Upland Sandpiper Research Articles

Effects of grazing and prescribed fire on resource selection and nest survival of upland sandpipers in an experimental landscape

Context Conservation of grassland vertebrates requires a mechanistic understanding of the effects of landscape heterogeneity on habitat selection and demographic performance.

Vulnerability of breeding waterbirds to climate change in the Prairie Pothole Region, U.S.A.

The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of the north-central U.S. and south-central Canada contains millions of small prairie wetlands that provide critical habitat to many migrating and breeding waterbirds. Due to their small size and the relatively dry climate of the region, these wetlands are considered at high risk for negative climate change effects as temperatures increase. To estimate the potential impacts of climate change on breeding waterbirds, we predicted current and future distributions of species common in the PPR using species distribution models (SDMs). We created regional-scale SDMs for the U.S. PPR using Breeding Bird Survey occurrence records for 1971–2011 and wetland, upland, and climate variables. For each species, we predicted current distribution based on climate records for 1981–2000 and projected future distributions to climate scenarios for 2040–2049. Species were projected to, on average, lose almost half their current habitat (-46%). However, individual species projections varied widely, from +8% (Upland Sandpiper) to -100% (Wilson's Snipe). Variable importance ranks indicated that land cover (wetland and upland) variables were generally more important than climate variables in predicting species distributions. However, climate variables were relatively more important during a drought period. Projected distributions of species responses to climate change contracted within current areas of distribution rather than shifting. Given the large variation in species-level impacts, we suggest that climate change mitigation efforts focus on species projected to be the most vulnerable by enacting targeted wetland management, easement acquisition, and restoration efforts.

Observaciones De Aves Raras En España, 2011

Report on rare birds in Spain 2011. Current report gives details about 452 new records on the presence of 100 rare bird taxa in the whole of Spain. Acceptance index was of 88,94% from a grand total of 579 examined records including pending, duplicated and regional rarities. Details on 12 new taxa for Spain are included for the first time in any rarities report: Asian white-winged scoter Melanitta deglandi, Fea's petrel Pterodroma feae, first and second records, black-bellied storm-petrel Fregetta tropica, eastern imperial eagle Aquila heliaca, sandhill crane Grus canadensis, south polar skua Stercorarius maccormicki, Thayer's Gull Larus thayeri, american hawk-owl Surnia ulula caparoch, buff-bellied pipit Anthus rubescens, eastern black redstart Phoenicurus ochruros phoenicuroides, semicollared flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata and Cretzchsmar's bunting Emberiza caesia. Deserta's petrel, Thayer's gull and hawk owl are new to the Spanish list which was updated in 2012 having considered the rest of the above accepted firsts. The report deals with record numbers of goosander Mergus merganser, buff-breasted sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis and pectoral sandpiper Calidris melanotos besides overwintering episodes of Baird's sandpiper Calidris bairdii and broad-billed sandpiper Limicola falcinellus. Other interesting records are third records for Spain of African white-backed vulture Gyps africanus, upland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda or Baltic gull Larus fuscus fuscus.

Effects of Grassland Management on Breeding Birds at the Western Edge of the Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in Kansas

We studied responses of breeding birds to alternative regimes for managing tallgrass prairie at the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range in central Kansas. Species richness, diversity, and evenness did not differ among treatments, but overall abundance was highest in unburned idle (i.e., not grazed or hayed) transects, and was lowest in idle transects burned that spring. However, no treatment was either superior or inferior to all others for attracting the highest numbers of every species. Dickcissels (Spiza americana) and Henlow's sparrows (Ammodramus henslowii) were most numerous in unburned idle units, grasshopper sparrows (A. savannarum) were most abundant in grazed units and hayed units, upland sandpipers (Bartramia longicauda) were most often found in burned units, whereas eastern meadowlarks (Sturnella magna) were less abundant in burned units than in all other treatments. We conclude that the recent switch to burning idle units every 3–4 years, rather than annually, has benefitted most grassland bird species. The variety of management regimes implemented at Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range fosters heterogeneity of vegetative structure across the landscape, and thereby allows the site to provide for differing needs of various species, thus enhancing its value for grassland bird conservation.

