Avian use of scoria rock outcrops

Mark A. Rumble

Treesearch

Avian use of scoria rock outcrops

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Mark A. Rumble

Year:

1987

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Great Basin naturalist. 47(4): 625-630

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Download (PDF 345 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/22793.pdf

Abstract

Avian use of scoria outcrop habitats was compared to use of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.)/grassland habitats. Outcrop habitats exhibited higher species richness, total population density, density of lark sparrows (Chondestres grammucus), and density of rock wrens (Salpinctes obsoetus). Western meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta) and vesper sparrows (Pooecetes grumineus) were more abundant in sagebrush/grassland habitats than in scoria outcrops. Habitat relationship models indicated that the unique plant community and structural diversity provided by the scoria outcrops were correlated with increased avian use.

Keywords

Passeriformes, wild birds, grasslands, sagebrush, habitat selection, population density, scoria soils

Citation

Rumble, Mark A. 1987. Avian use of scoria rock outcrops. Great Basin naturalist. 47(4): 625-630