Effects of continuous grazing on habitat and density of ground-foraging birds in south Texas

Abstract

We analyzed the response of the key habitat features and ground-foraging birds to 2 intensities of continuous grazing on sandy loam and clay soils in the Texas Coastal Bend during 1984-1985. Heavy continuous grazing increased the dispersion but not necessarily the availability of bare ground in comparison with moderate continuous grazing. Responses of habitat features (structure of ground cover, key food plants) depended on soil type. Seasonal densities of eastern meadowlarks (Sturnella magna) were higher on clay than on sandy loam soils and higher under moderate than under heavy grazing. Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) were more abundant on sandy loams than on clays and more abundant under heavy than under moderate grazing. Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) abundance was uniformly low, regardless of grazing intensity and soil type.