Habitat Selection And Reproductive Success Of Loggerhead Shrikes In Northwest Missouri: A Hierarchical Approach

We studied the reproductive success and habitat selection of a migratory population of Loggerhead Shrike, (Lanius ludovicianus migrans) during the nesting season in northwest Missouri. The selection of breeding habitat was investigated at different spatial scales. Thirty-eight (67%) of 57 nests were located in osage orange (Maclura pomifera) trees. Shrike territories (defined as the area less than or equal to 200 in trout the nest site) contained significantly snore pasture. fenceline. and perch,sites, but less corn, alfalfa, and forest than random sites. At larger spatial scales, more grassland was detected less than or equal to300 to of shrike nests than random locations. However, no differences were detected between shrike nests and random sites when larger radii (600, 900, and 1500 m) were analyzed. Nest success (56%) and productivity (3.63 young/successful pair) were similar to other North American means. and specific habitat variables appeared to have little association with nest success. However. nests located less than or equal to15 m of roadways were significantly less successful (39%) than interior nests (76%).