Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Red-headed Woodpecker) has experienced sharp declines in portions of its range. Knowledge of how birds use their nesting habitats, particularly what foods they exploit, may be important in determining causes of population declines, but no modern quantitative study exists on diets of nestling Red-headed Woodpeckers. Our objectives were to identify diets of nestling Red-headed Woodpeckers and quantify variability in food types over time and between roles of males and females in provisioning their young. We conducted observations of nests on the Savannah River Site, SC, from June to September, 2006–2007. We recorded 791 food items fed to nestlings, representing 7 taxa of plants and 18 taxa of animals (16 invertebrate, 2 vertebrate). We assigned food items as either animal matter or soft mast and compared proportions using a binomial mixed model approach. Of the 12 models we tested, 3 received 67% of the cumulative AIC model weight and all included either year or month, indicating annual and monthly variation in foods fed to nestlings. Animal matter composed the majority of Red-headed Woodpecker nestling foods (71.5%), but notably, soft mast was an important component (28.5%). We suggest that future research on Red-headed Woodpeckers consider how the availability of soft mast may or may not limit productivity of this species.

Understanding how organisms respond to urban-associated environmental changes is key to protecting vulnerable species. Bees, in particular, have gained interest due to their economic and ecological roles. We used a geometric morphometric approach to describe changes in wing shape and size in the solitary bee Andrena barbara (Barbara's Miner) collected across an urban landscape. We found that, although the wing morphology suggests a limited dispersal ability in its short and narrow frame, the urban landscape did not significantly explain how wing shape or size vary. Our findings are consistent with other studies that show little variation in wing morphology in urban solitary bees, and suggests that urban habitats may potentially serve an important role in bee conservation.

Habitat associations for Falco sparverius (American Kestrel) have been quantified for agricultural landscapes dominated by pastures and fields, but little is known about the species' habitat requirements in natural plant communities such as forests, savannas, and grasslands. Prescriptions for habitat management for the threatened F. s. paulus (Southeastern American Kestrel) in sandhills remain unclear. We assessed how habitat features affected occupancy rates and nest success of Southeastern American Kestrels on 4 conservation lands in peninsular Florida. We assessed habitat relationships at 3 spatial scales (patch, territory, landscape) around 58 nest boxes. We identified a reduced habitat-patch model with 1 variable (percent grass cover) as the best fit for predicting Southeastern American Kestrel occupancy, but none of the habitat models predicted nest success better than the null model. Occupied patches averaged more grass cover (52%), and unoccupied patches averaged relatively little grass cover (32%). Habitat characteristics within nest box territories occupied by Southeastern American Kestrels (i.e., open tree canopy with few woody shrubs and a graminoid-dominated low groundcover) were consistent with ecological reference conditions for sandhills and habitat conditions recommended for other fire-dependent bird species of conservation interest. The loss of suitable foraging habitat (e.g., open ground cover) has received little attention in regional or continental efforts to arrest population declines of the American Kestrel. Additional effort toward maintaining suitable groundcover in native pyrogenic plant communities for Southeastern American Kestrels appears to be warranted.

There is a very limited amount of data on amphibian species richness in the Piedmont physiographic province of South Carolina. Over the last 14 y, I conducted field surveys, searched the literature, and queried numerous museums and agencies to locate records of amphibians from counties that lie completely within the boundaries of the Piedmont of South Carolina. I recorded 42 species from 12 Piedmont counties in South Carolina, 7 of which are listed as species of state concern. Such baseline amphibian data is crucial to continued studies and matters of conservation.

