thumbnail

Changes in land use as a possible factor in Mourning Dove population decline in Central Utah

Journal of Field Ornithology
By: , , , and 

Links

  • The Publications Warehouse does not have links to digital versions of this publication at this time
  • Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) population indices for the western United States have declined significantly since 1966. Based on data collected in 1951-1952, in Fillmore, Utah, we examined whether there had been a local decline in the dove population index since the original data were collected. We then determined whether habitat had been altered, identified which foraging habitats doves preferred, and assessed whether changes in land use could be responsible, in part, for a decline in the local population index. We found that dove population indices declined 72% and 82% from 1952-1992 and 1952-1993, respectively. The most dramatic change in habitat was an 82% decline in land devoted to dry land winter wheat production and a decline in livestock feed pens. Doves foraged primarily in harvested wheat fields, feed pens, and weedy patches. We hypothesize that a decrease in wheat availability during the spring and the consolidation of the livestock industry have contributed to a population decline of Mourning Doves in central Utah.

Suggested Citation

Ostrand, W.D., Meyers, P., Bissonette, J., Conover, M.R., 1998, Changes in land use as a possible factor in Mourning Dove population decline in Central Utah: Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 69, no. 2, p. 192-200.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Changes in land use as a possible factor in Mourning Dove population decline in Central Utah
Series title Journal of Field Ornithology
Volume 69
Issue 2
Year Published 1998
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Field Ornithology
First page 192
Last page 200
Additional publication details