Based on a study of migratory birds, Purdue University researchers conclude that they are just as likely to stop in small wooded areas for the night as they would in large forested areas, as long as there is adequate protection and food.

The birds observed in this study travel between South and Central America and Canada two times per year, and make several stops along the way. Since forests have been cleared for development along their migratory path, these birds have been utilizing smaller patches of forest that they find as interim stopping points. These small woodlots are consequently important refuges for migratory birds.

Researchers say these findings suggest that “conservations efforts should extend to smaller forested lands to help stabilize declining migratory bird populations.”