Vegetation structure of Bachman’s sparrow breeding habitat and its relationship to home range

January 22, 2021

The vegetation structure of Bachman’s sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis) breeding habitat and its relationship to home range size was studied on pine plantations in central Arkansas. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that breeding areas had less litter, fewer trees and shrubs, shorter woody vegetation, and more forbs than unoccupied sites. Few differences in density of ground vegetation and cover were found between occupied and unoccupied sites size of home range was negatively correlated with percent forb cover, percent ground cover, forb height, percent grass cover, and vertical vegetation density between 0-90 cm, but was positively related to percent canopy cover. Management practices that reduce litter, maintain relatively low tree and shrub densities, and that encourage the growth of forbs and cespitose grasses ( e.g., Andropogon and Aristida) are recommended. Stands that are thinned and periodically burned may provide the most suitable habitat.