Avian Response to Meadow Restoration in the Central Great Plains

摘要: Native grassland is one of the most heavily degraded all North American ecosystems, and restoration altered grasslands a tool used to mitigate some biological ramifications past land use practices. Providing habitat for grassland-dependent bird species often many goals restoration. We evaluated efficacy meadow breeding birds in Nebraska Platte River Valley by comparing community vegetation structure on 25 natural (original sod) restored meadows. conducted principal components analyses community, modeled densities common relation features. Vegetation meadows overlapped broadly, although metrics differed between 2 types With exception Dickcissel (Spiza americana), supported higher upland species, whereas generalist associated with moister conditions brushier vegetation. Models density reflected differences communities meadows: were less bare ground, woody vegetation, litter, that more grass, greater height-density. Periodic burning grazing may help restore planted while maintaining diversity. Proceedings Prairie Conference 20:313-324