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David I. MacKenzie, Spencer G. Sealy, Nest Site Selection in Eastern and Western Kingbirds: A Multivariate Approach, The Condor: Ornithological Applications, Volume 83, Issue 4, 1 November 1981, Pages 310–321, https://doi.org/10.2307/1367498
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Abstract
Nest site selection by Eastern and Western kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus and T. verticalis) was studied at Delta Marsh, Manitoba, and results were analyzed using multivariate techniques.
Principal component analysis of overstory vegetation characteristics for randomly selected plots defined the habitat space of the study area in terms of the major components of variation in the vegetation. Discriminant function analysis of the random plots identified the major trend in the vegetation (corresponding roughly to a north-south topographical gradient), and characterized the differences between north- and south-zone habitat types. Principal component analysis of the vegetation characteristics of kingbird nest sites determined the relative position of each species in the habitat space. Virtually all of the Western Kingbird sites and most of the Eastern Kingbird sites appeared to be situated in that portion of the habitat space considered to represent north-zone habitat. Projection of the nest site data onto the random plot discriminant axis indicated that Eastern Kingbird nest sites were more evenly distributed than those of Western Kingbirds along the major trend of variation in the forest vegetation. Discriminant function analysis of the nest sites identified the variables most important in characterizing the difference between the nest sites of the two species. Western Kingbird sites were characterized by fewer but larger trees than Eastern Kingbird sites. Western Kingbird nest trees were larger and taller, and Western Kingbird nests were placed higher than those of Eastern Kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds behaved as habitat generalists, selecting nest sites from both available habitat types, and selecting nest trees from a wide range of tree sizes. Western Kingbirds behaved as specialists, selecting sites in only the north-zone habitat type, and nest trees from the larger sizes.
