Meadow Pipit Research Articles

Gjøkparasittisme hos heipiplerke: Noen erfaringer fra Øyerfjellet sesongen 2005

In a mountainous area of Øyerfjellet 17 nests of the Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis were found during the season of 2005. Five or possibly six of these nests were parasitized by the Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus, giving a parasitizing rate of 29.4% and 35.3%, respectively. The nests were regularly controlled, and two nests were found deserted by the Meadow Pipit probably during the start of the nesting period, whereas three Cuckoo chicks were hatched. Nearly hatched eggs or newly hatched chicks were found ejected from these three Meadow Pipit nests. When comparing the egg clutches from parasitized nests with unparasitized nests, it was roughly estimated that a mean of 1 ½ Meadow Pipit eggs were missing in the parasitized nests. All the five Cuckoo eggs had a pale brownish colour. When considering this brownish colour, it was suggested that mimicry of the Meadow Pipit eggs and the Cuckoo egg were slightly better in the three nests of completed hatching than in the two nests being deserted. The pattern and markings of the eggs showed good mimicry between eggs of Meadow Pipit and Cuckoo except for the pigment concentration at the broad end of many Meadow Pipit eggs.

Blow fly Trypocalliphora braueri parasitism on Meadow Pipit and Bluethroat nestlings in Central Europe

The larvae of blow fly (Trypocalliphora braueri) are known to cause a subcutaneous myiasis in bird nestlings mainly in Nearctic species, while only a few records are available from the Palaearctic. Here, we report on infestations of this insect ectoparasite in two passerine species, Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) and Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica), breeding in the Central European mountain range Krkonose. The infestation of T. braueri parasite was relatively low in studied bird species (3.0% of infested nests in Meadow Pipit and 4.2% in Bluethroat) but varied strongly between years (0–33% of infested nests/year/species). The presence of the parasitic blow fly larvae was apparently controlled by temperature; they were found only during warm summers. The combination of parasite infection and heavy rainfalls in a critical period significantly reduced nestling survival.

Changing grass height alters foraging site selection by wintering farmland birds

Abstract Grassland is a valuable habitat for many farmland bird species, some of which have declined in Europe. Successful management of this habitat is important to benefit these species. Recent studies have suggested little correlation between food abundance and bird use in grassland; instead providing access to food may be crucial. We tested the importance of manipulating sward height (via mowing) on the distribution of wintering birds in agriculturally managed grass fields using two within-field experimental designs. In experiment 1, we investigated the effect of two treatments (mown once and control). In experiment 2, we investigated the effects of four treatments (mown once early, mown once late, mown early and late, and control). Mown plots supported higher abundances of foraging kestrels, thrushes and starlings. In contrast meadow pipits and grey herons preferred unmown plots with longer grass. These differences are probably explained by differing anti-predation strategies, increased food abundance for species that prefer above-ground invertebrates (e.g. more food for meadow pipits on longer swards) and increased food accessibility on short grass swards (e.g. for starling, thrush spp.). There were limited effects of multiple mowing events on plot use suggesting one early winter mowing treatment may suffice to create favourable conditions for species that prefer shorter swards. Providing grassland heterogeneity should benefit a range of wintering farmland birds. Although we use mowing to change grass sward height, our findings may also apply at other times of year when livestock grazing may be a more practical solution.