A Spatial Analysis of Factors Affecting Nesting Success of Shorebirds in the Canadian Prairies

Abstract. Conversion of natural grassland to cropland has been postulated as a cause for population declines among grassland birds. We evaluated nest-site habitat characteristics and landscape composition for three species of prairie-breeding shorebirds nesting across the agricultural landscape of prairie Canada. Nests of the Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) and Willet (Tringa semipalmata) were found disproportionately in natural grazed (57%) or natural idled (21%) patches, whereas Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) nests were in habitats in proportion to their availability on the landscape. We examined multiple landscape variables (proportions of crop, natural idled, natural grazed, and wetland habitats, edge density, and patch area) across a broad geographic scale, using relatively large samples of nests, and found no strong relationships. Neither nest-site habitat characteristics nor landscape-level effects influenced daily survival rates of Upland Sandpiper or Willet nests. Variation in landscape co...

Successional Changes and Habitat Selection in Hayfield Bird Communities

I examined the effects of successional changes in vegetation on the breeding dispersion of grassland birds in hayfields in New York. I sampled vegetation and counted birds in 90 hayfields of various ages (i.e. number of years since planting) and sizes that were originally planted to a legume-dominated seed mixture. I also resampled a subset of these fields two years later. Over time, these hayfields changed from tall, dense, homogeneous stands of legume-dominated vegetation to short, sparse, patchy stands of grass-dominated vegetation. Fields of all ages were dominated by introduced plant species. Red-winged Black- birds (Agelaius phoeniceus), the most common bird species breeding in these fields, were most common in fields of intermediate ages, whereas numbers of Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), the second most abundant species, increased logarithmically with field age. Upland Sand- pipers (Bartramia longicauda), Eastern Meadowlarks (Sturnella magna), Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum), and Henslow's Sparrows (A. henslowii) were most abundant in the oldest hayfields, whereas abundances of Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis, the third most common species) did not differ in fields of different ages. Bird-species richness and diversity increased linearly with hayfield age. Three species (Red-winged Blackbird, Bobolink, Savannah Sparrow) accounted for more than 90% of the breeding individuals. Vegetation structure, composition, and patch size were the most important proximate cor- relates of habitat selection for these species. Hayfield size was positively correlated with abundance for five of the seven most common species. Furthermore, those species that nested late in the season (Bobolinks, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Henslow's Sparrows) had low

Taxonomic recommendations for British birds: seventh report

Taxonomic recommendations for British birds: seventh report

Genetic Parentage and Local Population Structure in the Socially Monogamous Upland Sandpiper

Abstract. For a single lineage of birds, the diversity of mating systems and parental care among shorebirds (Charadrii) is high, which has made them an important group for investigations of the evolution of social mating systems. From 2003 to 2007, we studied a population of the Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) at Konza Prairie Biological Station in northeastern Kansas. Our objectives were to determine the genetic mating system of this socially monogamous shorebird and to determine whether spatial patterns of philopatry and nest placement might affect opportunities for extra-pair mating. We used six microsatellite markers to estimate rates of extra-pair paternity in 58 family groups (107 parents, 184 offspring). We found that 30% of broods contained extra-pair offspring, representing 15% of chicks, the highest rate of extra-pair paternity ever reported in a socially monogamous shorebird. High rates of extra-pair paternity were not due to the degree of relatedness between partners in mated pairs, an...

Heteroduplex molecules cause sexing errors in a standard molecular protocol for avian sexing

Molecular methods are a necessary tool for sexing monomorphic birds. These molecular approaches are usually reliable, but sexing protocols should be evaluated carefully because biochemical interactions may lead to errors. We optimized laboratory protocols for genetic sexing of a monomorphic shorebird, the upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda), using two independent sets of primers, P2/P8 and 2550F/2718R, to amplify regions of the sex-linked CHD-Z and CHD-W genes. We discovered polymorphisms in the region of the CHD-Z intron amplified by the primers P2/P8 which caused four males to be misidentified as females (n=90 mated pairs). We cloned and sequenced one CHD-W allele (370bp) and three CHD-Z alleles in our population: Z° (335bp), Z' (331bp) and Z″ (330bp). Normal (Z°Z°) males showed one band in agarose gel analysis and were easily differentiated from females (Z°W), which showed two bands. However, males heterozygous for CHD-Z alleles (Z'Z″) unexpectedly showed two bands in a pattern similar to females. While the Z' and Z″ fragments contained only short deletions, they annealed together during the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process and formed heteroduplex molecules that were similar in size to the W fragment. Errors previously reported for molecular sex-assignment have usually been due to allelic dropout, causing females to be misidentified as males. Here, we report evidence that events in PCRs can lead to the opposite error, with males misidentified as females. We recommend use of multiple primer sets and large samples of known-sex birds for validation when designing protocols for molecular sex analysis.