Predicted changes in sea level and other environmental conditions may threaten the marginal occupancy of coastal wetlands. In a field survey conducted in Weeks Bay, AL, we investigated intertidal wetland plant zonation along environmental gradients. The results of this survey may have implications for coastal wetland resilience both locally and across the Northern Gulf of Mexico as changing environmental conditions exceed plant community tolerances, resulting in “coastal squeeze” phenomena. Within the coastal marsh transition of Weeks Bay, there was heterogeneous micro-topography with a large overlap of plant distributions along the elevation gradient (-0.474–0.661m NAVD 88). In addition to elevation, salinity was a primary indicator of plant zonation for the dominant species in the area: Spartina cynosuroides (Big Cordgrass), Juncus roemerianus (Black Needlerush), and Cladium mariscus ssp. jamaicense (Swamp Sawgrass). Based on our findings, the persistence of these plants in the intertidal zone of Weeks Bay may be especially susceptible to changes in flooding and salinity associated with sea-level rise and the presence of barriers to upslope migration.

Falco sparverius (American Kestrel) and Lanius ludovicianus (Loggerhead Shrike) have undergone major population declines, which may be partially due to habitat changes on their wintering grounds. The objectives of this study were to compare quantitative habitat metrics and landcover data at sites used by American Kestrels and Loggerhead Shrikes during the winter. We conducted this study by observing individuals of both species along private and public roads across 8 counties in South Texas and recording GPS coordinates and various habitat characteristics at each location. We calculated woody canopy cover by digitizing all woody cover within 100 m of the sighting locations and at random points, and obtained landcover data from the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) for 2001 and 2011. Female American Kestrels were associated with shorter herbaceous height (median = 7.4 cm) than male American Kestrels (16.4 cm) or Loggerhead Shrikes (13.6 cm). Woody canopy cover was lower around sites used by female American Kestrels (q_0.9 = 1.9%), compared to sites used by male American Kestrels (q_0.9 = 17.8%), Loggerhead Shrikes (q_0.9 = 21.3%), or at random points (q_0.9 = 51.6%). Although cultivated crops were the most common cover type within 100-m radius buffers of each species group, this cover type was more abundant (73.2% ± 1.5) in sites used by female American Kestrels than sites used by male American Kestrels (47.7% ± 4.1) or Loggerhead Shrikes (41.1% ± 2.7). In contrast, sites used by female American Kestrel had lower amounts of pasture/hay, grassland/herbaceous, and shrub/scrub types compared to those used by male American Kestrels or Loggerhead Shrikes. Two of the most important cover classes for American Kestrels and Loggerhead Shrikes, cultivated crops and pasture/hay, still comprised 26.0% (481,882 ha) and 22.3% (413,396 ha) of these 8 South Texas counties in 2011, but had decreased by 0.77% and 0.84% since 2001. Medium- and high-intensity development has increased, for a total of 3360 ha (15.49% change), over the same timeframe. Slowing the loss of these favorable open-cover habitat types should be a priority for the conservation of American Kestrels and Loggerhead Shrikes in South Texas.

This study identified variations in pond bank gradients and associated plant assemblages to better understand niche preferences of 3 species of overwintering anurans—Acris gryllus (Southern Cricket Frog), Lithobates grylio (Pig Frog), and Lithobates sphenocephalus (Southern Leopard Frog)—in northwest Florida (Escambia County). We selected 7 regions of 4 interconnected ponds in a coastal pine flatwoods wetland. We conducted visual and auditory surveys once every week for 10 weeks from 17 January to 24 March 2017. We categorized survey areas along pond shorelines by the plant assemblage composition and species richness, pond bank steepness, and sunlight exposure. We looked for correlations between each species and specific niche characteristics. None of the anuran species studied showed a preference for the amount of sunlight or the slope of the pond bank. However, plant species richness was positively correlated with Southern Cricket Frogs and negatively correlated with Pig Frogs; thus, there was a very strong negative correlation between Pig Frogs and Southern Cricket Frogs. Southern Cricket Frogs, the smallest frog species in this study, prefers high plant species richness, possibly for increased cover from predators, and avoids potential predators like Pig Frogs. Pig Frogs prefer lower species richness, relying on open water for escape. The Southern Leopard Frog showed no vegetation preferences, possibly because the species is more adaptable and has a variety of predator evasion methods. Wetland plant assemblages are an accurate reflection of life-history habits of anurans, particularly predator evasion tactics.

