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Changes in breeding bird populations in North Dakota: 1967 to 1992-93

The Auk
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.2307/4089067

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Abstract

We compared breeding bird populations in North Dakota using surveys conducted in 1967 and 1992-93. In decreasing order, the five most frequently occurring species were Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris), Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), and Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus). The five most abundant species - Horned Lark, Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus), Red-winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, and Brown-headed Cowbird - accounted for 31-41% of the estimated statewide breeding bird population in the three years. Although species composition remained relatively similar among years, between-year patterns in abundance and frequency varied considerably among species. Data from this survey and the North American Breeding Bird Survey indicated that species exhibiting significant declines were primarily grassland- and wetland-breeding birds, whereas species exhibiting significant increases primarily were those associated with human structures and woody vegetation. Population declines and increases for species with similar habitat associations paralleled breeding habitat changes, providing evidence that factors on the breeding grounds are having a detectable effect on breeding birds in the northern Great Plains.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Changes in breeding bird populations in North Dakota: 1967 to 1992-93
Series title The Auk
DOI 10.2307/4089067
Volume 114
Issue 1
Year Published 1997
Language English
Publisher American Ornithological Society
Contributing office(s) Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Description 19 p.
First page 74
Last page 92
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