scholarly journals Effects of Prescribed Burns and Bison (Bos Bison) Grazing on Breeding Bird Abundances in Tallgrass Prairie

The Auk ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis F. L A. Powell
Keyword(s):  
Tallgrass Prairie ◽  
Grassland Birds ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Prescribed Burns ◽  
Grasshopper Sparrow ◽  
Flint Hills ◽  
Bos Bison ◽  
Henslow's Sparrow

Abstract Grassland birds have declined more than any other avian assemblage in North America, with nearly every species showing negative population trends. In the Flint Hills of Kansas, the largest remnant of the tallgrass prairie biome, annual spring burning of rangeland has recently replaced burning every 2–3 years. I examined effects of different burning and bison (Bos bison) grazing regimes on June abundances of seven bird species using a 23-year data set from the Konza Prairie Biological Station. Fire significantly affected the abundances of six of the seven species. Effects varied among species but, notably, four grass-dependent species—Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), Henslow’s Sparrow (A. henslowii), Dickcissel (Spiza americana), and Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)— and the shrub-dependent Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii)—were least abundant or absent at sites in the breeding season immediately following burning. Upland Sandpipers (Bartramia longicauda) were most abundant at sites in the season following burning, whereas Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) exhibited no significant response. Bison grazing increased abundance of Upland Sandpiper and Grasshopper Sparrow, nearly eliminated Henslow’s Sparrow, and (in combination with recent fire) lowered the abundance of Dickcissel. Although fire and grazing are natural forces that maintain tallgrass prairie, their action was, until recently, intermittent and patchy, providing grassland birds with a variety of levels of disturbance. If the vast Flint Hills prairie is to serve as a grassland bird stronghold, the region-wide practice of annual burning with intensive grazing must be replaced with alternatives that restore heterogeneity to the landscape. Efectos de las Quemas Programadas y del Pastoreo de los Bisontes sobre la Abundancia de Aves Reproductivas en Praderas de Pasto Alto

scholarly journals Avian Responses to Post Oak Savanna Restoration in Eastern Texas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney McInnerney ◽  
Brian Oswald ◽  
Chris Comer ◽  
Roger J. Masse ◽  
Christopher M. Schalk
Keyword(s):  
Tallgrass Prairie ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
The United States ◽  
Oak Savanna ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Grassland Species ◽  
Post Oak ◽  
Oak Savannas ◽  
Chondestes Grammacus ◽  
Post Oak Savanna

In response to the loss and degradation of oak savannas, associated wildlife populations have experienced long-term declines. For example, 70% of disturbance-dependent bird species in the United States have experienced declines with most of these species being associated with grasslands, oak savannas, and open forest communities. Few studies have documented the success of restoration in post oak savanna systems in regard to breeding bird assemblages. Our objective was to quantify avian abundance, density, species richness, and assemblage structure in restored post oak savannas at Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area (GEWMA) in Eastern Texas. We conducted vegetation and avian transect surveys post-restoration (2016-2017) and compared our results to pre-restoration baseline surveys conducted in 2009. Restoration conducted in 2010 was partially successful, with vegetation changes that closely resemble historical characteristics. The avian assemblage also showed indications of successful restoration, with the appearance of obligate grassland species following restoration efforts. Specifically, pre-restoration, one dickcissel ( Spiza americana ) and no lark sparrows ( Chondestes grammacus ) were detected. By 2017, dickcissel density in the restored sites was similar to densities recorded on tallgrass prairie and other high-quality habitat in the southern portion of its range. Lark sparrows were also detected, but at low densities. We also observed the persistence and/or increase of several woodland and open woodland species over time. These patterns are likely attributed to the creation of a mosaic of suitable microhabitats preferred by these species such as the persistence of mottes as well as their increased edge-to-area ratios. Restoration sites that are larger in size and in closer proximity to other restored or remnant savannas should have a higher priority to increase their likelihood of recolonization by target species. Restoration efforts may still be successful in more isolated areas, such as GEWMA, but post-restoration monitoring should be conducted and reported to provide insights regarding site-specific restoration dynamics.

scholarly journals Woody Vegetation Removal Benefits Grassland Birds on Reclaimed Surface Mines

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-98
Author(s):  
Joseph M. Lautenbach ◽  
Nathan Stricker ◽  
Michael Ervin ◽  
Andy Hershner ◽  
Ryan Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grassland Birds ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Woody Vegetation ◽  
Herbicide Application ◽  
Yellow Warbler ◽  
Grasshopper Sparrow ◽  
Elaeagnus Umbellata ◽  
Surface Mines ◽  
Canopy Coverage ◽  
Henslow's Sparrow

