Variation in habitat selection by male Strix nebulosa (Great Gray Owls) across the diel cycle, data archive

We used GPS tracking and remotely-sensed environmental data to evaluate
whether breeding-season habitat selection by adult male Strix nebulosa
(Great Gray Owls) (n = 19) varied across diel periods (dawn, day, dusk,
and night). We focused specifically on male owls because their breeding
habitat selection remains largely unknown despite the critical role they
play as food provisioners. To address knowledge gaps related to nocturnal
habitat, we also evaluated finer-scale, microhabitat selection by male
owls at night. Generally, S. nebulosa are associated with mature forests
for nesting and meadows for foraging. Yet, in our study, owls avoided
herbaceous wetlands during the day but strongly selected them at dawn,
dusk, and at night, indicating time-dependent habitat selection. Moreover,
owls avoided dry meadows at all times of the day, suggesting that wet
rather than xeric meadows are important for foraging. Owls also preferred
nighttime microhabitats that facilitated foraging, such as those with
presence of primary prey and open understories dominated by graminoids and
forbs. During the daytime, owls preferred higher canopy cover and areas
with increased soil moisture, which likely provided suitable roosting
habitat. Across taxa, understanding of habitat preferences across sexes,
behaviors, activity periods, temporal windows, and other contexts can
improve the identification and conservation of critical habitat for
wildlife. Our work contributes to understanding of how animals balance
resources related to food provisioning versus safety, both of which are
critical for individual fitness and population persistence.