Study

Eastern meadowlarks nesting in rangelands and Conservation Reserve Program fields in Kansas

  • Published source details Granfors D.A., Church K.E. & Smith L.M. (1996) Eastern meadowlarks nesting in rangelands and Conservation Reserve Program fields in Kansas. Journal of Field Ornithology, 67, 222-235.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Restore or create grasslands

Action Link
Bird Conservation
  1. Restore or create grasslands

    A replicated, controlled study from April-June in 1990-1991 in Kansas, USA (Granfors et al. 1996), found that eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna nest survival and productiuvity did not differ between four CRP fields (18-24 ha) planted with six native grass species in 1988-1989 and eight rangeland sites (14-259 ha) with a history of spring burning (93 and 95% daily survival rate; 1.9 and 0.7 fledglings / female for CRP and rangeland fields respectively). Overall, nest success averaged 14 and 24% for CRP and rangeland fields respectively. Predation was the primary source of nest failure in CRP fields (37 compared to 25% for CRP and rangeland fields respectively). Mowing CRP fields was a source of nest failure and abandonment. Mowing was conducted (without removing cut material) to control weeds in 1990 and one field was mowed only in selected strips.

     

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