Skylark (Alauda arvensis) utilisation of micro-habitats in spring barley fields

Published source details Odderskær P., Prang A., Poulsen J., Andersen P. & Elmegaard N. (1997) Skylark (Alauda arvensis) utilisation of micro-habitats in spring barley fields. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 62, 21-29.
Share Tweet Email

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Create skylark plots Action Link
	Create skylark plots for bird conservation Action Link

Create skylark plots

A replicated study from April-May 1990 to 1993 in five spring-sown barley fields in eastern Jutland, Denmark (Odderskær et al. 1997) found that Eurasian skylarks Alauda arvensis used unsown plots in the fields significantly more than expected by an even distribution across the landscape. Radio-tracked birds were observed more in tramlines and unsown plots and mean dropping density was significantly higher in unsown areas than in crops (1.4 droppings/ha vs 0.1). One 22 ha field with one hundred 40 m² plots had higher densities of skylarks than four fields with an average of seven plots/ha, each of 7 m². Tramlines (30 cm wide, 18 m apart) were kept clear of vegetation by driving a truck along them several times a week. Adult male and female skylarks were radio-tracked and observed visually. Dropping counts were made in two 5 x 5 m squares in eight territories in one field (May and June 1991).
Create skylark plots for bird conservation

A replicated study from April-May in 1990-3 in five spring-sown barley fields in eastern Jutland, Denmark (Odderskær et al. 1997) found that Eurasian skylarks Alauda arvensis used unsown plots in the fields significantly more than expected by an even distribution across the landscape. Radio-tracked birds were observed more in tramlines and unsown plots and mean faecal density was significantly higher in unsown areas than in crops (1.4 droppings/ha vs. 0.1). One 22 ha field with 100, 40 m² plots had higher densities of skylarks than four fields with an average of seven plots/ha, each of 7 m².