Abstract Grassland birds have declined throughout North America. In the midwestern United States, reclaimed surface mines often provide expanses of contiguous grassland that support grassland birds. However, some reclaimed surface mines often experience severe woody vegetation encroachment, typically by invasive trees and shrubs, including black locust Robinia pseudoacacia, autumn olive Elaeagnus umbellata, and bush honeysuckle Lonicera spp. We conducted point-count surveys to investigate the effects of woody canopy cover and response to treatments of woody vegetation on the abundance of birds. Our treatments were a control, an herbicide application, and an herbicide application followed by cutting and shredding of standing dead woody vegetation. Estimated density of eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna, grasshopper sparrow Ammodramus savannarum, and Henslow's sparrow Centronyx henslowii was 670%, 958%, and 200%, respectively, greater on areas treated with herbicide and shredding and 279%, 666%, and 155%, respectively, greater on areas treated with herbicide-only when compared with control sites. When woody canopy cover increased from 0% to 20%, densities of eastern meadowlark, grasshopper sparrow, and Henslow's sparrow decreased by 83.9%, 74.9%, and 50.7%, respectively. Conversely, densities of eastern towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus, prairie warbler Setophaga discolor, yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens, and yellow warbler Setophaga petechia increased 67.4%, 57.0%, 34.6%, and 117.7%, respectively, as estimated woody canopy coverage increased from 20% to 60%. Our results showed treating encroaching woody vegetation on reclaimed surface mines with herbicide and shredding increases available habitat used by grassland birds. Maintaining grasslands on reclaimed surface mines at ≤10% woody canopy coverage would be most beneficial to eastern meadowlarks, grasshopper sparrows, and Henslow's sparrows.

scholarly journals Snow Meltout Dates and Breeding Density in Brewer's Sparrows (Spizella Breweri)

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 19-21
Author(s):  
Martin Cody
Keyword(s):  
Census Data ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Breeding Density ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Bird Monitoring ◽  
Fixed Area ◽  
Spizella Breweri

We have conducted a breeding bird monitoring program in GTNP since the early 1990s, utilizing fixed-area census sites of around 5 ha in size. The sites are located throughout the park in all habitat types and elevations, and number 30 in all. Some have been censused each year in June, at the height of the breeding season, others have been censused repeatedly but more sporadically, and others less frequently. the power of these census data to interpret variation in bird species, composition and breeding densities, species to species, site to site and especially year to year, clearly increases with the longevity of the data set. With the data from some sites now covering 18 successive years (1991-2008), it is possible to attempt some interpretation of the bird species variables. One such is reported here. The influence of snow meltout date on breeding density of a common species of the sagebrush flats, Brewer's Sparrow Spizella breweri.

scholarly journals Geographic Variation in Brown-Headed Cowbird (Molothrus Ater) Parasitism on Dickcissels (Spiza Americana) in Great Plains Tallgrass Prairie

The Auk ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 648-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
William E. Jensen ◽  
Jack F. Cully
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Variation ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Tallgrass Prairie ◽  
Brood Parasitism ◽  
Molothrus Ater ◽  
Grassland Birds ◽  
Spiza Americana ◽  
Flint Hills ◽  
Cowbird Parasitism ◽  
Study Sites

Abstract The incidence of brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater; hereafter “cowbirds“) within host species typically reflects the continental pattern in cowbird abundance across North America, where parasitism is heaviest in the Great Plains. However, we found considerable variation in cowbird parasitism on Dickcissel (Spiza americana) nests within a subregion of the Great Plains (the Flint Hills), where the highest levels of cowbird parasitism on grassland bird nests had been previously reported. Local parasitism frequencies on Dickcissel nests varied latitudinally across the Flint Hills, ranging from 0% to 92% of nests parasitized. Interestingly, we found no obvious patterns in habitat or host attributes that were associated with this steep geographic gradient in brood parasitism. Cowbird parasitism on Dickcissel nests was not correlated with the vertical density of local prairie vegetation, mean nest distance to edge, proportion of forest to grassland habitat surrounding study sites (≤5 to 10 km), geographic variation in host abundance, or Dickcissel density or nest initiation dates. Parasitism frequencies and intensities (number of cowbird eggs per parasitized nest) on Dickissel nests were only significantly related to variation in local female cowbird density. Dickcissel clutch size and apparent fledging success were negatively correlated with local cowbird parasitism levels. Geographic patterns in cowbird abundance within and among regions should be considered when establishing conservation areas for grassland birds or other cowbird hosts of concern.

scholarly journals ENSO Signals Contribute to Variations in Breeding Bird Densities in Grand Teton Nationl Park

2009 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
Martin Cody
Keyword(s):  
Census Data ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Fixed Area ◽  
Migrant Birds ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Preceding Winter

