Uncovering life history traits and conservation strategies for the Golden Swallow, Tachycineta euchrysea sclateri, a threatened and endemic passerine on the island of Hispaniola : 2014 field season report

Abstract

The 2014 field season saw the continued collection of annual data on the breeding life history of the Golden Swallows via artificial nest-box monitoring. Moreso than years prior, however, we spent considerable time focusing on a laundry list of side projects that would help us better understand the bigger picture of why the species is as we find it today. We’re trying to address all of the possible variables that may be influencing the current distribution and abundance of the swallows, so that we can more accurately project in our conservation plan how to address these issues in the upcoming years. The following 2014 Field Season Report will give the reader a glimpse at what we were able to accomplish, what we’re thinking about now, and how what we’ve learned is directing the future of the project. We will focus specifically on new information we’ve obtained as opposed to revisiting themes already covered in detail in the 2012 and 2013 Field Season Reports. Look to our upcoming publications for greater detail concerning the data we’ve collected and a more ‘dissected’ look at the natural history and breeding biology of the Golden Swallows.