Nest site selection in raptor communities of the eastern Great Basin desert

Authors

Dwight G. Smith, Southern Connecticut State College, New Haven
Joseph R. Murphy, Brigham Young University

Abstract

Measures of niche breadth and overlap were used to compare nest site selection in a community of 10 raptor species and the Raven nesting in the eastern Great Basin Desert. Three variables were examined: nest site type, elevation, and exposure. Results suggest a division of component raptor species into relatively abundant core species that show wide niche breadths and uncommon fringe species with narrow niche breadths. Differences in use of each resource are most pronounced along elevation gradient in which three guilds are evident that correspond to raptor species groupings that nest at higher, middle, and lower elevations. Each guild is comprised of a mix of core and fringe species. Raptor species with highest overlap along one or more nest site variables examined are separated by differences in activity patterns.

Recommended Citation

Smith, Dwight G. and Murphy, Joseph R. (1982) "Nest site selection in raptor communities of the eastern Great Basin desert," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 42: No. 3, Article 11.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol42/iss3/11