Rangeland Ecology & Management

Get reliable science

Nesting birds and grazing cattle: Accommodating both on midwestern pastures
Author
Temple, S. A., B. M. Fevold, L. K. Paine, D. J. Underser, D. W. Sample
Publication Year
1969
Body

Ungrazed grasslands were the most productive for bird numbers, while rotationally grazed pastures were the least productive. Cattle (Bos taurus) trampling and nest desertion after cattle had grazed the surrounding nesting cover were the leading reasons for nest failure. The authors suggest a "pro-bird" grassland management system consisting of twelve paddocks, the center four being set aside as a nesting season refuge for birds. The authors conclude that livestock needs can be accommodated for, while also working towards increased avian productivity on grasslands.

Language
en
Keywords
Bos taurus
avian productivity
nest cover
nest desertion
population sink
pro-bird grassland management system
  • 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.