Breeding bird assemblages associated with riparian, interior forest, and nonriparian edge habitats in a balsam fir ecosystem.

Surveys breeding bird assemblages along transects in riparian edge, nonriparian edge (clearcut or access road), and interior habitat in balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) forests in Newfoundland. Association of distinct species assemblages with each of these habitat types; Finding that five species were significantly more common in interior forest than along riparian edges; Total abundance and species richness; Observation that relatively high riparian biodiversity may be the exception for bird assemblages in coniferous and mixedwood forests; Role of interior forest species in forming an important component of the regional avifauna; View that these species are likely not afforded adequate protection in boreal forests, where conservation efforts focus on preserving riparian habitat.