Exploring home range and habitat use during the breeding season of the Bicknells thrush (Catharus bicknelli) in New Brunswick Clear-cuts

The Bicknells thrush (Cathurs bicknelli) is a rare songbird with the most restrictive breeding range in North America. The Bicknells thrush spends its summer months breeding in high elevation, stunted growth forests a habitat that the species specializes in. In New Brunswick, there has been a documented population decline of 11.5% per year since 2001. After having identified specific geographic areas where Bicknells thrush present, this project proposes using radio-tracking to describe individuals breeding home ranges and extrapolate population size and densities. Contributing to the research knowledge of the Bicknells thrush, a federal species at risk, supports Bird Studies Canadas mandate in using sound research to advise conservation authorities and managers.

Faculty Supervisor:

Tony Diamond

Student:

Christopher Ward

Partner:

Bird Studies Canada

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of New Brunswick