FIRE EFFECTS AND USE
WILDLIFE SPECIES: Sialia sialis | Eastern Bluebird 



DIRECT FIRE EFFECTS ON ANIMALS : 
It is very probable that few eastern bluebirds die in fires [36].
Adults easily escape fire, and nests and nestlings are only vulnerable to
severe fire that destroys nest sites.

In Minnesota prescribed fire conducted during the breeding season was
evaluated for direct effects on eastern bluebird nesting activity.  Nest
boxes 4 and 4.6 feet (1.2 and 1.4 m) above ground were monitored on the
day of the fire.  Flame lengths were 3.3 feet (1 m) or less.  Adult
eastern bluebirds left the nest boxes as the fire front approached; one
pair was observed hovering over the nest as the fire passed underneath
the box.  The adults returned to the nest boxes when the fire had
passed.  No eggs were harmed by this fire and there was 100 percent nest
success (all eggs produced fledglings) for both boxes.  In the area the
success rate for 23 nests was 93 percent [10].


HABITAT RELATED FIRE EFFECTS : 
The eastern bluebird is known as a fire-follower [1,16,35,62]; the low
sparse vegetation on fresh burns and plentiful natural cavities caused
by decay in fire injured or killed trees are important for eastern
bluebird habitat [36,41].  In southern pine forests, fire retards
succession, reduces midstory hardwoods and shrubs, and favors herbaceous
vegetation; all of these effects enhance eastern bluebird habitat [16].

An important consideration is the effect of fire on food sources.  Fire
often reduces understory fruit production [33].  There are conflicting
reports on the effect of fire on arthropod populations [16].  The
effects of fire on invertebrate populations may be transitory or long
lasting.  There is usually an immediate decrease in invertebrates due to
direct mortality and indirectly due to loss of food supplies and
shelter.  In some instances flying insects are attracted by heat, smoke,
or killed or damaged trees, and therefore populations of some species may
increase during and after a fire.  Fires reduce the populations of most
soil fauna (animals that spend most of their time on the forest floor or
mineral soils).  The length of time of this effect varies with fire
severity and postfire vegetation [36].


FIRE USE : 
Savannas and open stands are natural bluebird habitat that usually
require recurrent fire for maintenance.  Prescribed fire is usually
beneficial to eastern bluebirds, especially if it controls shrubs and
understory hardwoods [46].


REFERENCES : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Wildlife Species: Sialia sialis | Eastern Bluebird