Pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) nest site selection in central New Mexico: Habitat Data to be used with AICc

<p>Pinyon Jays (<i>Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus</i>) are experiencing range wide population declines primarily in response to habitat degradation. Studies examining Pinyon Jay nest site selection in pinyon-juniper woodlands would be helpful in determining potential habitat management prescriptions. Therefore, we conducted a nest site selection study in Pinyon Jay breeding habitat in central New Mexico. We compared size and foliage characteristics of pinyon and juniper trees in 42 17.5-m radius plots around Pinyon Jay nests to 41 same-sized vegetation plots in random locations using binomial generalized linear models. The strongest model indicated that Pinyon Jays preferred nesting in areas with fewer dead juniper trees within pinyon-juniper habitats. Furthermore, Pinyon Jays built nests in pinyon and juniper trees with greater height (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and nests were built below the average tree height in the plot (<i>p </i>= 0.001). Results suggest selective cutting of dead juniper and retention of tall, live pinyon or juniper trees may be used in pinyon-juniper woodlands to improve Pinyon Jay nesting habitat in the western United States.</p>