Snag Retention Increases Bird Use of a Clear-Cut

Abstract

Birds were counted during the breeding season from 1977-1981 in 4 snag and 4 snagless plots (80 .times. 250 m) in an east Texas [USA] clear-cut to assess effects of snag retention on the bird community. After 4 yr, 44 of the original 75 snags remained. Species richness, bird abundance, bird species diversity and equitability were all higher (P < 0.05) in plots with snags than in snagless plots. Cavity-nesting birds occurred on plots with snags but were virtually absent from snagless plots. Other species used snags for foraging and perching and were more abundant on plots with snags. Retention or creation of snags is recommended for bird management in clear-cuts.