Sprague's Pipit Research Articles

Off-road sampling reveals a different grassland bird community than roadside sampling: implications for survey design and estimates to guide conservation

Grassland bird species continue to decline steeply across North America. Road-based surveys such as the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) are often used to estimate trends and population sizes and to build species distribution models for grassland birds, although roadside survey counts may introduce bias in estimates because of differences in habitats along roadsides and in off-road surveys. We tested for differences in land cover composition and in the avian community on 21 roadside-based survey routes and in an equal number of adjacent off-road walking routes in the grasslands of southern Alberta, Canada. Off-road routes (n = 225 point counts) had more native grassland and short shrubs and less fallow land and road area than the roadside routes (n = 225 point counts). Consequently, 17 of the 39 bird species differed between the two route types in frequency of occurrence and relative abundance, measured using an indicator species analysis. Six species, including five obligate grassland species, were more prevalent at off-road sites; they included four species listed under the Canadian federal Species At Risk Act or listed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada: Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii), Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii), the Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus), and McCown's Longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii). The six species were as much as four times more abundant on off-road sites. Species more prevalent along roadside routes included common species and those typical of farmland and other human-modified habitats, e.g., the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), the Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia), and the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus). Differences in avian community composition between roadside and off-road surveys suggest that the use of BBS data when generating population estimates or distribution models may overestimate certain common species and underestimate others of conservation concern. Our results highlight the need to develop appropriate corrections for bias in estimates derived from roadside sampling, and the need to design surveys that sample bird communities across a more representative cross-section of the landscape, both near and far from roads.

Songbird abundance in native and planted grassland varies with type and amount of grassland in the surrounding landscape

Agriculture and wildlife conservation programs have converted vast amounts of cropland into grasslands planted with exotic species. Understanding how landscape context influences avian use of native and planted grasslands is essential for developing effective conservation strategies in agricultural landscapes. Our primary objective was to determine the extent to which the amount and type of grassland in the surrounding landscape influences the abundance of grassland songbird species on native and planted grassland parcels in southern Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada. Bird abundance was more strongly influenced by the amount and type of grassland within 400 m of breeding parcels than at larger spatial scales. Grassland specialists responded similarly to habitat and landscape type over both years and provinces. Sprague's pipit (Anthus spragueii) and Baird's sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii) were most common in native grassland parcels surrounded by native grassland and were more likely to occur in planted grasslands surrounded by native grassland. Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) were most common in planted grassland parcels, but their abundance increased with the amount of native grassland surrounding these parcels. Our findings indicate that the suitability of planted grasslands for these species is influenced by their proximity to native grassland. Grassland generalists showed mixed responses to habitat and landscape type over the 2 years (Le Conte's sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii)) and between provinces (Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sand- wichensis) and western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)). Management to benefit grassland specialists should therefore consider the landscape context when seeding cultivated land to non-native grassland and conserve extant native grassland. 2013 The Wildlife Society.

The Effect of Habitat Edges on Nest Survival of Sprague's Pipits

Abstract We explored the relationship between Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) nest (n = 125) survival and the distance from their nests to grassland edge and other linear features on Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge in north-central Montana from 1997 to 2007. Specifically, we studied the effect of distance to roads (secondary paved road and tertiary improved and unimproved dirt roads), an agriculture field, an active railroad right-of-way, and lacustrine shoreline on nest daily survival rate (DSR). The overall DSR was 0.95 ± 0.0057 (SE) with a 95% confidence interval of 0.94–0.96. We considered how models with distance thresholds (within 50, 100, 200, or 300 m) affected DSR while controlling for important covariates. None of the distance models improved the model over the minimum AICc model containing only non-distance covariates. There was no support for distance to any of the edges, including roads, having an effect on DSR relative to the minimum AICc model that contained three non-distance covariates.

Habitat Use by Sprague's Pipits (Anthus Spragueii) in Native Pastures and Planted, Non-native Hay Fields

ABSTRACT. The addition of planted grasslands (i.e., fields that have been planted with exotic grass and forb species) to the North American landscape has been beneficial for the conservation of many species, but not necessarily for species that show a preference for native grasslands. Under what conditions these planted fields are attractive to native grassland specialists is unclear. Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) is a native grassland specialist, but it breeds in planted grasslands in some parts of its range. We conducted a comparative study of territory and nest use by Sprague's Pipits in native pastures and planted hay fields from 2006 to 2008. In planted hay fields, territories were characterized by vegetation height of 25 cm and litter depth of <1.5 cm; in native pastures, the birds used territories with 15% bare ground and <1.5 cm litter depth. Nests in both habitats were located in areas with vegetation height of 25–30 cm, whereas random areas had either taller or shorter vegetation. Territori...

Territory Size in Mixed-grass Prairie Songbirds

I estimated breeding territory size in mixed-grass prairie songbirds, and explored how it varied among bird species, time-of-season, and year. The study was conducted at Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge in north-central Montana during 2007-2009. Across all species, months and years, mean breeding territory size was estimated at 0.43 ha (SE = 0.03, n = 129). Estimates were nearly identical across study species: Sprague's Pipits (Anthus spragueii), Grasshopper (Ammodramus savannarum), and Baird's (A. bairdii) sparrows. There was no significant variation in territory size across months, suggesting little to no dependence on nest phase. In contrast, I found significant variation in territory size among years (P = 0.034), that did not interact meaningfully with species (R2 = 0.02, P = 0.603). This suggests that factors that vary annually appear to be affecting all bird species in a similar manner, which could be related to differences in vegetation structure and/or site quality (perhaps as a function of weather) or less likely, variation in population density.

