ABSTRACT

Abstract. Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) have experienced signicant population declines in the Appalachian Mountains for more than 40 years and are currently a focal species for management of young forests throughout their breeding distribution. Avian tness has been linked to the quality and quantity of insect food supplies, but little information is available on foraging ecology of Golden-winged Warblers. We evaluated shrub and tree species selection by foraging Golden-winged Warblers in north-central Pennsylvania during the 2011 breeding season. Additionally, we compared caterpillar abundance among 13 woody plant species present within breeding territories. Golden-winged Warblers selectively foraged on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), white oak (Quercus alba), and blackberries (Rubus spp.). Tree and shrub species composition differed between Golden-winged Warbler territories and adjacent,

unoccupied areas of early successional forest cover, and habitat use was consistent with patterns of caterpillar abundance. Whereas vegetation structure generally dominates management guidelines for breeding habitat of insectivorous songbirds, including Golden-winged Warblers, our research clearly demonstrated the need for land managers to also consider plant species composition. In the case of habitat management for breeding Golden-winged Warblers in northcentral Pennsylvania, our assessment suggested favoring the presence of black locust, pin cherry, white oak, and blackberry, over sassafras (Sassafras albidum), mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), and blueberry (Vaccinium spp.).