Invasive Asian earthworms are increasingly common in the eastern USA where they are a major cause of terrestrial ecosystem disturbance. Among these, Amynthas agrestis (Crazy Worm, Alabama Jumper, and other common names) has been shown to alter above- and belowground food webs. Life-history traits of these earthworms are largely unknown, particularly in their invaded range. Here, we sought to answer questions about temperature effects on hatching success for cocoons of this species, using specimens collected from the southern Appalachian Mountains. We conducted 2 experiments investigating the effects of incubation temperature and the effect of varying the duration of cold temperature on hatching success. Of the temperatures tested, we found that cocoons hatched with greatest success at 10 °C, but our tests indicate a long duration at that temperature may be needed to result in an increase in hatching success. These results indicate that temperature and the duration of temperature exposure affect hatching success in this species. While our results contribute to the growing body of knowledge about the life-history traits of invasive Asian earthworms in the eastern US, more research is needed to provide a finer-resolution understanding of the optimum level and duration of temperatures for hatching success of A. agrestis.

Corvus corax (Common Raven, hereafter Raven) was historically ubiquitous throughout much of North America, but persecution and habitat loss after European settlement resulted in range reduction and population decline across much of the eastern US. Increasing numbers of confirmed sightings of Ravens in the eastern US over the past 70 years suggest rapid regional recolonization, particularly in central and southern Appalachia where, in many states, Ravens were thought to be extirpated or at least highly range-restricted. We compiled 64,611 Raven observations from multiple public and private sources across Appalachia between 1950 and 2016 and performed spatial analyses to characterize regional recolonization trends. The Appalachian Mountain range has served as both a refugium for Ravens during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries and a regional source population for range expansion between 1950 and 2016. Ravens are now common in the mountainous areas of Appalachia and have recently expanded their range into lower elevations, including the successful recolonization of 4 states: Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. Spatial analyses demonstrated a 40% increase in the Raven's apparent geographic range in central and southern Appalachia, which now spans at least 470,380 km². We present an updated map detailing current Raven distributions in central and southern Appalachia and review potential habitat, interspecific, and trophic factors aiding range expansion for Ravens.

Geomys pinetis (Southeastern Pocket Gopher) is absent from much of its historic distribution due to reductions in suitable habitat, which consists largely of open Pinus (pine) systems. Restored open pine habitat represents an opportunity to reestablish Southeastern Pocket Gophers into areas within their historic distribution through translocation. Using radio telemetry, we documented evidence of avian predation on experimentally translocated Southeastern Pocket Gophers and no predation on non-translocated individuals. Translocated individuals exhibited greater movement rates, including aboveground movements, likely exposing them to increased predation risk.

We documented distributional evidence of the parasitic fish Ichthyomyzon castaneus (Chestnut Lamprey) in selected Arkansas streams to provide information on host usage and selection of attachment sites. The species was at one point considered common in Arkansas streams, yet our sampling using boat electrofishing during late summer and fall collected Chestnut Lampreys in only 3 of the 12 streams for a total of just 8 individuals. We found evidence of Chestnut Lamprey parasitism in 7 of the 12 streams. Of the 2166 non-lamprey fishes collected, 11 individuals (0.5%) from 4 species bore evidence of Chestnut Lamprey parasitism. The most frequently parasitized host was the large-bodied, non-native Cyprinus carpio (Common Carp). There were no obvious patterns in the attachment/wound site location of parasitized fish. Further surveys of Arkansas streams are needed to evaluate trends in Chestnut Lamprey abundance and distribution.

Haemosporidian parasites are extremely diverse in birds. The more bird hosts that are tested, the greater the diversity of haemosporidians that is found. Here, we conducted a survey of haemosporidians in the local populations (Oktibbeha County, MS) of common and abundant songbirds. We captured local songbirds with mist nets and collected blood samples from the brachial vein for screening and identification of haemosporidians. Parasite prevalence was 57%, and we detected 3 genera of haemosporidians. We documented 3 Haemoproteus lineages, with 1 novel lineage (3% different than any known lineage); 2 Leucocytozoon lineages were found, neither of which were novel; and 8 Plasmodium lineages were found, one of which was novel (5% different than any known lineage), and 1 of which that may be novel (3% different than any known lineage). We detected Leucocytozoon for the first time in Mississippi songbirds, indicating the importance of surveying for understanding putative haemosporidian range shifts.

