Effect of prescribed burning on placement of sage sparrow nests

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Winter, B. M.; Best, L. B.

Source:

Condor, Cooper Ornithological Society, Volume 87, Issue 2, p.294-295 (1985)

Call Number:

A85WIN02IDUS

URL:

https://sora.unm.edu/node/103571

Keywords:

Amphispiza belli, Artemisia spp.

Abstract:

The Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza belli) commonly breeds in the sagebrush- (Artemisia spp.) dominated rangelands of the western United States. Braun et al. suggested that these sparrows are almost entirely dependent on sagebrush habitat; and Rich, Reynolds, and Petersen and Best reported all located Sage Sparrow nests to be within canopies of sagebrush plants. Although nests usually are positioned within sagebrush plants, some are placed on the ground in depressions beneath the plants. Miller and Green stated that Sage Sparrows also will nest in or under other shrub species when such are available. We report here on the placement of Sage Sparrow nests in a sagebrush-grassland before and after prescribed burning. This information is important in evaluating the effects of such habitat alteration on the breeding ecology of this species.