Optimizing Radio Retention and Minimizing Radio Impacts in a Field Study of Upland Sandpipers

Abstract: Two challenges in wildlife telemetry are optimizing the duration of transmitter attachment and minimizing the impacts of radios on the behavior and demography of the study animal. We tested 4 methods of radio attachment for a breeding population of upland sandpipers (Bartramia longicauda) under natural conditions at a tallgrass prairie site in Kansas, USA. To estimate radio retention and weekly survival rates, we used the nest survival model of Program MARK. Radio retention was lowest at the start and the end of the breeding period. The expected duration of radio retention was 1.8 years for a leg‐loop harness, 40 days for radios glued to clipped feathers, 26 days for radios glued directly to feathers, and 7 days for radios glued to bare skin. Few radiomarked birds died during our study, but 4 of 8 mortality events were discovered within one week of radiomarking. Both glue and harnesses increased predation risk immediately after radio attachment. The weekly probability of survival was high after a 1‐week acclimation period, and the expected survival for a 10‐week breeding period was similar in males and females. Attachment of radios with glue had no effect on annual return rates. However, attachment of radios with leg harnesses resulted in lower return rates among radiomarked birds than birds without radios. Radios attached with glue were shed in <1 year but radios attached with harnesses were retained for up to 1‐2 years. Our results indicate a tradeoff between optimizing radio retention and minimizing impacts on demography. Glue techniques had retention rates that were suitable for only short‐term studies, but attachment with glue had no long‐term effect on annual return rates. Leg harnesses provided effective radio retention that had little effect on survival rates during the stationary breeding period, but resulted in lower annual return rates. Robust estimates of radio retention and survival will assist researchers in selecting attachment techniques that best meet the study goals of future telemetry projects.

SHOULD HETEROGENEITY BE THE BASIS FOR CONSERVATION? GRASSLAND BIRD RESPONSE TO FIRE AND GRAZING

In tallgrass prairie, disturbances such as grazing and fire can generate patchiness across the landscape, contributing to a shifting mosaic that presumably enhances biodiversity. Grassland birds evolved within the context of this shifting mosaic, with some species restricted to one or two patch types created under spatially and temporally distinct disturbance regimes. Thus, management-driven reductions in heterogeneity may be partly responsible for declines in numbers of grassland birds. We experimentally altered spatial heterogeneity of vegetation structure within a tallgrass prairie by varying the spatial and temporal extent of fire and by allowing grazing animals to move freely among burned and unburned patches (patch treatment). We contrasted this disturbance regime with traditional agricultural management of the region that promotes homogeneity (traditional treatment). We monitored grassland bird abundance during the breeding seasons of 2001-2003 to determine the influence of altered spatial heterogeneity on the grassland bird community. Focal disturbances of patch burning and grazing that shifted through the landscape over several years resulted in a more heterogeneous pattern of vegetation than uniform application of fire and grazing. Greater spatial heterogeneity in vegetation provided greater variability in the grassland bird community. Some bird species occurred in greatest abundance within focally disturbed patches, while others occurred in relatively undisturbed patches in our patch treatment. Henslow's Sparrow, a declining species, occurred only within the patch treatment. Upland Sandpiper and some other species were more abundant on recently disturbed patches within the same treatment. The patch burn treatment created the entire gradient of vegetation structure required to maintain a suite of grassland bird species that differ in habitat preferences. Our study demonstrated that increasing spatial and temporal heterogeneity of disturbance in grasslands increases variability in vegetation structure that results in greater variability at higher trophic levels. Thus, management that creates a shifting mosaic using spatially and temporally discrete disturbances in grasslands can be a useful tool in conservation. In the case of North American tallgrass prairie, discrete fires that capitalize on preferential grazing behavior of large ungulates promote a shifting mosaic of habitat types that maintain biodiversity and agricultural productivity.

Predicting Regional Abundance of Rare Grassland Birds with a Hierarchical Spatial Count Model

Abstract Grassland birds are among the most imperiled groups of birds in North America. Unfortunately, little is known about the location of regional concentrations of these birds, thus regional or statewide conservation efforts may be inappropriately applied, reducing their effectiveness. We identified environmental covariates associated with the abundance of five grassland birds in the upper midwestern United States (Bobolink [Dolichonyx oryzivorus], Grasshopper Sparrow [Ammodramus savannarum], Henslow's Sparrow [A. henslowii], Sedge Wren [Cistothorus platensis], and Upland Sandpiper [Bartramia longicauda]) with a hierarchical spatial count model fitted with Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Markov chain Monte Carlo methods are well suited to this task because they are able to incorporate effects associated with autocorrelated counts and nuisance effects associated with years and observers, and the resulting models can be used to map predicted abundance at a landscape scale. Environmental covariates were derived from five suites of variables: landscape composition, landscape configuration, terrain heterogeneity and physiognomy, climate, and human influence. The final models largely conformed to our a priori expectations. Bobolinks and Henslow's Sparrows were strongly sensitive to grassland patch area. All of the species except Henslow's Sparrows exhibited substantial negative relations with forest composition, often at multiple spatial scales. Climate was found to be important for all species, and was the most important factor influencing abundance of Grasshopper Sparrows. After mapping predicted abundance, we found no obvious correspondence in the regional patterns of the five species. Thus, no clearly defined areas exist within the upper midwestern United States where management plans can be developed for a whole suite of grassland birds. Instead, a larger, region-wide initiative setting different goals for different species is recommended.

Predicting Regional Abundance of Rare Grassland Birds with a Hierarchical Spatial Count Model

Grassland birds are among the most imperiled groups of birds in North America. Unfortunately, little is known about the location of regional concentrations of these birds, thus regional or statewide conservation efforts may be inappropriately applied, reducing their effectiveness. We identified environmental covariates associated with the abundance of five grassland birds in the upper midwestern United States (Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), Henslow's Sparrow (A. henslowii ), Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis), and Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda)) with a hierarchical spatial count model fitted with Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Markov chain Monte Carlo methods are well suited to this task because they are able to incorporate effects associated with autocorrelated counts and nuisance effects associated with years and observers, and the resulting models can be used to map predicted abundance at a landscape scale. Environmental covariates were derived from five suites of variables: landscape composition, landscape configura- tion, terrain heterogeneity and physiognomy, climate, and human influence. The final models largely conformed to our a priori expectations. Bobolinks and Henslow's Sparrows were strongly sensitive to grassland patch area. All of the species except Henslow's Sparrows exhibited substantial negative relations with forest composition, often at multiple spatial scales. Climate was found to be important for all species, and was the most important factor influencing abundance of Grasshopper Sparrows. After mapping predicted abundance, we found no obvious correspondence in the regional patterns of the five species. Thus, no clearly defined areas exist within the upper midwestern United States where management plans can be developed for a whole suite of grassland birds. Instead, a larger, region-wide initiative setting different goals for different species is recommended.

EFFECTS OF PRESCRIBED BURNS AND BISON (BOS BISON) GRAZING ON BREEDING BIRD ABUNDANCES IN TALLGRASS PRAIRIE

Abstract Grassland birds have declined more than any other avian assemblage in North America, with nearly every species showing negative population trends. In the Flint Hills of Kansas, the largest remnant of the tallgrass prairie biome, annual spring burning of rangeland has recently replaced burning every 2–3 years. I examined effects of different burning and bison (Bos bison) grazing regimes on June abundances of seven bird species using a 23-year data set from the Konza Prairie Biological Station. Fire significantly affected the abundances of six of the seven species. Effects varied among species but, notably, four grass-dependent species—Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), Henslow’s Sparrow (A. henslowii), Dickcissel (Spiza americana), and Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)— and the shrub-dependent Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii)—were least abundant or absent at sites in the breeding season immediately following burning. Upland Sandpipers (Bartramia longicauda) were most abundant at sites in t...

Effects of Prescribed Burns and Bison (Bos Bison) Grazing on Breeding Bird Abundances in Tallgrass Prairie

AbstractGrassland birds have declined more than any other avian assemblage in North America, with nearly every species showing negative population trends. In the Flint Hills of Kansas, the largest remnant of the tallgrass prairie biome, annual spring burning of rangeland has recently replaced burning every 2–3 years. I examined effects of different burning and bison (Bos bison) grazing regimes on June abundances of seven bird species using a 23-year data set from the Konza Prairie Biological Station. Fire significantly affected the abundances of six of the seven species. Effects varied among species but, notably, four grass-dependent species—Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), Henslow’s Sparrow (A. henslowii), Dickcissel (Spiza americana), and Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)— and the shrub-dependent Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii)—were least abundant or absent at sites in the breeding season immediately following burning. Upland Sandpipers (Bartramia longicauda) were most abundant at sites in the season following burning, whereas Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) exhibited no significant response. Bison grazing increased abundance of Upland Sandpiper and Grasshopper Sparrow, nearly eliminated Henslow’s Sparrow, and (in combination with recent fire) lowered the abundance of Dickcissel. Although fire and grazing are natural forces that maintain tallgrass prairie, their action was, until recently, intermittent and patchy, providing grassland birds with a variety of levels of disturbance. If the vast Flint Hills prairie is to serve as a grassland bird stronghold, the region-wide practice of annual burning with intensive grazing must be replaced with alternatives that restore heterogeneity to the landscape.Efectos de las Quemas Programadas y del Pastoreo de los Bisontes sobre la Abundancia de Aves Reproductivas en Praderas de Pasto Alto

