E. Nell Brady

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1983

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

First Advisor

Raymond L. Linder

Abstract

To examine the role of bird species (other than Anatidae) in the prairie wetlands ecosystem. Seven wetlands on Waterfowl Production Areas in eastern South Dakota were utilized to measure differences between bird communities in plots with dug brood complexes and non-modified plots. Thirty-eight species of wetland birds were recorded on wetlands during June 1981 and June 1982. The most abundant species included the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), marsh wren (Cistothorus palustris), and song sparrow (Melospiza melodia). Analysis of variance was used to test between treatment (modified and natural plots on the wetlands) differences for the dependent variables: density, bird species diversity, species richness, and equitability. No significant differences were found between treatments for any of the dependent variables. For 1981-1982, 5 years after excavation of dug brood complexes, the effects of these modifications on wetland bird communities appeared negligible. However, upland cover on the islands of the dug brood complexes provided nesting habitat for some upland nesting species and a possible food source for other upland and marsh-edge species.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Prairie ecology
Birds -- Habitat -- South Dakota
Wetland ecology -- South Dakota

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 28-32)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

39

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/

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