Goguen and Mathews found a connection between cattle (Bos taurus) grazing and brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) feeding behavior as well as diurnal patterns of a female cowbird's behavior within her breeding range. Overall, 98% of cowbird feeding activity took place with pastured or corralled livestock. Cowbirds fed closely behind cattle's mouth, fore feet, or hind feet to catch insects that were kicked up by the cattle. Pastures that cowbirds consistently used for feeding while cattle were present, were immediately abandoned once cattle were removed. Cowbird home range size increased the further away the female's breeding range was from livestock. Cowbird densities tended to decrease as the distance from livestock grazing increased; indicating that feeding habitat influences female cowbird's breeding habitat selection. Female cowbirds abruptly increased their commutes by 1.2 km to access actively grazed pastures when cattle were moved. These results suggest that cowbirds can be controlled through manipulating livestock grazing patterns.
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.