Grazed areas had less avian species abundance and richness than control streams that had been fenced off from cattle (Bos taurus) grazing. This could be due to greater amounts and structure of cover, and less livestock disturbance (trampling, agricultural equipment). On both grazed and ungrazed streams, nest success was not affected by grazing. Although livestock nest destruction was 12% lower on control streams, factors such as fenced riparian areas creating corridors for nest predators, balanced out overall nest success between control and grazed streams. Horizontal shrub cover and spatial heterogeneity of vegetation were positively associated with avian richness and abundance. Control streams had more horizontal shrub cover, stem density, foliage height, and spatial heterogeneity of vegetation than grazed streams. Overall, the enhanced vegetative cover and structure of the ungrazed sites were of most benefit to avian communities.
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