A decade of emerald ash borer effects on regional woodpecker and nuthatch populations

摘要: The emerald ash borer (EAB) Agrilus planipennis, first detected in 2002 the vicinity of Detroit, Michigan, USA, has spread throughout much eastern and midwestern North America as 2016, resulting widespread mortality trees genus Fraxinus. We investigated effects this newly available, exotic food source on populations six species largely resident insectivorous birds, including five woodpeckers white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), using American Breeding Bird Survey data for breeding season estimates Audubon Christmas Counts winter estimates. found evidence relatively modest variable EAB invasion these birds during season, but highly significant numerical increases that several cases appeared to be increasing progressed. Our results confirm is increased primarily winter. They also suggest response may such avian predation, which represents a significant, possibly largest, morality factor affecting some populations, continue increase help control epidemic continues.