We have monitored breeding bird densities over a variety of sites and habitats in GTNP since the early 1990s, utilizing fixed-area census sites of around 5 ha in size. The sites are located throughout the park in all habitat types and over a wide range of elevations, and number 30 in all. At some of these monitoring sites we have accumulated data in successive breeding seasons for almost two decades; the power of these census data in interpreting variation in bird species composition and breeding densities, species to species, site to site, and especially year to year, clearly increases with the span of the data set. Some of the measured variation in breeding densities is presumably attributable to conditions encountered by resident birds during the preceding winter, on-site in GTNP. Some may be attributable to conditions evaluated by migrant birds returning to GTNP after wintering elsewhere, also an on-site contribution. However, a further potential source of variation is off-site, and may be ascribed to conditions endured by the migrants on their wintering grounds. It is the source and extent of such variation in the winter habitats of GTNP migrants that is the subject of the ensuing discussion.

scholarly journals Area Requirements of Grassland Birds: A Regional Perspective

The Auk ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas H. Johnson ◽  
Lawrence D. Igl
Keyword(s):  
Great Plains ◽  
Tallgrass Prairie ◽  
Grassland Birds ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Northern Great Plains ◽  
Passerculus Sandwichensis ◽  
Zenaida Macroura ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Dolichonyx Oryzivorus ◽  
Area Sensitivity

Abstract Area requirements of grassland birds have not been studied except in tallgrass prairie. We studied the relation between both species-occurrence and density and patch size by conducting 699 fixed-radius point counts of 15 bird species on 303 restored grassland areas in nine counties in four northern Great Plains states. Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis), Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida), Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii), Le Conte's Sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii), and Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) were shown to favor larger grassland patches in one or more counties. Evidence of area sensitivity was weak or ambivalent for Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus), Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), and Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) preferred larger patches in some counties, and smaller patches in others. Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) and Brown- headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) tended to favor smaller grassland patches. Three species showed greater area sensitivity in counties where each species was more common. Five species demonstrated some spatial pattern of area sensitivity, either north to south or east to west. This study demonstrates the importance of replication in space; results from one area may not apply to others because of differences in study design, analytical methods, location relative to range of the species, and surrounding landscapes.

Functional evenness of bird communities varies along the elevational gradient in Europe: Conservation implications

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Morelli ◽  
Yanina
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Elevation Gradient ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Elevational Gradient ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Large Spatial Scale ◽  
Functional Evenness

ContextThe negative association between elevation and species richness is a well-recognized pattern in macro-ecology. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate changes in functional evenness of breeding bird communities along an elevation gradient in Europe. MethodsUsing the bird data from the EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds we estimated an index of functional evenness which can be assumed as a measure of the potential resilience of communities.ResultsOur findings confirm the existence of a negative association between elevation and bird species richness in all European eco regions. However, we also explored a novel aspect of this relationship, important for conservation: Our findings provide evidence at large spatial scale of a negative association between the functional evenness (potential community resilience) and elevation, independent of the eco region. We also found that the Natura2000 protected areas covers the territory most in need of protection, those characterized by bird communities with low potential resilience, in hilly and mountainous areas.ConclusionsThese results draw attention to European areas occupied by bird communities characterized by a potential lower capacity to respond to strong ecological changes, and, therefore, potentially more exposed to risks for conservation.

Die Brutvogelfauna eines Nadelwaldes der nördlichen Voralpen nach dem Sturm Lothar

2017 ◽  
Vol 168 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-66
Author(s):  
Pierre Mollet ◽  
René Hardegger ◽  
Res Altwegg ◽  
Pius Korner ◽  
Simon Birrer
Keyword(s):  
Forest Succession ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Mountain Forest ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Federal Institute ◽  
Central Switzerland ◽  
Bird Fauna

Breeding bird fauna in a coniferous forest in the northern Prealps after storm Lothar In a 70-hectare large coniferous forest located on the northern edge of the Alps in central Switzerland, Canton of Obwalden, at an altitude of 1260 to 1550 metres above sea level, we surveyed the local breeding bird fauna in 2002 and 2013 by means of point counts as well as additional area searches for rare species. In December 1999, hurricane Lothar caused two large windthrow areas and several smaller areas with scattered throws in the survey range. We found a total of 48 breeding bird species, which is a very diverse species composition for a mountain forest. In the eleven years between surveys, a decline in distribution or abundance was recorded for four species, while seven species showed an increase; a further four species showed no change. For the remaining species, the data sets were too small to reliably estimate changes. A comparison with forest structure data provided by the Swiss Federal Institute of Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL revealed that for five bird species, the changes in distribution or abundance could be explained at least partially by forest succession. In order to obtain realistic distribution and abundance values in this kind of breeding bird survey, it is essential to collect large enough samples and to consider the detection probability of each individual species using appropriate statistical methods.

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