“…Elevation was the most significant factor governing community composition based on NMDS plots in the present study area, as indicated by clustering of communities at 300, 800, and 1200 m irrespective of transect type or sampling season. Similar associations have previously been found between bird species distributions and elevation (Blake & Loiselle, 2000;Young et al, 1998), however, one must exercise caution when interpreting these results as a multitude of variables are likely responsible for species distributions across elevations (Avalos & Bermúdez, 2016;Lomolino, 2001;Rahbek & Graves, 2001). Indeed, elevation is often closely linked with other explanatory variables (e.g., temperature, precipitation, vegetation) influencing species range limits, particularly in tropical montane regions where niche partitioning is common (Lundberg & Moberg, 2003;McCain, 2009;Young et al, 1998).…”