Habitat preference and survival for western meadowlark (Sturnella Neglecta) fledglings in a contiguous prairie system

摘要: ABSTRACT Grassland bird populations in North America continue to decline according count and vital-rate data, highlighting the importance of remaining grasslands. Conservation efforts may be enhanced by understanding fledgling habitat preference survival relation age ambient temperature. We radio-tracked 46 Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) fledglings 2006 2007 evaluate variation subirrigated meadows Nebraska Sandhills, one America’s largest contiguous grassland systems. Our research indicates that varied with temperature: at higher temperatures, tended select sites deeper litter shorter vegetation, while younger, mostly flightless shallower taller vegetation. confirmed 23 fatalities, including 8 (35%) from predators, 2 (9%) haying operations, 13 (56%) unknown causes. Seven th...