01499nas a2200133   4500008004100000245009100041210006900132300001100201490000600212520100200218100001701220700001701237856011101254       2002                        eng d00aBiogeographic variation in nest placement: a case study with conservation implications0 aBiogeographic variation in nest placement a case study with cons  a11 -200 v83 aLocal habitat characteristics are often used to describe a species’ niche despite the fact that habitat use can vary across the geographical range. We sought to quantify variation in habitat preferences by asking how nesting habit varies within and between populations of Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii) across its geographical range. Analyses of detailed nest placement data from three localities (Kansas, eastern New Mexico and western New Mexico) showed a general trend towards use of dense vegetation. However, there was substantial variation in nest placement and vegetation at nest sites between localities. Furthermore, a review of nest placement data from the literature shows strong differences in nest heights and species of trees even between populations less than 100 km apart. We evaluate these results in light of conservation and suggest that to be most effective, habitat conservation plans should be based on data collected at the locality where the population of interest occurs.1 aParody, J.M.1 aParker, T.H.  uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/biogeographic-variation-nest-placement-case-study-conservation-implications