Sciurus niger niger (Southern Fox Squirrel, hereafter, SFS) are habitat specialists within the Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine) ecosystem of the southeastern US whose populations are declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Sciurus carolinensis (Eastern Gray Squirrel, hereafter, EGS) are generalists found throughout the eastern US that have historically avoided competition with SFSs through habitat-partitioning. Spring Island, SC, once reported the densest population of SFSs in the southeast, but residents of the island community recently reported decreasing SFS populations and increasing EGS populations. We used baited game-cameras at stratified random points to estimate SFS density, observe patterns of SFS and EGS diurnal activity, and examine the influence of habitat structure and management techniques (e.g., prescribed fire) on SFS and EGS occurrence on Spring Island. Our estimate of SFS density on Spring Island (0.28–0.97 SFSs/ha) was similar to the high density previously reported (0.758 SFSs/ha). SFSs and EGSs had similar diurnal patterns, but SFSs were most active around midday while EGSs were most active in early morning and evening hours. EGS occupancy was negatively associated with fire frequency. EGS detection probability was negatively associated with maximum daily temperature. These data suggest that habitat management via prescribed fire has allowed stable populations of both SFSs and EGSs to persist despite anthropogenic land changes.

Understanding neonate ecology is imperative for effective knowledge of life-history stages, which have historically been based upon adult ecology. We telemetered 12 neonate Agkistrodon piscivorus (Cottonmouth) and monitored their spatial use, activity, and habitat selection. Neonates did not have large spatial requirements, nor did they disperse far before hibernation. Neonates selected habitat edges, and within edges they used areas with thick vegetative cover. We suggest that the habitat selection and limited use of space by neonate Cottonmouths are products of the migration their mothers make before parturition. Habitat edges appear to be important for both parturition and hibernation. Our study offers valuable insight into the initial life-history stages of Cottonmouths and presents a good baseline for future research on their ontogenetic ecological development.

The Buffalo River in Tennessee historically contained a rich diversity of freshwater mussels. Sampling efforts in the 1980s documented declines in most of the main channel. Recent collection data indicated recovery in the upper and lower reaches of the river. The objective of this study was to update the current status, distribution, and species composition of the mussel fauna in the main channel and major tributaries through qualitative sampling, and document community structure using quantitative sampling at the most diverse location in the main channel for use in future monitoring efforts. In the qualitative sampling portion of this study, timed searches established catch-per-unit effort (CPUE) at intervals of ∼5 river miles in the main channel and tributaries. We recorded a total of 36 species at 62 sites, including 3 federally protected species: Margaritifera monodonta (Spectaclecase), Pleuronaia dolabelloides (Slabside Pearlymussel), and Theliderma cylindrica (Rabbitsfoot). An additional 3 species being considered for the federal endangered species list were also found extant in the main channel: Obovaria subrotunda (Round Hickorynut), Pleuronaia barnesiana (Tennessee Pigtoe), and Toxolasma lividum (Purple Lilliput). Multiple sites in the upper and lower main-stem were suitable for reintroduction of species. These findings should be considered in future management and conservation efforts.

Here, we detail the first confirmed consumption of a Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk) by an Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator, hereafter, Alligator). In April 2017 in Osceola County, FL, we tracked a radio-collared Eastern Spotted Skunk to a wetland and discovered its remains inside the stomach of a deceased Alligator. We conducted a necropsy on the Alligator, but were unable to definitively determine the cause of mortality for either the Alligator or the Eastern Spotted Skunk. We believe this event represents the first record of a crocodilian predating a mephitid. Although the cause of the Alligator's death was unconfirmed, we believe there is a possibility that the Alligator succumbed due to toxicosis brought on by its digestion of Eastern Spotted Skunk spray.