Short-term avifaunal turnover in small even-aged forest habitats

Turnover rates of avian communities during three consecutive breeding seasons were compared among six habitats created for ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus management via forest clearcutting. Habitat size had minimal effect on turnover rates because each habitat selected for study consisted of 3 ha (three 1-ha stands). Degree of isolation of habitats also did not affect turnover of species composition. However, stage of vegetative succession presumably resulted in high turnover rates in the youngest clearcut habitat. Rates declined in clearcut oak habitat compared to clearcut aspen habitat of similar age. In mature aspen habitat on the treated (managed) sector of the study area, rates were affected by proximity to young clearcut habitats. The occasional occurrence of three uncommon species intolerant of forest fragmentation combined with relatively high species richness were factors influencing high turnover rates in habitat on the control (uncut) sector