LIFE-HISTORY OF THE ENDANGERED CAPE SABLE SEASIDE SPARROW

Cape Sable Seaside Sparrows (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis) breeding within eastern Everglades National Park were philopatric and moved onl y short distances between clutches. Incubation required 12 days, nestl ings fledged at 9.2 days, and fledgling care ranged from right to 20 d ays. The total nest cycle encompassed 34-44 days. Nestlings were fed s piders and insects. primarily Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Odonata. Di et varied between years and study sites. With the onset of summer rain s. predation rate increased, and nest success decreased. Breeding acti vity diminished throughout June, coinciding with rising water in near areas. Our results indicated that the lack oi breeding habitat and the onset or summer flooding limit the breeding potential of Cape Sable S easide Sparrows.