Bird traits and their responses to forest structure in Central European forests

Abstract

Forest structure, as resulting from management practices, have an effect on habitat quality and thus the occurrence of birds using and depending on these landscapes. We hypothesized that the species responses to forest structure is influenced by their ecological traits. The aim of our study is thus to examine the relationship between bird traits and their responses to forest structure in Central European forests. For this purpose, we used occurrence data from breeding bird censuses in the Canton of Zürich (Switzerland) and in Bavaria (Germany), forest inventory and climate data for the same regions, as well as a trait database for the studies species. We used single species distribution models, and multispecies predictive trait models to identify critical response traits and to quantify their relationships to species’ responses to forest structure, landscape configuration and climate. Finally, and based on our results, we conclude by giving general forest management recommendations for the promotion of forest bird diversity. This work is part of the BiodivERsA project GreenFutureForest.