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1 November 2019 Southward Breeding Expansion of Tree Swallows in Alabama
Hannah C. Wright, John W. Price, John A. Trent, Eric C. Soehren, Scott A. Rush
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Abstract

Since first confirmation of nesting in 1987, there has been a steady southward expansion of breeding Tachycineta bicolor (Tree Swallow) in Alabama. Using 220 breeding season occurrence records, we performed a breakpoint analysis to quantify the breeding expansion rate of Tree Swallows in the state. Between 1988 and 2013, our models indicated Tree Swallows expanded ∼130 km south at a mean rate of 5.2 km/year. Possible drivers of this southward expansion include increased artificial nest box availability, aerial insect declines in more northern historic ranges, changing climate, and altered land-management practices. Our findings indicate Tree Swallows are following a similar southward breeding expansion pattern to that exhibited by Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallow) and Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (Cliff Swallow) in recent decades.

Hannah C. Wright, John W. Price, John A. Trent, Eric C. Soehren, and Scott A. Rush "Southward Breeding Expansion of Tree Swallows in Alabama," Southeastern Naturalist 18(4), 548-554, (1 November 2019). https://doi.org/10.1656/058.018.0404
Published: 1 November 2019
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