Nesting ecology of wood thrush (Turdidae: Passeriformes) in hardwood forests of South Carolina

The nesting success of the Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) in bottomland and upland forests in South Carolina. Twenty-one of 26 nests were located in bottomland sites, and 76.2% of these nests were in narrow (<150-m wide) bottomland corridors. No nests were found in upland sites enclosed by fields. The Mayfield success rate for 20 nests was 35.3%. All nest failures were attributed to predation, no nests were parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater). Nest sites were characterized by a dense overstory and a moderately developed understory. Bottomland hardwoods, especially relatively narrow corridors, appear to provide suitable nesting habitat for Wood Thrush in this region. Brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds does not appear to be a significant factor in the failure of Wood Thrush nests in these sites