1. An efficient survey method for estimating populations of marsh tits Poecile palustris, a low-density woodland passerine
- Author
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Broughton, Richard K., Dadam, Daria, Maziarz, Marta, Bellamy, Paul E., Hinsley, Shelley A., Broughton, Richard K., Dadam, Daria, Maziarz, Marta, Bellamy, Paul E., and Hinsley, Shelley A.
- Abstract
Capsule: A playback survey comprising two visits to woodland in early spring can reliably detect Marsh Tits Poecile palustris and permit reasonable estimation of the number of territories. Aims: To assess the efficacy of an efficient survey method for detecting and estimating populations of Marsh Tits. Methods: Detection probability of colour-marked Marsh Tits, surveyed using playback, was assessed with Cormack–Jolly–Seber models. Reliability of territory estimates was compared between colour-marked and largely or wholly unmarked populations. Results: Playback surveys over two visits in early spring were highly effective in detecting individual Marsh Tits. Territory estimates were similar for woods in years where less than 20% of the population was marked compared to years when a higher proportion of birds were colour-marked, although territories may be underestimated in larger woods with unmarked populations. Conclusion: A playback survey comprising two visits in early spring is recommended as an efficient method of surveying Marsh Tit populations and locating individuals. A survey protocol is suggested.
- Published
- 2018