Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) nest-site selection and success in a mixed-grass prairie
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Authors: J. J. Lusk, K. S. Wells, F. S. Guthery, and S. D. Fuhlendorf
Date: 2003
Journal: The Auk
Volume: 120
Number: 1
Pages: 120-129
Summary of Methods: Lusk et al. studied habitat characteristics affecting Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) nest-site selection and nest success in a southern mixed-grass prairie in Oklahoma. The authors used a neural -network technique to discriminate between nest and random locations, and a 95% confidence intervals to compare habitat features of successful and unsuccessful nests. Lusk et al. located 40 nests during two years of the study, for which crude nest-success was 26.3%. Most nest were located in either moderately grazed pasture (55%) or heavily grazed pasture (40%). The neural model correctly identified nest and random points 91% of the time. According to the model, percentage of structural cover, distance to nearest structural element, bare-ground exposure, and percentage of litter cover were the most important nest-site selection criteria. Successful nest had less bare-ground exposure and more litter cover compared to unsuccessful nests. The authors suggest that habitat management for Lark Sparrows in mixed-grass prairie should focus on creating abundant structural cover with moderate levels of litter accumulation and bare ground.
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: lark sparrows, chondestes grammacus, management, habitat characteristics, nest-site selection, grazing, neural model
Annotation: Individual pastures at the station were managed under 3 grazing treatments: 1) no grazing, 2) moderate grazing (0.2 AU/ha), and 3) heavy grazing (0.4 AU/ha).
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