Influence of grazing and available moisture on breeding densities of grassland birds in the central platte river valley, Nebraska
Wilson Journal of Ornithology
By: D.H. Kim, W.E. Newton, G.R. Lingle, and F. Chavez-Ramirez
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
We investigated the relationship between grassland breeding bird densities and both grazing and available moisture in the central Platte River Valley. Nebraska between 1980 and 1996. We also compared species richness and community similarity of breeding birds in sedge (Carex spp.) meadows and mesic grasslands. Densities of two species had a significant relationship with grazing and six of seven focal species had a significant relationship with available moisture. Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) and Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) densities were lower in grazed plots compared to ungrazed plots, whereas Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) densities were greater in sedge-meadow plots compared to mesic grassland plots. Bobolink, Dickcissel (Spiza americana). and Brown-headed Cowbird were negatively associated with available moisture with breeding densities peaking during the driest conditions. Our results suggest that wet conditions increase species richness for the community through addition of wetland-dependant and wetland-associated birds, but decrease densities of ground-nesting grassland birds in wet-meadow habitats, whereas dry conditions reduce species richness but increase the density of the avian assemblage. We propose that wet-meadow habitats serve as local refugia for grassland-nesting birds during local or regional droughts.
Suggested Citation
Kim, D., Newton, W., Lingle, G., Chavez-Ramirez, F., 2008, Influence of grazing and available moisture on breeding densities of grassland birds in the central platte river valley, Nebraska: Wilson Journal of Ornithology, v. 120, no. 4, p. 820-829, https://doi.org/10.1676/07-153.1.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Influence of grazing and available moisture on breeding densities of grassland birds in the central platte river valley, Nebraska |
| Series title | Wilson Journal of Ornithology |
| DOI | 10.1676/07-153.1 |
| Volume | 120 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Year Published | 2008 |
| Language | English |
| Contributing office(s) | Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 10 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Wilson Journal of Ornithology |
| First page | 820 |
| Last page | 829 |