The unmanaged (idle) native prairie plots had the greatest number of species and more birds than grazed or alfalfa-wheatgrass plots. Bird species such as the dickcissel (Spiza americana) and sharp-tailed sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus) were only found on alfalfa-wheatgrass plots. Horned larks (Eremophila alpestris) and chestnut-collared longspurs (Calcarius ornatus) were only found on grazed plots. Several other species were found at greater densities on these two habitat types as well. These species have become accustomed to a prairie vegetative structure continuum of short and sparse to tall and rank vegetation, which cannot be found on unmanaged grassland habitats. This study suggests that land managers must plan grazing systems for each habitat type in order to support the various mixed-grass prairie birds.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.