Status of the Black-capped Vireo at Fort Hood, Texas, Volume 3: Population and Nesting Ecology
Abstract
The black-capped vireo is an endangered species that resides at Fort Hood, TX during the summer breeding season. A 3-year ecological status survey of the black-capped vireo was conducted on Fort Hood from 1987 through 1989 as part of the effort to fully comply with the Endangered Species Act. Volume I in this series focuses on vireo distribution and abundance, and Volume II on habitat. This study detailed the population and nesting ecology of the black-capped vireo to document annual survival, site tenacity, reproductive success and production, and evaluate limiting factors, including military activity. Annual survival was estimated at 60 percent for adults and 30 percent for juveniles. Presently, cowbird nest parasitism is the most critical factor limiting vireo reproductive success. Analysis of cowbird control showed that efforts attempted during 1988 and 1989 were ineffective; cowbird removal success would have to increase tenfold to be effective. Vireo production was found to be a linear decreasing function of percent parasitism. A stable population (2.67 young/pair/year) would require that parasitism be reduced to 16 to 38 percent, and an increasing population (3.0 young/pair/year) would require that parasitism be reduced to 3 to 30 percent. Military activities appear to have little impact on vireo survival and reproductive success. Black-capped vireo, Military training, Fort Hood(Texas), Cowbird parasitism, Endangered species.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA277544
Entities
People
- David J. Tazik
- John D. Cornelius
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory