The Effects of Building Characteristics on the Number of Bird-Building Collisions of Five Species on a Midwest University Campus.

Abstract

By Brittany Powers-Luhn, Biological Sciences - Animal Biology Concentration

Advisor: Ronald Canterbury

Award: Excellence in Research Communication

Presentation ID: 86

Abstract: Bird-building collisions kill nearly one billion birds each year in North America. The majority of collisions occur during seasonal migration. While it has been established that certain types and proportions of glass are more likely to cause collisions, not enough research is known about building and ground/ habitat features that contribute to these mortalities. The Avian Mortality Project (AMP) at the University of Cincinnati has been collecting data on collisions that occur on the main and medical campuses for over a decade. I have used data from summer of 2018 to the fall of 2021 to conduct research on the effects of height of a building, as well as its surrounding vegetation, and on the number of collisions among the top five species found in that timeframe. Ovenbirds, Mourning Doves, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Swainson's Thrushes, and Tennessee Warblers had the highest mortalities. For this study, the ten buildings with the most recorded collisions were analyzed. While similar studies from researchers in other locations resulted in statistically significant findings, I found no statistical causation among mortality, building location and height, and vegetation. Additional data and analyses may provide a more robust assessment of this trend. Moreover, as the UC AMP's research continues, it is likely that my study could be modified and replicated into more conclusive results.