The grazing portion of this study suggests that heavy grazing had a negative effect on the abundance of three sparrow species, grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), Baird's sparrow (Ammodramus bairdil), and Cassin's sparrow (Aimophila cassinnii). The grasshopper sparrow and Baird's sparrow had higher abundance during the winter on an active cattle ranch, with summer grazing, than on a comparative area that lacked livestock grazing for thirty years. Gordon notes that cattle (Bos taurus) grazing may be compatible with grasshopper and Baird's sparrows, but overgrazing could significantly reduce their abundance. Though more research on the effects of cattle grazing on wintering grassland birds is needed, this study suggests that economically-feasible cattle ranching and winter habitat for grasshopper and Baird's sparrows can coexist.
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.