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SHORT STORIES |
The objective of this study is to determine what resources and characteristics make an area desirable to the Smith’s Longspur so habitat suitability can be predicted. Fourteen sites used by the birds in the 1998-99 winter were characterized as to plant species, plant height, and percentage cover. A backwards stepwise multivariate analysis was performed on the number of birds, the diversity index, mean field height and percent coverage of little bluestem, broomsedge bluestem, foxtail, dropseed species, panic grass species, torrey, and moss. The plant species most represented on the study sites were little bluestem at 18.42%, dropseed at 12.03%, broomsedge bluestem at 9.34%, three-awn at 6.35% and Bermuda grass at 6.33%. The mean height of the vegetation in the fields was 49.47 cm. The results of the multiple regression revealed positive correlations between the maximum number of birds and the percent coverage of moss (p<0.0309) and panic grass species (p<0.0013). Based on the results of this study, Smith’s Longspurs in winter could best be managed by maintaining land that support Panicum species, and Sporobolus and Aristida species since the birds’ winter diet contains these species. The land set aside for the birds should also be suitable for the growth of moss. The presence of a water source should be on or very near the site. The land would best be used as moderately to heavily grazed hay fields. Send Comments and Questions to: ©Copyright 2000 The University of
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