Tall, heterogeneous forests improve prey capture, delivery to nestlings, and reproductive success for Spotted Owls in southern California.

The article investigates how vegetation structure and heterogeneity influence prey capture, prey delivery to nestlings, and reproductive success of California Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) in southern California. Using high-resolution GPS tracking and nest video monitoring, the study found that owls more successfully captured prey, especially woodrats (Neotoma spp.), in taller, multilayered forests with greater vegetation heterogeneity and near forest–chaparral edges. Territories with higher vegetation heterogeneity and forest–chaparral edge density corresponded to increased prey delivery rates and biomass to nests. Additionally, reproductive success was positively associated with greater canopy cover, taller trees, and more shrubby vegetation, suggesting that a mosaic of large-tree forests with complex canopies and shrubby areas benefits Spotted Owls. The findings imply that forest management promoting vertical structure and vegetation heterogeneity could enhance foraging success and support conservation of declining Spotted Owl populations in fire-affected landscapes.