Comparative Use of Four Woodland Habitats by Birds

Abstract

Bird species diversity (BSD), species richness, population density, and habitat use of individual bird species for riparian woodlands, tree claims, multi-row shelterbelts, and single-row windbreaks were compared to evaluate the impact of changes in woodland availability on bird populations in the northern Great Plains. These indices of bird use were determined by censusing 14 study plots within each habitat type in eastern South Dakota during spring migration, reproduction, and winter seasons. BSD did not differ between riparian woodlands and tree claims or between shelterbelts and windbreaks during any of the seasons studied. However, pooled mean BSD's for riparian woodlands and tree claims were 43 and 39% higher than the pooled mean BSD's for shelterbelts and windbreaks during the spring migration and reproduction seasons, respectively. More species of birds used riparian woodlands than the other habitats during each of the seasons. Tree claims were used most frequently by transient birds. Shelterbelts and windbreaks contribute substantially to the avifauna population of the northern Great Plains, but cannot replace the contribution of riparian habitat in maintenance of BSD.