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THE SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL FACTORS AFFECTING CHIMNEY SWIFT (CHAETURA PELAGICA) NEST SITE OCCUPANCY PATTERNS
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Abstract
Aerially insectivorous birds, including Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagica), are experiencing significant population declines, with swifts facing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and reductions in prey abundance. Socioeconomic factors may influence the availability and condition of the chimneys they occupy, potentially impacting nesting opportunities for the species. This study investigates the nest occupancy patterns of Chimney Swifts in Springfield, Massachusetts, and examines the correlation of socioeconomic factors with their distribution. Using occupancy modeling and surveys conducted during the breeding seasons of 2016 and 2023, I assessed detection and occupancy probabilities across 75 Census Block Groups stratified by income. Results revealed that chimney capping was a key factor influencing nest occupancy, with a higher proportion of capped chimneys in wealthier neighborhoods correlating with fewer Chimney Swift nests. Despite an increase in chimney capping between 2016 and 2023, overall occupancy estimates remained stable, suggesting that nest site availability is not a limiting factor in this region. My findings highlight the intersection of urban socioeconomic gradients and biodiversity, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts, such as uncapping chimneys in areas where nesting habitat may be more limited. These results underscore the importance of integrating ecological and social dimensions to inform conservation strategies for declining aerial insectivores.
Type
Thesis (Open Access)
Date
2025-02
Publisher
Degree
Advisors
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/