Avian fitness consequences match habitat selection at the nest-site and landscape scale in agriculturally fragmented landscapes.

Habitat selection theory suggests that when choosing breeding sites, animals should choose the best available habitat; however, studies show that individuals fail to choose habitats that maximize their fitness especially in drastically altered landscapes. Many studies have focused on selection at single scales, often using a single measure of fitness. However, links between habitat selection and fitness may vary depending on the spatial scale and measure of fitness, especially in situations where agricultural land use has altered the surrounding landscape.We examined multiscale habitat selection and fitness measures of the Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii) and Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) using data collected in agriculturally fragmented landscapes.We found evidence for selection of nest sites with dense understory, larger patches, and increasing restored habitat cover and decreasing forest cover in the surrounding landscape.For both focal species, selection for dense understory significantly increased nest survival; however, there appeared to be no concurrent benefit for fledgling production. Selection for broader scale features positively influenced nest survival for the Willow Flycatcher with no concurrent benefit for fledgling production. The observed mismatches may be due to anthropogenic habitat fragmentation at broader scales or may represent reproductive trade-offs for a fitness benefit not measured in this study.Fine-scale habitat selection decisions by our focal species appear to match fitness outcomes, whereas habitat selection at broader scales only provided fitness benefits for the Willow Flycatcher. Though providing no fledgling production benefit, when combined with suitably dense nesting habitat, larger patches in landscapes with greater amounts of restored habitat cover for Bell's Vireo and lower amounts of forest cover for Willow Flycatcher will produce more fledglings per unit area than smaller patches in landscapes with less restored habitat and more forest cover, respectively, which could help inform conservation decisions for these at-risk species.

Correction: Does flooding effect the apparent survival and body condition of a ground foraging migrant passerine?

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175179.].

Does flooding effect the apparent survival and body condition of a ground foraging migrant passerine?

Natural disturbances play a fundamental role in maintaining habitat and landscape heterogeneity; however, these events can also have negative effects on some species. While we know that disturbances can reduce habitat quality for many species, leading to diminished populations and altered community structure, the effect of these events on individuals that continue to occupy affected areas remains unknown. We focused on understanding the impact of flood-mediated reduction of habitat quality on Swainson's Warblers (Limnothlypis swainsonii). In 2008, a catastrophic flood event occurred on the Mississippi River and its tributaries, severely affecting one of two locations where we had studied territorial males since 2004. To determine the impact of flooding on this species, we evaluated how body condition and apparent survival of males differed between locations and in pre-flood (2004-2007) and post-flood (2008-2010) periods. Body condition did not differ between locations after the flood, suggesting that flooding did not cause food limitation for this obligate ground forager. Apparent survival in the post-flood period was lower at both locations and led to near population extirpation at the heavily flood-impacted site. Overall, this study demonstrates the vulnerability of species to extreme hydrological events, an increasing threat due to climate change. Future research should focus on identifying species that are vulnerable to these events and determining appropriate conservation strategies. Conservation for the Swainson's Warbler should focus on identifying and conserving the highest elevation, least flood prone areas within bottomland hardwood forests and managing those areas for thick understory vegetation.

The Chewing Lice (Insecta, Phthiraptera) Fauna of the Swainson's Warbler, Limnothlypis swainsonii (Aves, Parulidae).

We examined Swainson's warblers (Limnothlypis swainsonii (Audubon, 1834), Aves: Parulidae) for lice fauna during 2 yr at three study sites in Arkansas, USA. A total of 66 individuals were examined; eight birds (10.6%) were parasitized with 16 lice of two new species belonging to two genera Myrsidea Waterson, 1915 (Amblycera: Menoponidae) and Brueelia Kéler, 1936 (Ischnocera: Philopteridae). Parasitological parameter data are given on the prevalence of lice on Swainson's warblers. Species descriptions and illustrations are provided for Myrsidea bensoni sp. nov. and Brueelia limnothlypiae sp. nov.; including a key for females of the genus Myrsidea that parasitize Parulidae (Passeriformes).