Grassland bird densities in seral stages of mixed-grass prairie

Birds associated with prairie ecosystems are declining and the ecological condition (seral stage) of remaining grassland communities may be a factor. Livestock grazing intensity influences the seral stage of grassland communities and resource managers lack information to assess how grassland birds are affected by these changes. We estimated bird density, species diversity, and species richness on 37 sites in 4 seral stages of western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) A. Löve]-green needlegrass [Nassella viridula (Trin.) Barkworth] communities of the Fort Pierre National Grassland. Bird species richness did not differ among seral stages (P = 0.57), but bird species diversity was greater (P < 0.10) in early seral stages compared to late-intermediate seral stages. Grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum Gmlin), bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus Linnaeus), dickcissel (Spiza americana Gmlin), and brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater Boddaert) density increased (P < 0.10) from early to late seral stages. Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia Molina), upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda Bechstein), chestnut-collared longspur (Calcarius ornatus Townsend), and horned lark (Eremophila alpestris Linnaeus) density decreased (P < 0.10) from early to late seral stages. Western meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta Audubon) were more abundant in early (P = 0.05) and early-intermediate (P = 0.01) seral stages than late seral stages. Birds with habitat requirements including tall vegetation and residual cover were more abundant in later seral stages. Early seral stages were beneficial to birds that prefer short grass and sparse vegetative cover. Seral stage was an effective predictor of density for many bird species. A mosaic that includes all seral stages is necessary to maximize grassland bird species diversity and abundance across the landscape. Managers can assess the effects on grassland birds of management actions that alter the seral stage of the vegetation.

Grassland bird densities in seral stages of mixed-grass prairie

Birds associated with prairie ecosystems are declining and the ecological condition (seral stage) of remaining grassland communities may be a factor. Livestock grazing intensity influences the seral stage of grassland communities and resource managers lack information to assess how grassland birds are affected by these changes. We estimated bird density, species diversity, and species richness on 37 sites in 4 seral stages of western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) A. Löve]-green needlegrass [Nassella viridula (Trin.) Barkworth] communities of the Fort Pierre National Grassland. Bird species richness did not differ among seral stages (P = 0.57), but bird species diversity was greater (P &lt; 0.10) in early seral stages compared to late-intermediate seral stages. Grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum Gmlin), bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus Linnaeus), dickcissel (Spiza americana Gmlin), and brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater Boddaert) density increased (P &lt; 0.10) from early to late seral stages. Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia Molina), upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda Bechstein), chestnut-collared longspur (Calcarius ornatus Townsend), and horned lark (Eremophila alpestris Linnaeus) density decreased (P &lt; 0.10) from early to late seral stages. Western meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta Audubon) were more abundant in early (P = 0.05) and early-intermediate (P = 0.01) seral stages than late seral stages. Birds with habitat requirements including tall vegetation and residual cover were more abundant in later seral stages. Early seral stages were beneficial to birds that prefer short grass and sparse vegetative cover. Seral stage was an effective predictor of density for many bird species. A mosaic that includes all seral stages is necessary to maximize grassland bird species diversity and abundance across the landscape. Managers can assess the effects on grassland birds of management actions that alter the seral stage of the vegetation.

