01856nas a2200133   4500008004100000022001400041245011900055210006900174260001600243520135200259100003201611700001601643856006301659       2019                        eng d  a0273-857000aTesting the conspecific attraction hypothesis with Dupont's Larks, a resident species of songbird in central Spain0 aTesting the conspecific attraction hypothesis with Duponts Larks  cFeb-08-20213 a<p>Some birds use social cues, such as the presence of conspecifics, when selecting breeding habitat. This phenomenon, known as conspecific attraction, has been well‐documented in migratory species, but has not been assessed for resident species of birds. We used Dupont&#39;s Larks (Chersophilus duponti) as a model species to determine if conspecific attraction plays a role in habitat selection by resident species of birds. At our study site in Soria province in central Spain, we monitored two potential habitat patches and one managed site where management actions had provided apparently suitable habitat. At each site, we broadcast recordings of the songs and calls of male Dupont&#39;s Larks, and monitored their presence during the breeding season and dispersal period in 2018 using automated recorders and field surveys. No birds were attracted to our study sites. Our results suggest that management of patches of suitable habitat should occur close to areas (within 1 km) already occupied by Dupont&#39;s Larks to encourage natural colonization because, based on our results, playback of conspecific vocalizations may not attract the species to new breeding areas. However, additional studies are needed before drawing conclusions about the effectiveness of conspecific attraction for this and other resident species of birds.</p>
1 aPérez‐Granados, Cristian1 aTraba, Juan  uhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jofo.12306