What specific habitat is the Kirtland’s Warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) critically dependent upon?
Answer
Young jack pine forests
The Kirtland’s Warbler, scientifically named *Setophaga kirtlandii*, serves as a prime example of the specialized niche adaptations found within the Parulidae family. Its survival is intrinsically linked to a very specific type of environment: young jack pine forests. This dependency highlights how detailed specialization can occur even within a highly successful and diverse lineage like the New World warblers. The structure and composition of these young pine stands are essential for its breeding success, contrasting sharply with the more general foraging habits seen in many other warbler species.
Related Questions
What causes the superficial resemblance between Parulidae and Sylviidae?Which family formally classifies the New World warblers?What heavily influenced warbler classification before molecular analysis?Which families absorbed species removed from the traditional Sylviidae definition?What specific habitat is the Kirtland’s Warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) critically dependent upon?Where are the Reed Warblers (Acrocephalus) now classified following taxonomic reorganization?What distinguishes Parulidae nest building behavior from some Old World counterparts?Which group tends to remain in the core, true Sylviidae family after splits?Within which superfamily are the New World warblers (Parulidae) scientifically classified?What behavioral trait can often help focus identification on many Parulidae in North America?