SENSITIVITY TO ASSUMPTIONS IN MODELS OF GENERALIST PREDATION ON A CYCLIC PREY

Ecological theory predicts that generalist predators should damp or suppress long-term periodic fluctuations (cycles) in their prey populations and depress their average densities. However, the magnitude of these impacts is likely to vary depending on the availability of alternative prey species and the nature of ecological mechanisms driving the prey cycles. These multispecies effects can be modeled explicitly if parameterized functions relating prey consumption to prey abundance, and realistic population dynamical models for the prey, are available. These requirements are met by the interaction between the Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) and three of its prey species in the United Kingdom, the Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis), the field vole (Microtus agrestis), and the Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus). We used this system to investigate how the availability of alternative prey and the way in which prey dynamics are modeled might affect the behavior of simple trophic networks. We generated cycles in one of the prey species (Red Grouse) in three different ways: through (1) the interaction between grouse density and macroparasites, (2) the interaction between grouse density and male grouse aggressiveness, and (3) a generic, delayed density-dependent mechanism. Our results confirm that generalist predation can damp or suppress grouse cycles, but only when the densities of alternative prey are low. They also demonstrate that diametrically opposite indirect effects between pairs of prey species can occur together in simple systems. In this case, pipits and grouse are apparent competitors, whereas voles and grouse are apparent facilitators. Finally, we found that the quantitative impacts of the predator on prey density differed among the three models of prey dynamics, and these differences were robust to uncertainty in parameter estimation and environmental stochasticity.

The breeding biology of the endemic Berthelot's Pipit Anthus berthelotii in a harsh oceanic island environment (Tenerife, Canary Islands)

We describe the density, breeding and foraging ecology of the Berthelot's Pipit (Anthus berthelotii), an endemic passerine to the Atlantic islands, in the semi-arid coastal scrub of Tenerife. Furthermore, we analyse the effects of temperature and rainfall in the onset of reproduction and the behaviour (nest site and foraging site selection). The average density of the Pipit (using DISTANCE methodology) in the semi-arid coastal scrub was 7.1 birds 10ha−1, and the overall density estimate in grassland was 3.3 birds 10ha−1. The Pipit bred early (mean average first-egg laying date 12 February) and in response to rainfall (but not temperature). By the Mayfield method, the probability of the nests surviving the egg stage was 0.77 and of and the nests surviving the chick stage 0.67 — assuming an incubation period of 13 days and a chick stage of 12.5 days — based on the European average for the similar-sized Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. Overall nest survival pooling stages were 0.51. The Pipits had a low clutch size (3.3 eggs, range of 2–4). Nest damage by heavy rainstorms was the major cause of nest failures (three out of five failures). The Pipits nested preferentially in grass with relatively low densities of Euphorbia balsamifera bushes. Birds selected grassy areas as their main foraging site but also preferred to forage on large rocks during nesting: caterpillars were the main food items (14 out of 17 prey captures).

Territorial meadow pipit males (Anthus pratensis; Passeriformes) become more aggressive in female presence

Although mate guarding as prevention of extra-pair copulation is common among birds, evidence for aggressive behaviour involving physical contact related to mate guarding in passerines is scarce and cases of the presence of one partner directly influencing the aggressiveness of the other are lacking. We investigated the intra-specific territorial behaviour of male meadow pipits (Anthus pratensis; Passeriformes: Motacillidae) at the beginning of the breeding season by placing a pipit model accompanied by an intra-specific song playback in the territory of socially paired males and compared the responses of males whose mates were physically present during trials with those whose females were out of sight. The level of aggression of males was significantly higher in the presence of the female; half of the males in this group physically attacked the model (the most intense and risky aggressive behaviour). Physical attacks did not occur among males whose female was absent during the trial; response to the playback by most of these males was only weak. This pattern may be related to the prevention of extra-pair copulation; if the risks involved in the conflict are outweighed by potential loss of paternity, such aggressive mate guarding may pay off. The apparently overlooked effect on the territorial behaviour of a partner's passive physical presence during conflict should be further evaluated because it may be important for the design and interpretation of results of behavioural experiments.

Factors influencing nocturnal egg-turning frequency in Meadow Pipits Anthus pratensis

Capsule Mean frequency of nocturnal egg-turning in Meadow Pipits is similar to that found in other passerines. Turning frequency changes during incubation, with time since the start of incubation exerting the strongest influence.

Counting birds on farmland habitats in winter

Capsule Perimeter counts underestimate the number of birds using agricultural fields. Aims To determine the degree to which farmland birds may be undercounted on field surveys and the factors influencing this. Methods In a study of 96 fields, birds in the field were counted during a walk of the perimeter. Afterwards transects were walked across the field to determine the number of birds missed. Additionally in a national survey we looked at the birds seen in field transects expressed as a proportion of the total seen in the transect and on perimeter counts. Results To obtain an accurate count of birds on a field requires the use of the whole-area search methodology especially for species such as Grey Partridge Perdix perdix, Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Skylark Alauda arvensis and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. However, for a large number of species, including thrushes, flocking finches and buntings, over 90% of individuals can be recorded using the much less time-consuming perimeter count method. Conclusions Perimeter counts are likely to be reliable for most species but special efforts may be required for a few cryptic species.

Species composition and population fluctuations of alpine bird communities during 38 years in the Scandinavian mountain range

The breeding birds of four low alpine plots in Sweden were surveyed at Ammarnäs (65°50'N; two plots, each 100 ha, for 38 and 36 years), Abisko (68°18'; 130 ha, 12 years), and Anjan (63°45'; 150 ha, 11 years). Mean number of species of each plot was between 8 and 12 per year. Mean densities were between 37 and 89 pairs/ km2. Anthus pratensis was the most abundant species in all plots (33–52% of all pairs). Pluvialis apricaria had a mean density of between 3 and 4 pairs/km2 in all plots, hence a density that may be typical for very large mountain areas. Calcarius lapponicus, endemic to low alpine habitats, varied much between the plots, from 24 pairs/ km2 to none. Long-term trends at the Ammarnäs plots included increases of Pluvialis apricaria, Lagopus lagopus and L. mutus, and declines of Anthus pratensis, Eremophila alpestris, Gallinago media and Tringa glareola, but only that of E. alpestris being known to be more than local. The stable bird community accords well with the observed habitat stability.

Low intensity, mixed livestock grazing improves the breeding abundance of a common insectivorous passerine

Livestock grazing is a major driver of ecosystem change and has been associated with significant declines in various bird species in Britain and worldwide. However, there is little experimental evidence to show how grazing affects bird populations. We manipulated livestock densities in a replicated field experiment and found that mixed sheep and cattle grazing, at low intensity, improved the breeding abundance of a common upland passerine, the meadow pipit Anthus pratensis, after two years. Plots stocked with sheep alone (at high or low density) or not stocked at all held fewer pipit territories. Despite a year-on-year decline in pairs of meadow pipits in intensively grazed plots, we found no effect of sheep number on breeding abundance. Our results support the hypothesis that mixed species of herbivores generate greater heterogeneity in vegetation structure, which modifies prey availability, resulting in a greater abundance of birds. The results of our study should inform the management of grassland areas and enhance the abundance of some bird species, particularly in areas that have seen significant shifts from mixed livestock grazing to grazing dominated by single species of animals.

Ground flora, small mammal and bird species diversity in miscanthus (Miscanthus×giganteus) and reed canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea) fields

Wildlife monitoring of two miscanthus and two reed canary-grass fields in Herefordshire, England was carried out in 2002, 2003 and 2004 to investigate the ecological impact of perennial biomass grass crops on ground flora, small mammals and birds. Quadrats were used to record percentage ground vegetation cover within and around the periphery of each crop. Small mammals were sampled by live trapping using Longworth traps. The common bird census technique was used to monitor populations of birds. Miscanthus fields were richer in weed vegetation than reed canary-grass or arable fields. Bird use of the biomass crop fields varied depending on species. There were considerably more open-ground bird species such as skylarks ( Alauda arvensis ), lapwings ( Vanellus vanellus ) and meadow pipits ( Anthus pratensis ) within miscanthus than within reed canary-grass fields. There was no particular crop-type preference by the small mammal species, but rather a preference for good ground cover and little land disturbance, which was provided by both biomass crops. Ground flora, small mammals and most of the bird species (except open-ground birds) were found more abundantly within field margins and boundaries than in crop fields indicating the importance of retaining field structure when planting biomass crops. The miscanthus work relates entirely to young crops, which may be representative of part of the national crop if large areas are cultivated for rhizomes. The findings from the current project indicate that perennial biomass grass crops can provide substantially improved habitat for many forms of native wildlife, due to the low intensity of the agricultural management system and the untreated headlands.

