WINTER SITE FIDELITY AND OVER-WINTER SITE PERSISTENCE OF PASSERINES FN FLORIDA

Many species of temperate migrant birds are abundant in winter in the southeastern United States, but little is known about fidelity of migratory species to wintering areas. Mist netting was conducted at Rock Springs Run State Reserve in Orange County, Florida during the non-breeding season from 1997 to 2002. We quantify the first records of winter site fidelity for Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), House Wren (Troglodytes aedori), and Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata). We also document the first known winter returns of Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) and Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) in temperate winter areas. Many site faithful birds exhibited over-winter site persistence by being recaptured many times throughout the winter (over 4 weeks), suggesting these birds are site faithful within and between years. Patterns of returns and over-winter site persistence followed trends expected from life history characteristics for most species. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]