new bully on the block: Does urbanization promote Bewick’s wren (Thryomanes bewickii) aggressive exclusion of Pacific wrens (Troglodytes pacificus)?
Human conversion of land cover alters biotic communities and sets the stage for ongoing change as species interact within new environments. We studied the response of a native forest specialist, the Pacific wren (Troglodytes pacificus), to immediate and ongoing environmental changes facilitated by urbanization. We found evidence of a synergistic effect of native land cover loss followed by increased aggressive interactions with a native generalist, the Bewick’s wren (Thryomanes bewickii), resulting in the decline of Pacific wrens in urbanizing environments.