Breeding bird response to cattle grazing of a cottonwood bottomland
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Authors: J. A. Sedgwick, and F. L. Knopf
Date: 1987
Journal: Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume: 51
Number: 1
Pages: 230-237
Summary of Methods: Sedgwick and Knopf found that breeding densities of the migratory birds, in the study area, were not influenced by a seasonal, short-duration cattle (Bos taurus) grazing system. Sedgwick and Knopf note that birds dependent on overstory coverage may be influenced by the long-term effects of grazing on seedling survival and overstory tree species regeneration, since even moderate grazing can alter overstory composition, density, and demography. Avian productivity may also be reduced by the effects of grazing, even though avian densities in the short-term are seemingly unaffected. Since the common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) and yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens) selected habitats with the most vegetation coverage and density, they seem to be most impacted by herbage removal from grazing. American robins (Turdus migratorius), that choose habitat with less vegetation coverage and density, were least impacted by herbage removal from grazing. These results suggest that the common yellowthroat and yellow-breasted chat would be the best grazing pressure indicators for this study area.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: migratory birds, common yellowthroat, geothlypis trichas, yellow-breasted chat, icteria virens, american robins, turdus migratorius, bos taurus
Annotation: Study consisted of five, 16-ha control plots and five fall grazing (October-November) pastures, with 50% utilization goal. Fields were stocked at 35 cattle/pasture/30 days.
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