The American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), insects, and foliage on Douglas Lake, Michigan.

Abstract

This study investigated whether there is a correlation between American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) distribution and foliage density, as well as a correlation between insect density and American Redstart distribution in a deciduous forest on Douglas Lake, Michigan. Birds were counted by observing and listening to American Redstarts as they sang early on four mornings at ten selected points in this forest. At the same ten points, understory foliage density was scored and sticky traps were set up to collect insects, spanning eight days. A linear regression and scatter plot with a best fit line calculated by SPSS revealed a significant positive correlation (R2 = 0.76) between the average number of American Redstarts at a given data collection point and its corresponding foliage density score, which supported the hypothesis that there would be more American Redstarts in areas with more foliage. The results concerning insects obtained from statistical analysis in SPSS did not support the hypothesis that there would be a positive correlation between arthropod density and American Redstart density. This information can be used in maintaining the habitat of the American Redstart and related species.