
Abstract:
The Corsican Nuthatch is a passerine endemic to Corsica island. Its habitat mostly consists in old stands of Corsican pine and locally of Maritime pine. Large fires affected several mountain forests during the summer of 2000. Our objective is to estimate the impact of these fires on Corsican nuthatches population. Among the forest stands occupied by this bird, 848 ha of Corsican pines and 275 ha of Maritime pines were either totally “charred” or simply “browned”. The ranges considered as “charred” amounted to 20.1 % for the Corsican pine and 14.6 % for the Maritime pine. Considering densities measurements obtained from several mapping censuses in unburned forests, we estimate at 25-38 the number of territories eliminated because the stands were completely burned, and at 47-80 the number of territories more or less affected by fire or salvage cutting, the total representing about 4 % of the Corsican nuthatch population. However, data on burnt surfaces did not take into account forest mosaic where nuthatches are able to survive. We then discuss the direct effects of fires on the nuthatches (disappearance from territories owing to the fires itself, or to postfire logging) and the secondary effects (delayed mortality of pines, difficulties for the birds to find new nesting sites and/or to obtain food from the cones during the following winter.)
Keywords:
Forest fires, Corsican Nuthatch, Corsican Pine, endemism
Consequences of the summer’s fire in year 2000 on the breeding number of Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi in Restonica valley, Corsica
Thibault J.-C., Moneglia P., Beck N. (2002). Consequences of the summer’s fire in year 2000 on the breeding number of Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi in Restonica valley, Corsica. Alauda 70 (4): 1-6.
Abstract:
In August 2000, a fire burnt most of the vegetation in the Restonica valley (Corsica, Western Mediterranean) including ca. 730 ha of Maritime and laricio pines forests. The valley is inscribed in the network Natura 2000 (FR9400578). Comparison of data obtained during field surveys, respectively in 1992 and 2001-2002, shows that 6 of 12 territories of the Corsican nuthatch, an endemic species, have vanished from the studied areas after the fire.
Keywords:
Corsican Nuthatch, Sitta whiteheadi, Fire, Restonica (Corsica).
Abstract:
In August 2000, a fire burnt most of the vegetation in the Restonica valley (Corsica, Western Mediterranean) including ca. 730 ha of Maritime and laricio pines forests. The valley is inscribed in the network Natura 2000 (FR9400578). Comparison of data obtained during field surveys, respectively in 1992 and 2001-2002, shows that 6 of 12 territories of the Corsican nuthatch, an endemic species, have vanished from the studied areas after the fire.
Keywords:
Corsican Nuthatch, Sitta whiteheadi, Fire, Restonica (Corsica).
Phylogeny of the nuthatches of the Sitta canadensis group and its evolutionary and biogeographic implications
Pasquet E. (1998). Phylogeny of the nuthatches of the Sitta canadensis group and its evolutionary and biogeographic implications. Ibis 140: 150-156.
Abstract:
A phylogeny of ten species of nuthatch (Sittidae), including the newly described Kabylie Nuthatch Sitta ledanti of North Africa, was constructed using a sequence of 491 bp of the cytochrome-b gene of mtDNA. On the basis of trees derived using parsimony analysis and neighbour-joining methods, and assessments of robustness based on bootstrap analysis, the following phylogenetic relationships were inferred: the five species of the Sitta canadensis group are a monophyletic group, within which S. canadensis, S. whiteheadi and S. villosa form the sister clade of S. krueperi and S. ledanti; the other relations are not so well supported. These phylogenetic relationships are congruent with morphology. Differences in behavioural and ecological characters as well as biogeographic patterns are discussed.
Abstract:
A phylogeny of ten species of nuthatch (Sittidae), including the newly described Kabylie Nuthatch Sitta ledanti of North Africa, was constructed using a sequence of 491 bp of the cytochrome-b gene of mtDNA. On the basis of trees derived using parsimony analysis and neighbour-joining methods, and assessments of robustness based on bootstrap analysis, the following phylogenetic relationships were inferred: the five species of the Sitta canadensis group are a monophyletic group, within which S. canadensis, S. whiteheadi and S. villosa form the sister clade of S. krueperi and S. ledanti; the other relations are not so well supported. These phylogenetic relationships are congruent with morphology. Differences in behavioural and ecological characters as well as biogeographic patterns are discussed.
Conséquences du feu sur l'effectif de deux populations de sittelle corse
Moneglia P., Besnard A., Thibault J.-C., Beck N., Prodon R. (2009). Conséquences du feu sur l'effectif de deux populations de sittelle corse. Bulletin de la Société des sciences historiques et naturelles de la Corse n° 726-727, Actes du congrès de la Société zoologique de France (2007).
