Using radio frequency identification (RFID) to investigate the gap-crossing decisions of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus)

ABSTRACT Gaps in forest habitat are well documented to negatively impact the movements of forest songbirds. Much past research on avian gap-crossing decisions has utilized playback experiments. However, playbacks are limited by short observation times and often cannot be used to reveal differences in behaviors among individuals. Here, we present a novel approach utilizing radio-frequency identification (RFID) to investigate gap-crossing decisions in Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus). Using bird feeders outfitted with RFID readers, we were able to track the movement patterns of wintering Black-capped Chickadees within forests and across gaps. We used logistic regression and an information theoretic approach to identify the factors that best predicted gap-crossing behaviors. Gaps impeded movements of wintering Black-capped Chickadees and the best predictors of gap-crossing behaviors were gap size and gap vegetation density. Birds were more likely to make crossings with decreasing gap size and w...