Relationships between bird abundance and the composition and structure of moorland vegetation

Capsule Variations in the composition, structure and heterogeneity of moorland vegetation are shown to affect the abundance of eight of nine moorland bird species, with implications for grazing management. Aims To determine how variation in vegetation characteristics affects breeding bird abundance on moorlands. Methods Bird and habitat data from 85 2-km2 plots in south Scotland and northern England were analysed using multivariate analysis to disentangle vegetation effects from confounding site and management effects. Results Of nine species studied in detail, Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus and Stonechat Saxicola torquata were associated with Heather Calluna vulgaris, although both favoured some heterogeneity in cover. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis demonstrated a curvilinear relationship with Heather cover, whilst both Curlew Numenius arquata and Snipe Gallinago gallinago were most abundant where vegetation structure was relatively heterogeneous. Skylark Alauda arvensis and Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria were positively associated with short vegetation, in particular short grass and short dwarf shrub cover, respectively. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra was associated with dense vegetation, particularly Bracken Pteridium aquilinum, but no strong vegetation effects were detected for Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe. Six of the nine species showed positive associations with vegetation typical of wet conditions. Conclusions Moorland birds vary in their preferences for particular compositional and structural vegetation features, and management promoting heterogeneity and wetland vegetation is likely to support a diverse bird community and benefit certain key species. Losses of Heather cover in recent decades, primarily from increased grazing levels, appear likely to have reduced habitat availability for only two of the nine species studied.

Altering perceived predation risk and food availability: management prescriptions to benefit farmland birds on stubble fields

Summary European farmland bird populations have fallen dramatically and sympathetic management of key habitats is one crucial way to help boost these populations. Maximizing the value of habitats for foraging birds has largely focused on practical measures to increase food abundance, but energy intake, the key determinant of habitat quality, is also affected by food accessibility and perceived predation risk. We tested the importance of manipulating perceived predation risk and access to food on the distribution of birds on stubble fields, a key wintering habitat for many UK species and used by many species in different parts of the world. Recent evidence suggests simple reductions in vegetation height alter perceived predation risk for some species. Light cultivation, by scarification of the soil surface, could potentially alter both perceived predation risk (via changes in vegetation structure) and food availability (by opening up the soil and bringing seeds to the surface) and so be a single solution to enhancing suitability of stubble fields for birds. In experiment 1, we investigated the effects of changing vegetation height (via topping) and scarification on vegetation structure, seed density and distribution of farmland birds, using a 2 × 2 factorial within‐field design. In experiment 2, we tested the temporal effects of scarification on bird distribution, using a similar within‐field design. Scarified plots supported higher abundances of invertebrate feeders (e.g. thrushes). Plots that were scarified within the last 1–13 days were used more by invertebrate feeders and granivores (e.g. yellowhammer) than plots scarified 2–4 months ago. Both results were probably a consequence of food availability being temporarily increased by scarification making prey more accessible. Granivorous passerines and invertebrate feeders preferred plots with shorter stubble while the abundance of skylarks, partridges, pigeons and meadow pipits was higher on plots with taller stubble. This was probably the result of differing anti‐predation strategies. Synthesis and applications. Prescriptions that generate fine‐scale heterogeneity should benefit a range of species. Although our work was confined to stubble fields, the importance of simultaneous consideration of predation risk and access to food is likely to apply across European farmland landscapes and elsewhere, and could apply to other arable crops and potentially to grassland systems. On stubble fields specifically, topping of part of the field in the autumn could be combined with successive strip scarification treatments throughout the winter, to provide optimal conditions for a range of species. This could be incorporated as a management option in agri‐environment schemes such as the English Environmental Stewardship Scheme.