Abstract:
La sittelle corse est un passereau forestier endémique à la Corse, dont l’habitat est constitué des peuplements matures de pin laricio, localement de pin maritime. Suite aux grands incendies de 2000 et 2003, nous avons suivi les effectifs de la sittelle corse dans les deux forêts incendiées de Tartagine-Melaja et Corte-Restonica pour lesquelles, nous possédions des données d’effectifs et de cartographies des territoires récoltées avant les incendies respectifs de 2000 et 2003. La cartographie des territoires de sittelle sur les deux sites d’études montre un net déclin des effectifs, qui est sensible jusqu’à la 7e année après l’incendie dans la Restonica. Dans la forêt de Tartagine-Melaja, deux années après le feu, nous avons observé un déclin d’effectif de 46 % ; dans la forêt de Corte-Restonica, sept années après l’incendie ce sont 67 % des sittelles qui n’ont plus été contactées. Par ailleurs, dans les deux populations étudiées, certains territoires ont été occupés régulièrement durant plusieurs années post-incendie, alors que l’occupation d’autres territoires a été variable selon les années, certains n’ayant été occupés qu’une seule année. Nos résultats confirment que le feu constitue une réelle menace pour la sittelle corse. Nous suggérons que la recolonisation des brûlis par l’espèce se fasse essentiellement à partir des sittelles qui ont pu se maintenir sur place ou à proximité après perturbation grâce à l’hétérogénéité des brûlis qui permet à certains couples de disposer d’un territoire dont la canopée a été moins atteinte par les flammes. Ainsi, l’emploi de pratiques forestières post-incendie appropriées (cf. Moneglia et al., 2009), nous semble-t-elle cruciale pour la conservation de ces sittelles
keywords:
Pinus nigra ; incendie ; endémique ; Sitta whiteheadi ; Corse
Abstract:
La sittelle corse est un passereau forestier endémique à la Corse, dont l’habitat est constitué des peuplements matures de pin laricio, localement de pin maritime. Suite aux grands incendies de 2000 et 2003, nous avons suivi les effectifs de la sittelle corse dans les deux forêts incendiées de Tartagine-Melaja et Corte-Restonica pour lesquelles, nous possédions des données d’effectifs et de cartographies des territoires récoltées avant les incendies respectifs de 2000 et 2003. La cartographie des territoires de sittelle sur les deux sites d’études montre un net déclin des effectifs, qui est sensible jusqu’à la 7e année après l’incendie dans la Restonica. Dans la forêt de Tartagine-Melaja, deux années après le feu, nous avons observé un déclin d’effectif de 46 % ; dans la forêt de Corte-Restonica, sept années après l’incendie ce sont 67 % des sittelles qui n’ont plus été contactées. Par ailleurs, dans les deux populations étudiées, certains territoires ont été occupés régulièrement durant plusieurs années post-incendie, alors que l’occupation d’autres territoires a été variable selon les années, certains n’ayant été occupés qu’une seule année. Nos résultats confirment que le feu constitue une réelle menace pour la sittelle corse. Nous suggérons que la recolonisation des brûlis par l’espèce se fasse essentiellement à partir des sittelles qui ont pu se maintenir sur place ou à proximité après perturbation grâce à l’hétérogénéité des brûlis qui permet à certains couples de disposer d’un territoire dont la canopée a été moins atteinte par les flammes. Ainsi, l’emploi de pratiques forestières post-incendie appropriées (cf. Moneglia et al., 2009), nous semble-t-elle cruciale pour la conservation de ces sittelles
keywords:
Pinus nigra ; incendie ; endémique ; Sitta whiteheadi ; Corse
Conservation of the Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi Sharpe, and Proposals for Habitat Management
Brichetti P., Di Capi C. (1987). Conservation of the Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi Sharpe, and Proposals for Habitat Management. Biological Conservation 39: 13-21
Abstract:
A study of the distribution, density and habitat of the Corsican nuthatch, an endemic species to Corsica, suggests that adjustments are needed to the present forest management in order to ensure the conservation of this species. The survival of the Corsican nuthatch is dependent on old Pinus laricio forests where there are dead and rotten trunks, needed for nesting. The Corsican nuthatch was recorded in almost 15 P. iaricio forests; the average density was 0.85 pairs 10 ha- 1 (0-1.23); this density, extrapolated to a total surface of 24 000 ha of suitable forests, suggests a total population of about 2000 pairs. Apart from fires, snow-slips and predators, which are important factors limiting this endemic species, the present forest management, which includes the removal of dead trees suitable for nesting, threatens the survival of the nuthatch. The third of the forest at the highest altitude should be left unexploited; in the middle zone, only the dead trunks below 3m should be taken; in the lower third, where suitable trunks are scarce, no dead trunks should be taken.
Abstract:
A study of the distribution, density and habitat of the Corsican nuthatch, an endemic species to Corsica, suggests that adjustments are needed to the present forest management in order to ensure the conservation of this species. The survival of the Corsican nuthatch is dependent on old Pinus laricio forests where there are dead and rotten trunks, needed for nesting. The Corsican nuthatch was recorded in almost 15 P. iaricio forests; the average density was 0.85 pairs 10 ha- 1 (0-1.23); this density, extrapolated to a total surface of 24 000 ha of suitable forests, suggests a total population of about 2000 pairs. Apart from fires, snow-slips and predators, which are important factors limiting this endemic species, the present forest management, which includes the removal of dead trees suitable for nesting, threatens the survival of the nuthatch. The third of the forest at the highest altitude should be left unexploited; in the middle zone, only the dead trunks below 3m should be taken; in the lower third, where suitable trunks are scarce, no dead trunks should be taken.
Grand Bahama’s Brown-headed Nuthatch: A Distinct and Endangered Species
Hayes W.H., Barry R.X., McKenzie Z., Barry P. (2007). Grand Bahama’s Brown-headed Nuthatch: A Distinct and Endangered Species. Bahamas Journal of Science 12(1):21-28
Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to rapidly disseminate recent findings concerning the taxonomic and conservation status of the Brown-headed Nuthatch population on Grand Bahama. Heretofore, this population has been regarded as conspecific with continental populations of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) in the southeastern United States. However, on the basis of morphometric differentiation and very distinctive vocalizations, we propose recognition of the Bahama Nuthatch (S. insularis) as an endemic, full species. Population surveys conducted on Grand Bahama in 2004 suggest this species is endangered, with hundreds to possibly a few thousand individuals remaining. These birds require mature, fire-maintained stands of Caribbean Pine (Pinus caribaea) and face serious threats associated with accelerated development, potential logging, invasive species (including snakes, cats, raccoons, and competing cavity-nesting birds), and catastrophic storm damage. Thus, the species may become extinct unless Bahamians are willing to take action to save it. We offer several suggestions to begin formulating a management plan. As the rarest bird in the Bahamas, and one of the rarest birds in the world, the nuthatch will become a high-profile symbol of conservation efforts (or their failure) in the Bahamas.
Key words:
Sitta pusilla
Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to rapidly disseminate recent findings concerning the taxonomic and conservation status of the Brown-headed Nuthatch population on Grand Bahama. Heretofore, this population has been regarded as conspecific with continental populations of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) in the southeastern United States. However, on the basis of morphometric differentiation and very distinctive vocalizations, we propose recognition of the Bahama Nuthatch (S. insularis) as an endemic, full species. Population surveys conducted on Grand Bahama in 2004 suggest this species is endangered, with hundreds to possibly a few thousand individuals remaining. These birds require mature, fire-maintained stands of Caribbean Pine (Pinus caribaea) and face serious threats associated with accelerated development, potential logging, invasive species (including snakes, cats, raccoons, and competing cavity-nesting birds), and catastrophic storm damage. Thus, the species may become extinct unless Bahamians are willing to take action to save it. We offer several suggestions to begin formulating a management plan. As the rarest bird in the Bahamas, and one of the rarest birds in the world, the nuthatch will become a high-profile symbol of conservation efforts (or their failure) in the Bahamas.
Key words:
Sitta pusilla
Environmental Factors Affecting Productivity of Brown-Headed Nuthatches
Lloyd J. D., Slater G. L. (2007). Environmental Factors Affecting Productivity of Brown-Headed Nuthatches. The Journal of Wildlife Management 71(6): 1968-1975
Abstract:
Understanding the link between habitat use and components of fitness can yield useful insight into the environmental conditions necessary for population maintenance and can help promote effective habitat management. This information is especially important for species that are in decline or otherwise of conservation concern. Populations of brown-headed nuthatches (Sitta pusilla), an obligate cavity nester, have declined throughout their range, primarily due to extensive habitat loss and degradation. To help guide habitat management for this species, we identified habitat features associated with variation in the number of offspring fledged within 2 populations in southern Florida, USA. The most important predictor of productivity was the date on which a nest attempt began, with earlier nests producing more fledglings. The number of large pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) snags and, to a lesser extent, the number of small pine trees surrounding a nest site were positively associated with productivity. We recommend that land managers in southern Florida focus on providing abundant large pine snags because doing so will increase productivity and also may increase nest-site availability and the percentage of individuals that breed each year. Prescribed burning may be an effective way to increase the abundance of large pine snags; however, land managers should exercise caution when doing so because of the trade-off between snag recruitment and snag consumption that accompanies the use of fire. We lack the data required to predict the fire-return interval that optimizes this trade-off, but until these data are available we recommend increasing the spatial heterogeneity in fire-return interval and lengthening the fire-return interval in some areas to 5–6 years.
