Author
Estabrook, Tracy StarrIssue Date
1999Advisor
Mannan, R. William
Metadata
Show full item recordPublisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
I surveyed parts of Tucson, Arizona to determine numbers of burrowing owl (Speotyto cunicularia) burrows present, identify characteristics associated with burrow sites, and assess reproductive success. I measured habitat characteristics at 48 winter, 58 breeding, and 48 random burrows. Random burrows were closer to perches (P) and farther from wash banks (P) than were active burrows, and had smaller entrance dimensions (P). Winter burrows were farther from human activity than were breeding burrows (P). Active sites had less total vegetation, and less visual obscurity than did random sites. Owls may have selected open sites to facilitate detection of predators or prey. Urbanization sometimes created conditions which appeared to attract owls, but also destroyed burrows. An average of 2.31 young fledged from 116 active burrows during 1997-1998. While comparable to other studies of burrowing owls occupying urban environments, this was lower than rates typically reported for the species.Type
textThesis-Reproduction (electronic)
Degree Name
M.S.Degree Level
mastersDegree Program
Graduate CollegeRenewable Natural Resources