Brown-headed cowbird behavior and movements in relation to livestock grazing
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Authors: C. B. Goguen, and N. E. Mathews
Date: 2001
Journal: Ecological Applications
Volume: 11
Number: 5
Pages: 1533-1544
Summary of Methods: Goguen and Mathews found a connection between cattle (Bos taurus) grazing and brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) feeding behavior as well as diurnal patterns of a female cowbird's behavior within her breeding range. Overall, 98% of cowbird feeding activity took place with pastured or corralled livestock. Cowbirds fed closely behind cattle's mouth, fore feet, or hind feet to catch insects that were kicked up by the cattle. Pastures that cowbirds consistently used for feeding while cattle were present, were immediately abandoned once cattle were removed. Cowbird home range size increased the further away the female's breeding range was from livestock. Cowbird densities tended to decrease as the distance from livestock grazing increased; indicating that feeding habitat influences female cowbird's breeding habitat selection. Female cowbirds abruptly increased their commutes by 1.2 km to access actively grazed pastures when cattle were moved. These results suggest that cowbirds can be controlled through manipulating livestock grazing patterns.
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: bos taurus, molothrus ater, breeding range, brood parasitism, home range, feeding habitat
Annotation: None
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