Grazing, crested wheatgrass, and bird populations in southeastern Idaho

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Populations of nesting and non-nesting birds were examined and compared in grazed and ungrazed habitats dominated by sagebrush and crested wheatgrass. Sheep grazing in a sagebrush community did not alter the density or the diversity of nesting bird populations. Planting a former sagebrush range with crested wheatgrass, with or without grazing pressures, reduced the diversity and abundance of nesting species. More species and individuals of migrant and non-nesting birds used the sagebrush habitats than the crested wheatgrass plantings. Habitat selection by birds appeared to be related to the vegetational physiognomy rather than the floral composition of the habitat.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Birds

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation:
Reynolds TD, Trost CH. 1981. Grazing, crested wheatgrass, and bird populations in southeastern Idaho. Northwest Science. 55(3):225–234