Effects of set-aside management on birds breeding in lowland Ireland

Abstract Farmland birds have suffered a severe decline in recent years throughout Europe including Ireland. Agricultural intensification is believed to be the main cause and this has led to the introduction of agri-environmental schemes, of which set-aside is a part. Bird abundance and diversity were compared between set-aside and adjacent tillage or grassland at 18 locations. The set-aside sites were also assigned to one of four management types: rotational set-aside, non-rotational set-aside, first year set-aside that was productive grassland in the previous year, and long-term set-aside that was grazed by animals in winter. Species diversity and the abundances of skylark, meadow pipit and woodpigeon were significantly greater in set-aside sites. Species diversity was not significantly different between set-aside management types and meadow pipit, skylark, pheasant, house sparrow, magpie, snipe and starling were closely associated with non-rotational set-aside, which also contained significantly larger numbers of these species compared to the other set-aside types. This study shows that set-aside does enhance bird diversity and abundance and that, in Ireland, the most effective form of set-aside is non-rotational. It also shows that the most appropriate form of set-aside will vary from situation to situation and that a one size fits all view should not be taken in the development of agri-environmental schemes.

When do altricial birds reach maximum of their brood defence intensity?

It has been suggested that the brood defence by parents of altricial birds should increase during the breeding attempt until the young depart from the nest. The two proximate hypotheses provide alternative predictions about the peak of brood defence intensity: (1) the vulnerability hypothesis predicts a rapid rise in brood defence after hatching of the chicks, with maximum defence intensity just before fledging and strong decline afterwards; (2) the feedback hypothesis predicts that brood defence intensity will, after a rapid rise, reach a plateau at the end of the nestling period and early after fledging and then slowly decline. I compared brood defence behaviour of altricial meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) breeding in the Czech Republic during the late nestling stage and during the fledging time. A stuffed stoat (Mustela erminea) was placed 5 m from a meadow pipit nest and the defence behaviour of parents was recorded for 10 min from a hide. Brood defence intensity was higher during the fledgling time than during the late nestling stage, and this trend was more evident in males than in females. Regardless of the proportion of already fledged chicks and those still present in the nest, brood defence did not significantly decrease during the fledgling time in males or females. The results do not agree with the predictions of the vulnerability hypothesis and support the predictions of the feedback hypothesis.

Seasonal patterns in the productivity of Meadow Pipits in the uplands of Scotland

In many birds, it is assumed that conditions for breeding follow a seasonal pattern of improvement and then decline and that for each individual in the population the optimal clutch size is larger when conditions for breeding are more favorable. While this is assumed to be the case for single-brooded species, the situation is more complex for multi-brooded species, which start breeding before the date when their optimal clutch size is greatest and conditions are best for raising nestlings. The seasonal patterns of productivity for multi-brooded species are not generally understood. We compared the clutch size, egg size and weight, and the nesting success of Meadow Pipits (Anthus pratensis) nesting during the early and late stages of the breeding season in Scotland. We also compared the provisioning rates, diet, and number of prey items fed to nestlings. Eggs laid late in the season were significantly larger and heavier than eggs laid earlier in the season. There were generally no differences in diet or provisioning rates of nestlings throughout the season. Despite producing larger eggs late in the season, the probability of such an egg producing a nestling that successfully fledged was 17% lower than an egg laid early in the season. This was mainly due to a significant increase in nest predation late in the season.

Effects of land-use and agricultural management on birds of marginal farmland: a case study in the Llŷn peninsula, Wales

Extensive pastoral farming and marginal land are important for many bird species of conservation concern. This study identified the bird species associated with a range of marginal upland habitats in the Llyn peninsula in Wales and discusses the impact on these species of further land-use change. Bird and habitat surveys of 45 sites were conducted between May and July 2000. The bird species observed at each site were recorded along with the densities of eight species characteristic of marginal farmland. Sites were assigned to land management categories representing different management intensity and land-use options. A binary similarity index was used to quantify species associations with each of these categories and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to identify associations with individual habitat characteristics. Habitat differences were largely attributable to differences in management. Very few species were recorded on intensively managed sites, although house martin Delichon urbica and swallow Hirundo rustica were significantly associated with improved grassland with scrub or bracken. Sites that were abandoned or under-managed had a high tree density, high cover of bracken Pteridium aquilinium and supported many common scrub or woodland species. Extensively managed sites with unimproved grassland, shrub heath, bracken and scrub (ffridd) were found to be important for several species, including chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe, mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus, stonechat Saxicola toquata and meadow pipit Anthus pratensis. High densities of yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella and linnet Carduelis cannabina occurred on sites with improved grassland and gorse Ulex europaeus. This study highlights the need for a diversity of habitats on marginal farmland, which is most likely to be achieved through the distribution of funds to marginal areas through agri-environment and rural development measures.

