Avian Nesting Density and Success in Alfalfa, Cool Season CRP, and Warm Season CRP Planting in Eastern South Dakota

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the predominant hay crop planted in South Dakota with over 1.04 million ha harvested annually between 1998 and 2002. Alfalfa fields are notorious for attracting grassland nesting birds only to have their nests destroyed by mowing operations. Few studies have been done comparing nest success and densities in Conservation Reserve Program fields (CRP) and alfalfa in South Dakota. Objectives of the study were to: (1) determine avian nest success and densities in dense nesting cover (DNC), warm-season natives (WSN), and alfalfa in paired field comparisons; and (2) compare vegetative and microclimate characteristics of DNC, WSN, and alfalfa in paired field comparisons. Paired fields of DNC/alfalfa and WSN/alfalfa were selected and 10% of the smaller field’s area was searched with an equal area being searched in the larger field for avian nests. Searching was conducted using the “hockey stick” search method. Dabbling duck and passerine nest numbers were insufficient for statistical comparison. Ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) nest densities were higher in DNC and WSN than in alfalfa. Total number of pheasant eggs hatched was also higher in DNC and WSN than in alfalfa. Nest success was not different between field-types. More pheasants nested in warmer, less windy, and less humid environments that had taller vegetative structure. My results indicate that DNC or WSN planted next to alfalfa attracts nesting birds. DNC or WSN adjacent to alfalfa are especially important for birds looking to renest. Making either cover type available on the landscape adjacent to alfalfa will increase secure nesting habitat for grassland nesting birds.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - University Access Only

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Year

2006

Author dc:creator

• Rock, Marcus E.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Daniel E. Hubbard

• birds
• nestings
• south dakota
• seasons
• alfalfa
• Natural Resources and Conservation

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2006 Marcus E. Rock. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/379

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openprairie.sdstate.edu:etd-1379