Literature addressing the concept of edge effect on wildlife species, as defined by Leopold (1933), is scanty, contradictory, and inconclusive. To investigate the presence of an edge effect on a breeding bird community in north Florida, 2 types of edge, cypress/ clearcut and cypress/planted pine, were studied. Within the 20 m wide edges, the number of breeding bird species and individuals of a species were no greater than in respective bordering habitats for both edge types studied. However, density of species and individuals within the edge were significantly greater (P < 0.01) for both types of edge, indicating an edge effect. A species replacement phenomenon was observed which further distinguished the edge from the interiors of adjoining habitats.
