Clapper Rail Nest Site Selection in Delaware
Date
2022-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The secretive nature of Clapper Rails (Rallus crepitans) makes their nesting
behavior difficult to understand. Research conducted into nest site selection provides a
better understanding as to what Clapper Rails need within a given area in order to
successfully breed along the Delaware Bay. A rise in sea levels threatens to destroy
valuable tidal marsh habitat throughout much of the coastal United States, and long term vegetation sampling research can aid in determining future conservation efforts
towards Clapper Rails. We took vegetation measurements at nest sites and random
points in order to compare the differences between the two. Thirteen covariates were
identified as having possible significance toward nest site location and preference. A
total of 207 nest sites and 581 random points from a span of three years were analyzed
which helped determine that five of the covariates were significant in understanding
the placement of a nest site. These data show that Clapper Rails need specific
vegetation structure within their habitats in order to successfully breed.
Description
Keywords
Clapper rails, Nesting, Delaware Bay, Conservation