LAUSR

Abstract Pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) are experiencing range wide population declines primarily in response to habitat degradation. More studies examining pinyon jay nest site selection in pinyon-juniper woodlands would be helpful in determining potential habitat management prescriptions. Therefore, we conducted a nest site selection study in pinyon jay breeding habitat in central New Mexico. We compared size and foliage characteristics of pinyon and juniper trees in 42 17.5-m radius plots around pinyon jay nests to 41 same-sized vegetation plots in random locations using binomial generalized linear models. The strongest model indicated that pinyon jays preferred nesting in areas with fewer dead juniper trees within pinyon-juniper habitats. In contrast to previous studies, pinyon jays tended to nest in juniper-dominated areas as opposed to pinyon-dominated areas, possibly in response to widespread pinyon mortality at the study site. Results suggest that pinyon jays may be able to adapt to climate-related pinyon mortality by shifting to juniper dominated habitat.