Key words:
breeding productivity, Everglades, fire, Florida, habitat management, reintroduction, Sitta pusilla
Abstract:
Understanding the link between habitat use and components of fitness can yield useful insight into the environmental conditions necessary for population maintenance and can help promote effective habitat management. This information is especially important for species that are in decline or otherwise of conservation concern. Populations of brown-headed nuthatches (Sitta pusilla), an obligate cavity nester, have declined throughout their range, primarily due to extensive habitat loss and degradation. To help guide habitat management for this species, we identified habitat features associated with variation in the number of offspring fledged within 2 populations in southern Florida, USA. The most important predictor of productivity was the date on which a nest attempt began, with earlier nests producing more fledglings. The number of large pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) snags and, to a lesser extent, the number of small pine trees surrounding a nest site were positively associated with productivity. We recommend that land managers in southern Florida focus on providing abundant large pine snags because doing so will increase productivity and also may increase nest-site availability and the percentage of individuals that breed each year. Prescribed burning may be an effective way to increase the abundance of large pine snags; however, land managers should exercise caution when doing so because of the trade-off between snag recruitment and snag consumption that accompanies the use of fire. We lack the data required to predict the fire-return interval that optimizes this trade-off, but until these data are available we recommend increasing the spatial heterogeneity in fire-return interval and lengthening the fire-return interval in some areas to 5–6 years.
Key words:
breeding productivity, Everglades, fire, Florida, habitat management, reintroduction, Sitta pusilla
Seed predation by birds shortly after a wildfire in a Corsican pine forest
Thibault J.-C., Prodon R. (2006). Seed predation by birds shortly after a wildfire in a Corsican pine forest. International Journal of Wildland Fire 15(1) 81–86
Abstract:
We examined the response of birds to a severe summer wildfire in a Corsican Pine forest during the first months following the disturbance. Only seed-eating species visited the burnt areas in large numbers. While certain trunks or branches were still burning, numerous birds, among them the Coal Tit Parus ater and the Corsican nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi, were attracted by the large amount of pine seeds made available by the opening of the cones under the action of heat. The number of seedharvesting birds declined afterwards. We discuss how seed hoarding by tits and nuthatches enabled these resident birds to survive during the first winter after the fire in a burnt environment where seeds remained the only potential food source.
key-words:
Pinus nigra laricio, Corsica, fire, seed-eating, hoarding, Parus ater, Sitta
whiteheadi
Abstract:
We examined the response of birds to a severe summer wildfire in a Corsican Pine forest during the first months following the disturbance. Only seed-eating species visited the burnt areas in large numbers. While certain trunks or branches were still burning, numerous birds, among them the Coal Tit Parus ater and the Corsican nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi, were attracted by the large amount of pine seeds made available by the opening of the cones under the action of heat. The number of seedharvesting birds declined afterwards. We discuss how seed hoarding by tits and nuthatches enabled these resident birds to survive during the first winter after the fire in a burnt environment where seeds remained the only potential food source.
key-words:
Pinus nigra laricio, Corsica, fire, seed-eating, hoarding, Parus ater, Sitta
whiteheadi
Reproductive ecology of the Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi
Thibault J.-C., Villard P. (2005). Reproductive ecology of the Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi. Bird Study 52: 282–288.
Abstract:
Capsule - Food availability determines date of clutch initiation, and predation is the main cause of clutch failure.
Aims - To describe several aspects of the breeding biology of Corsican Nuthatch (mating system, occupation of territories, fecundity, breeding period, levels and impact of predation), in relation to abiotic parameters (altitude, rain, temperature) and feeding resources.
Methods - The reproductive ecology of the endemic Corsican Nuthatch was studied from 1998 to 2003 in the Ascu forest, central Corsica, using an infrared camera for nest controls.
