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Research | |
| Description
Author: Derek Palmer
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Due to the decline in the western populations of the Painted Bunting, there are some issues that need to be researched to better manage for this species. The comparison of breeding success for the eastern and western populations on natural and disturbed habitats could be helpful in understanding what could be done to help manage the birds. Population modeling could help to assess the levels of productivity, potential source-sink areas, and habitat features which are associated with reproductive success (Muehter, 1998). A better knowledge of the habitat requirements on the breeding and wintering grounds will help in managing these habitats. Since the eastern population is growing and the western is declining, a genetic study of the eastern and western populations would help determine if the two populations are actually separate species. The effects of nest parasitism by Cowbirds also needs to be studied. |