Habitat preferences of tree pipit (Anthus trivialis) and meadow pipit (A. pratensis) at sympatric and allopatric localities

Habitat preferences of the tree pipit (Anthus trivialis) and the meadow pipit (A. pratensis; Passeriformes: Motacillidae) were observed during the years 1998–1999 at three localities in the Czech Republic; two with one pipit species only, and a third with both species present. We investigated one of the possible mechanisms allowing syntopic coexistence—different habitat selection. We characterised territories of each pipit pair by the habitats present in the territory (defined by dominant plant composition) and by quantitative parameters (territory size, height and density of the vegetation, number of look-outs of different height categories, and proportion of wet ground). Tree pipits preferred significantly higher vegetation of lower density than meadow pipits, and there was generally a higher number of high look-outs in their territories. However, in some of the preferred territories at the allopatric locality of the tree pipit, steep hill slopes could well substitute for higher look-outs, which were almost absent. The two pipit species at the sympatric locality occupied very different habitats, which was also reflected in quantitative parameters of their territories. The available data of pipit habitat at different European localities show that the two species can occupy a much wider range of habitats. The habitat separation in sympatry might therefore be one of the mechanisms allowing syntopic coexistence of both species.

Meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) egg appearance in cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) sympatric and allopatric populations

Host populations tend to show less ability to discriminate against parasites when living in their absence. However, comparison of rejection rates among sympatric and allopatric host populations does not allow determination of whether the greater tolerance in allopatric populations reflects a genetic change or phenotypic plasticity. Here we test the existence of changes in a host’s adaptation to brood parasitism in the absence of parasitism by studying intraclutch variation in egg appearance, which is a genetically determined component of host defence favouring discrimination of parasitic eggs. We investigated egg phenotypes of a common host of the European cuckoo, Cuculus canorus , in the presence and in the absence of cuckoos. By using objective spectroradiometry techniques of colour assessment we compared intraclutch variation between populations of meadow pipit, Anthus pratensis , sympatric (England) and allopatric (Iceland and Faeroe Islands) with C. canorus . Allopatric populations of A. pratensis showed greater intraclutch variation in egg appearance in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum than did a population sympatric with C. canorus . Two possible alternative mechanisms explaining these findings are discussed. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 79 , 543‐549.

Spring arrival of passerine migrants in Iceland

First sightings in Iceland throughout the 20th century of four summer migrant passerines were studied for possible changes in arrival dates over time, and to relate arrivals to weather conditions in Iceland and in their probable wintering and staging areas. Arrival dates advanced considerably until the 1930s, as Icelandic seasonal temperatures increased. Temperatures and arrival dates changed much less in later years, when Icelandic temperatures showed no sustained trends. Since 1950, Redwings Turdus iliacus coburni have first been seen in the last week of March, Meadow Pipits Anthus pratensis and White Wagtails Motacilla a alba about 20 April and Wheatears Oenanthe o leucorhoa about 25 April. All four species were usually seen earlier when springs in Iceland were warm and wet, and after warm winters in southern Spain. Limited records of departures in autumn suggest that the mean lengths of stay in 1951–2000 were: Redwing 233 days, Meadow Pipit 164, White Wagtail 162 and Wheatear 144 days. Sightings of Redwings and Meadow Pipits, some of which winter in Britain & Ireland, were earlier after warm winters, and during warm springs, in central England. White Wagtails and Wheatears, wintering in Africa, showed no response to English temperatures. First sightings were most likely when winds over Iceland had easterly or southerly components. In 1951–1970 arrivals of Redwings and Meadow Pipits were earlier after winters in which the North Atlantic Oscillation index had been positive and high, but before and after that period no linkage was apparent. Most of these findings resemble those reported from north Norway, though the populations of at least three of the species are probably different. They are unlike the findings from Britain and western Europe, where dates of arrival have advanced most rapidly in recent years while winter and spring warming has continued.