Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region

The focus of forest science is increasingly shifting to the management of forests as complex systems rather than as simple agricultural landscapes—with a much greater appreciation for the interactive ecosystem processes. In addition, now for many forest landowners the ecological value of their land is at least as important as the economic return. It is, therefore, vital to understand how forest management affects not only timber production, but also the overall function of forested ecosystems. This publication summarizes the effects of forest management on bird species in the Midwest based on data collected as part of the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) in southern Indiana and other studies. We hope this summary provides a basis for understanding interactions between forest management and forest birds as well as guidelines for bird-friendly forest management in Indiana.