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Articles

Vol. 15 No. 4 (1984)

HABITAT USE BY WINTERING BIRDS OF PREY IN SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA

Submitted
September 11, 2025
Published
October 1, 1984

Abstract

Habitat alteration by man has resulted in population declines in a number of raptor species in North America (Hickey 1969). Breeding raptor studies have long dominated the literature, but few studies have been devoted to the winter ecology of raptors (Craighead and Craighead 1956; Southern 1963; Weller 1964; Schnell 1968; Edwards 1969; Koplin 1973; Mills 1975; Page and Whitacre 1975; Wilkinson and Debban 1980). However, data on preferred wintering habitats and relative abundance of each raptor species is required to evaluate the impacts of land management practices and proposals (i.e., transmission lines, oil and gas drilling, geothermal development) upon the birds and their habitat. This study examines the preferred wintering habitats and relative abundances of diurnal raptors, Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus), and Greater Roadrunners (Geococcyx californianus) in southeastern Arizona.

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