Results - The annual rate of re-occupation of territories was high and the birds often used the same nesting tree. The dates of clutch completion ranged from 5 April to 16 June. There were no genuine second clutches, but sometimes a replacement clutch was laid. Clutch size varied from four to six eggs (x = 5.1, n = 21) and brood size at fledging from three to six young (x = 4.3, n = 28). We found a correlation between the abundance of pine cones and the onset of breeding: the higher the number of cones available on the territories the previous winter, the earlier the breeding occurred.
Conclusions - Although two species appeared to regularly predate nuthatch nests (Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major and Garden Dormouse Eliomys quercinus) the productivity is high for a small forest passerine.
Abstract:
Capsule - Food availability determines date of clutch initiation, and predation is the main cause of clutch failure.
Aims - To describe several aspects of the breeding biology of Corsican Nuthatch (mating system, occupation of territories, fecundity, breeding period, levels and impact of predation), in relation to abiotic parameters (altitude, rain, temperature) and feeding resources.
Methods - The reproductive ecology of the endemic Corsican Nuthatch was studied from 1998 to 2003 in the Ascu forest, central Corsica, using an infrared camera for nest controls.
Results - The annual rate of re-occupation of territories was high and the birds often used the same nesting tree. The dates of clutch completion ranged from 5 April to 16 June. There were no genuine second clutches, but sometimes a replacement clutch was laid. Clutch size varied from four to six eggs (x = 5.1, n = 21) and brood size at fledging from three to six young (x = 4.3, n = 28). We found a correlation between the abundance of pine cones and the onset of breeding: the higher the number of cones available on the territories the previous winter, the earlier the breeding occurred.
Conclusions - Although two species appeared to regularly predate nuthatch nests (Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major and Garden Dormouse Eliomys quercinus) the productivity is high for a small forest passerine.
Habitat selection of the Corsican Nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi) after a fire
Moneglia P., Besnard A., Thibault J.-C., Prodon R. (2009). Habitat selection of the Corsican Nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi) after a fire. J Ornithol 150:577–583.
Abstract:
The Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi is a bird endemic to Corsica Island and has a very small population. Its habitat, Corsican pine Pinus nigra laricio forest, is currently restricted to less than 16,000 ha and is threatened by forest fires. In this article, we aim (1) to evaluate the effects of a large wildfire on a Nuthatch population, and (2) to identify the habitat features that influence the presence/absence of the Nuthatch after fire, so as to promote appropriate forestry practices after fire. The study has been conducted on a study plot of 300 ha which is part of a larger area severely burnt in August 2003. Habitat characteristics have been investigated on 39 plots of 1,225 m2 occupied by the bird, and 22 randomly chosen plots without the Nuthatch. We observed a decrease of 37.5% in Nuthatch abundance the first spring after the fire, but the impact showed great local variation as a function of fire severity. Logistic modelling showed that the presence of Nuthatch mainly depended on the degree of crown alteration: the Nuthatch tended to be present when at least one pine had less than 2.5 m of crown burned. We have no evidence of any direct fire-induced mortality, but several effects of fire can explain this population decrease, namely, the reduction of canopy volume, the decrease of the amount of pine seeds, and the reduction of nest-site availability. These results permit us to propose a simple criterion that can help in choosing the plots to be cut where salvage logging is necessary.
Keywords:
Fire severity, Pinus nigra laricio, Salvage logging, Bird conservation, Endemic
Abstract:
The Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi is a bird endemic to Corsica Island and has a very small population. Its habitat, Corsican pine Pinus nigra laricio forest, is currently restricted to less than 16,000 ha and is threatened by forest fires. In this article, we aim (1) to evaluate the effects of a large wildfire on a Nuthatch population, and (2) to identify the habitat features that influence the presence/absence of the Nuthatch after fire, so as to promote appropriate forestry practices after fire. The study has been conducted on a study plot of 300 ha which is part of a larger area severely burnt in August 2003. Habitat characteristics have been investigated on 39 plots of 1,225 m2 occupied by the bird, and 22 randomly chosen plots without the Nuthatch. We observed a decrease of 37.5% in Nuthatch abundance the first spring after the fire, but the impact showed great local variation as a function of fire severity. Logistic modelling showed that the presence of Nuthatch mainly depended on the degree of crown alteration: the Nuthatch tended to be present when at least one pine had less than 2.5 m of crown burned. We have no evidence of any direct fire-induced mortality, but several effects of fire can explain this population decrease, namely, the reduction of canopy volume, the decrease of the amount of pine seeds, and the reduction of nest-site availability. These results permit us to propose a simple criterion that can help in choosing the plots to be cut where salvage logging is necessary.
Keywords:
Fire severity, Pinus nigra laricio, Salvage logging, Bird conservation, Endemic
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