Sjeldne fugler i Norge i 2002 - Rapport fra Norsk sjeldenhetskomité for fugl (NSKF)

This is the 27th annual report and the 28th announcement from the Norwegian Rarities Committee (NSKF). Most of the records treated here are from 2002, but older records are also included. The systematic list of accepted records is set out in the following system: (1) The birds Norwegian name, (2) scientific name, (3) the numbers in brackets, e.g. (30/32 - 1), refers respectively to the total number of records/total number of individuals up to and including 2001, and in 2002, (4) any limitations given of (3), (5) any breeding, (6) year, (7) county, (8) number of individuals, age (1K = first calendar year etc.), sex (if known) and sometimes circumstances (&laquo;ringmerket&raquo; means that the bird was ringed), (9) site and municipality, (10) date, (11) * indicates if the record was complemented by positive evidence, and type of the evidence (F = photo, V = video-recorded, L = tape-recorded, D = found dead), (12) observers names in brackets, main observer is specified first and emphasized with *, (13) roughly gives the species distribution and (14) comments concerning the records.General trends:Norway experienced a major influx of Rose-coloured Starlings Sturnus roseus in the summer and autumn of 2002. This influx included 26 records, which increased the total number of accepted records with 20 %. The year 2002 was also the first year with more than one accepted Balearic Shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus (three records). Five records of Bittern Botaurus stellaris and eight records of Little Egret Egretta garzetta were also year records. The number of accepted Water Pipits Anthus spinoletta was doubled with three new records. It was also a record year for Blyth&rsquo;s Pipit Anthus godlewskii (two records), Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi (three records) and Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola (six records). Eight records of Great White Egret Ardea alba was a second best year ever. Other records of interest included a drake Blue-winged Teal Anas discors (5th record), three Spectacled EidersSomateria fischeri (4th record), Harlequin Duck Histronicus histronicus (7th record), Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus (3rd record), Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni (3rd record), Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii (3rd record), Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla (4th record), Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda (2nd record), Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia (5th record), Scops Owl Otus scops (2nd record), Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata (6th record) and Pallas&rsquo;s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola (7th record). Species and subspecies new to the Norwegian list:This report includes five additions to category A on the Norwegian list: Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus, American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica, Eastern Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus, Eastern Bonelli&rsquo;s Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis and White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis. A record of Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus was also added to the Norwegian category C list. With these new records the official Norwegian birdlist consists of 464 species. A record of Ross&rsquo;s Goose Chen rossii migrating south with Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis was probably the same individual as recorded in Northumberland,Great Britain a few days later, and is accepted as a new species in the Norwegian category D. The first breeding attempt of Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps was also recorded in 2002, resulting in a hybrid chick with genes from Little Grebe Tachybabtus ruficollis.

Effects of altitude on the distribution of Nearctic and resident grassland birds in Córdoba province, Argentina

We determined the distribution and relative abundance of resident and Nearctic-breeding, long- distance migrant grassland bird species in Cordoba province, Argentina. We sampled montane and lowland sites to determine if altitudinal differences might affect the grassland birds found there. We recorded a total of 48 grassland bird species; 38 species were recorded in the montane region and 42 species were observed on the lowland sites. Darwin's Nothura (Nothura darwinii) and Long-tailed Meadowlarks (Sturnella loyca) were restricted to the montane region. Field Flickers (Colaptes campestris) were more common in the montane region whereas Chimango Caracaras (Milvago chimango), Southern Lapwings (Vanellus chilensis), and Fork-tailed Flycatchers (Tyrannus savanna) were more common on the lowland sites. Short-billed Pipits (Anthus furcatus), Yellowish Pipits (A. lutescens), and Chaco Pipits (A. chacoensis) only occurred in the lowlands. We found that Swainson's Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) and Upland Sandpipers (Bartramia longicauda) wintered in scattered flocks in the lowlands of east and south Cordoba but that these two species did not occur in the montane grasslands. We did not find Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus )i n Cordoba. The only globally threatened species we observed was the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), which was recorded twice in the highlands. In general, Cordoba province is an important region for grassland birds, especially Nearctic-breeding migrants, but this area no longer supports globally threatened species other than the Andean Condor. Intensification of agricultural practices and insecticide application to control insect pests constitute the primary threats to grassland birds in this region.

Detecting Area Sensitivity: A Comment on Previous Studies

Abstract Several studies have reported that some grassland birds are area sensitive; they exhibit a nonrandom avoidance of small fields. The methods used to test for area sensitivity, however, differed among studies. Some investigators sampled fields with sampling effort proportional to field size, whereas others used equal sampling effort in all fields. We created a simulation model with the same number of fields and field sizes as those examined in earlier studies to determine if birds that select habitat randomly would display area sensitivity if fields were sampled in proportion to their size. The three species that we modeled to settle randomly, upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda), Henslow's sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) and eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna), had positive relationships between occurrence and field size when a complete census or proportional sampling was used, and therefore, would have been considered area sensitive by the methods used by some previous authors. When equal-effo...