Migratory bird habitat use in southern Mexico: Mist nets versus point counts

Most previous studies of habitat use by migratory birds in the tropics have used either mist nets or point counts to assess relative densities of migr ants among habitats. We used both methods on the same 30 sites in southern Veracruz: 10 sites in forest (canopy >10 m), 10 sites in second growth (can opy 3-10 m), and 10 sites in the open (canopy <3 m). Results demonstrate th at either method used alone is likely to underestimate or miss whole catego ries of species. Three aerial or canopy-foraging species found on point cou nts were missed by mist netting, while several others in these categories w ere under-represented in mist net samples, especially in forest habitats. N ine species represented in mist net samples were not recorded in point coun ts, probably because of low density and/or secretive habits. The strengths of one method tend to offset the weaknesses of the other, and we propose a methodology that combines both procedures to provide a more accurate assess ment of avian habitat use.