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Abstract
Chuck-will’s-widows (Antrostomus carolinensis), the largest North American aerial insectivore, have declined by 1.6% annually since 1970. Habitat loss and pesticide use likely drive these declines, though the primary threats to the species are poorly understood. As long-distance migratory birds, Chuck-will’s-widows face threats throughout the annual cycle. Understanding their habitat needs and how they respond to habitat management, is essential for conservation. Currently, tracking studies on this species are lacking, and their migration phenology remains poorly described. Detailed information about habitat requirements across the annual cycle and responses to management practices are also needed. This project aimed to fill knowledge gaps on Chuck-will’s-widow migration patterns and habitat associations across the annual cycle. In Chapter 2, I examined the effect of land cover and habitat management on breeding density, revealing a positive effect of landscape heterogeneity and prescribed fire on breeding density. In Chapter 3, I used GPS tracking data from one male Chuck-will’s-widow to provide the first data on migration behavior and non-breeding habitat selection for this species, revealing preferences for forested habitats in proximity to more open habitats throughout the annual cycle. Continued tracking efforts are needed to inform habitat management and conservation strategies.