thumbnail

Influence of Old World bluestem (Bothrichloa ischaemum) monocultures on breeding density of three grassland songbirds in Oklahoma

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

Despite persistent and widespread declines of grassland birds in North America, few studies have assessed differences between native grasslands and seeded monocultures as songbird habitat. In the Great Plains, many fields enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program have been seeded to Old World bluestems (OWB), but there is evidence to suggest that OWB may not provide suitable conditions for several grassland bird species. Our objectives were to investigate the influence of OWB monocultures on vegetation structure, composition, and breeding densities of three common grassland bird species. In 2007, we used distance sampling to survey breeding songbirds in 6 native mixed grass prairie and 6 OWB fields in Garfield, Grant, and Alfalfa counties, Oklahoma. Native mixed grass prairie supported taller and denser vegetation, as well as greater forb cover than OWB fields. Breeding density of Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) was higher in OWB monocultures, while density of Dickcissel (Spiza americana) and Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) was similar among field types.

Study Area

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Influence of Old World bluestem (Bothrichloa ischaemum) monocultures on breeding density of three grassland songbirds in Oklahoma
Year Published 2009
Language English
Publisher Partners in Flight
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Atlanta
Description 7 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title Tundra to Tropics: Connecting Birds, Habitats and People
First page 691
Last page 697
Conference Title Fourth International Partners in Flight Conference
Conference Location McAllen, TX
Conference Date February 13-16, 2008
Country United States
State Oklahoma
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details