Avian use of perennial biomass feedstocks as post-breeding and migratory stopover habitat.

摘要: Increased production of biomass crops in North America will require new agricultural land, intensify the cultivation land already under and introduce types crops. Assessing potential biodiversity impacts novel systems is fundamental to maintenance landscapes, yet consequences expanded remain unclear. We evaluate ability two candidate second generation feedstocks (switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, mixed-grass prairie) not currently managed as act post-breeding fall migratory stopover habitat for birds. In total, we detected 41 bird species, including grassland specialists species state national conservation concern (e.g. Henslow's Sparrow, Ammodramus henslowii). Avian richness was generally comparable switchgrass prairie increased with patch size both types. Grassland were less abundant likely occur patches within highly forested landscapes more common larger patches, indicating that this group also area-sensitive outside breeding season. Variation arthropod food unrelated abundance metrics. Total higher greater vegetation structural heterogeneity. Collectively, find perennial have provide birds, but placement management be critical factors determining their suitability concern. Industrialization cellulosic bioenergy results reduced crop heterogeneity dramatically reduce