In response to grassland bird decline, management practices modify land to cater to their habitat preferences. We studied 6 sites to identify vegetation features characterizing the preferred habitat of 4 grassland bird species. We analyzed spot maps and observed behaviors to determine bird densities and territories and surveyed sites to quantify vegetation characteristics. We determined that our 4 grassland bird species prefer different vegetation structure, indicating a change that emphasizes the importance of continuing local habitat preference studies. Analyses between bird territories and vegetation parameters suggested that surveyed sites have excess habitat available to support higher bird densities. We used this information to make species-specific management recommendations

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Bombard, Jennifer Rene

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-101516-170531

Advisor

• Bakermans, Marja

Year

• 2016

Sponsor

• Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Date created

• 2016-10-15

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright