Morelli • HABITAT SELECTION BY RED-BACKED SHRIKES 
55 
habitat for Red-backed Shrikes were edge density, 
which indicates a certain functional heterogeneity 
iBenton et al. 2003), open spaces, uncultivated 
land, and shrubs for nesting. In contrast, the spe¬ 
cies does not seem to favor farmland with forest 
patches or grassland cover. 
Meadows frequented by Red-backed Shrikes 
were less fragmented than the farmland. They also 
contained virtually no roads or building structures, 
but abundant shrubs were uniformly distributed 
across open grasslands. These high altitude 
meadows can provide another important resource 
to maximize foraging ecology of shrikes in the 
increased availability of 'open space', as open 
grasslands at high altitude are optimal for finding 
and capturing prey (Fernandez-Juricic et al. 2004, 
Golawski 2006. Morelli 2011b). Recent studies 
reveal that meadows, in comparison with other 
habitat types, support the highest number and 
biomass of invertebrate prey of Red-backed 
Shrikes (Golawski and Meissner 2008). 
‘Open space’ had different features in each type 
ol breeding habitat (mainly roads in farmland and 
grassland in meadows). The Red-backed Shrike 
used different kinds of shrubs in which to nest and 
perch in the two habitats; generally, the most 
abundant, suitable species (blackthorn in farmland 
and juniper in meadows). 
These characteristics, which highlight the Red- 
backed Shrike's relative ecological plasticity, 
C0l, ld be important when defining 'suitable 
habitat’ and ‘habitat availability' for the species, 
ihese findings should be used to identify new 
potential breeding sites and expansion areas for 
Red-backed Shrikes in central Italy. Future studies 
focused on breeding success of shrikes in different 
habitat types may be necessary if wc are to obtain 
reformation required to understand the biological 
requirements of this species. This information 
lna > have an important role in the success ol bird 
conservation programs (Hoffmann and Greet 
Salem 2003, Morelli et al. 2007). 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
Wc 'bank Maurizio Saltarelli and Chiara Tagnani for 
* le lp in the field, and Marco Girardello and Maria Balsamo 
1( ' r valuable suggestions on ihc text. A special note ot 
’banks is owed to the anonymous reviewers lor suggesting 
'■ Veral improvements in the original manuscript. 
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