Introduction
The black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) is a common to uncommon widespread breeder throughout BCR 14. It is most likely to be found in hardwood or mixed-wood pole-sized stands resulting from clear cuts. It is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in one or more states in BCR 14.
Habitat Needs
Its habitat preferences include closed-canopy pole hardwood or mixed-wood stands. Ten-year old clearcuts seem ideal. They are also found in both hardwood and softwood stands with a hardwood understory. There seems to be a relationship with stands on moister soils.
Its territory size ranges from 1 to 10 acres.
Habitat Management Practices
Provide a consistent supply of pole-sized hardwood or mixed-wood on the appropriate soils across 100-acre units. Schedule treatments so at least 25 percent of any given area with the appropriate soils is in pole-sized stands of at least 5 acres.
When assessing properties for habitat potential, look for soils that are moderately well-drained, such as Dixfield, Gilmanton, Howland, Metacomet, Peru, Pittstown, Scituate, Skerry, Woodbridge, Sunapee or Dartmouth. There are others depending on the location in the BCR 14.
Silvicultural Practices
- Even-aged management with clearcuts of at least 5 acres.
- Group selection with larger groups is another option.
- Schedule entry periods so that at least 25 percent of the total area in this habitat type remains in the pole stage.
- These birds are ground nesters so schedule logging operations after nesting season, usually about mid-June, though stands on these soils will allow operations at any time of the year with the possible exception of spring.