Reproductive Biology of a Grassland Songbird Community in Northcentral Montana

Abstract Successful conservation of grassland bird populations requires basic information on their breeding biology; in particular, information from undisturbed native prairie over an extended period of time. We present data collected at Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge in northcentral Montana on the reproductive biology of six grassland bird species that breed in mixed-grass prairie: Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii), Savannah (Passerculus sandwichensis), Grasshopper (Ammodramus savannarum), and Baird's (A. bairdii) sparrows, Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus), and Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). Basic measures of reproductive biology are presented, including estimates of nest density, phenology, fecundity, parasitism rates, and nest success, and how these and other characteristics varied across years. Nests (n = 1,494) of the six focal species accounted for 98% of all passerine nests found during 1997–2007; Chestnut-collared Longspurs (51%) were the dominant breeding species. Tot...

Polygyny and Male Parental Care by Sprague's Pipit

Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) is a ground-nesting passerine of the northern mixed-grass prairie. Few studies have examined the natural history and demography of the species, and little information exists on its mating system or parental care. We installed video monitoring systems at 11 randomly selected pipit nests to study parental care and nestling growth. We recorded one male providing parental care to nestlings in two nests active during the same time period. The male began delivering prey to nestlings and removing fecal sacs at both nests on day 5 of the nestling period. The male re-nested with one of his original mates 11 days after the nests failed, and began providing parental care to nestlings from day 2 until fledging. This is the first case of polygyny and male parental care documented for Sprague's Pipit. Future studies should examine the extent of polygyny in Sprague's Pipit using marked adults and genetic analyses.

Renesting intervals and duration of the incubation and nestling periods of Sprague's Pipits

ABSTRACT Sprague's Pipits (Anthus spragueii) are one of the least studied birds in North America, with most information about their breeding biology based on anecdotal observations at relatively few nests. I determined the renesting intervals of female Sprague's Pipits in south-central Saskatchewan and also summarized data about incubation and nestling periods of Sprague's Pipits in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to provide more robust estimates of these life-history parameters. Two of eight radio-marked females initiated replacement clutches after failed nesting attempts, with renesting intervals of 11–13 and 15–16 d, respectively. Of 74 banded females, 3 were subsequently recaptured at later nests during the same breeding season. Nests of two of these females failed due to inclement weather and their renesting attempts were initiated 6 and 7–11 d later, respectively. The third female successfully fledged young and then initiated another nest 17 d later. The new nests of females that renested were all located less than 150 m from previous nests. Incubation and nestling periods for known-aged nests ranged from 12 to 15 d (13.4 ± 0.3 [SE], N= 9) and 11 to 14 d (12.1 ± 0.2, N= 39), respectively. Variation in the length of both incubation and nestling periods was likely a function of prolonged periods of inclement weather. More data are required to determine the extent of renesting in different habitats and the extent to which Sprague's Pipits are capable of successfully raising multiple broods in a single breeding season. Anthus spragueii es una de las aves menos estudiadas en los Estados Unidos, en donde la mayor información sobre su bilogía reproductiva esta basada en observaciones anecdóticas de pocos nidos. Aquí, cuantifico y describo los intervalos de reanidación de hembras marcados de Anthus spragueii en el centro-sur de Saskatchewan, y también revise datos sobre periodos conocidos de incubación y polluelos de Anthus spragueii en Manitoba para proporcionar mejores estimativos de estos parámetros que hacen parte de las historias de vida. Dos de las ocho hembras con radios y marcadas iniciaron el reemplazo de la nidada después del fracaso de la anidación, con intervalos de reanidación de 11–13 y 15–16 días. De las 47 hembras anilladas, tres fueron recapturadas durante la época reproductiva; dos pertenecientes a nidos que fracasaron debido a la inclemencia del clima y una que crío exitosamente a sus polluelos. Intentos de reanidación se iniciaron 6, y 7–11 días después del fracaso de la anterior nidada y 17 días después de la salida de los polluelos del nido. Todas las reanidaciones ocurrieron en un rango de 150 m del nido anterior. Incubación y periodo de polluelos de nidos en los que se sabe su edad variaron entre 12–15 días (13.4 ± 0.3 [SE], N= 9) y 11–14 días (12.1 ± 0.2, N= 39), respectivamente. Variación en el periodo de incubación y polluelos fue probablemente debido a periodos prolongados de un clima inclemente. Más datos son necesarios para determinar la capacidad de reanidación en diferentes hábitats y la capacidad en la cual Anthus spragueii es capaz de criar exitosamente múltiples nidadas en una misma temporada reproductiva.

Post-fledging Movements of Sprague's Pipit

Abstract Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) is a threatened grassland songbird that has been described as one of the least known species in North America. We attached radio transmitters to 19 Sprague's Pipit nestlings in south-central Saskatchewan in 2004 and 2005 as part of a study to quantify post-fledging movements. Eleven juveniles died before leaving the nest (58%) and five survived for at least 9 days. Predation was the most common cause of mortality of young pipits both before and after fledging. Distances moved between days steadily increased but fledglings typically remained within 100 m of their nest during the first week post-fledging. Movement by fledglings after the first week were typically >100 m.

Polymorphic microsatellite loci from Sprague's pipit (Anthus spragueii), a grassland endemic passerine bird

We developed 11 novel microsatellite loci for Sprague's pipit (Anthus spragueii), a songbird endemic to the Northern Great Plains of central North America. These loci were screened in 21 individuals from southern Saskatchewan, Canada. All 11 loci were polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from five to 23, polymorphic information content from 0.312 to 0.947, and observed heterozygosity from 0.476 to 0.900. These loci will be suitable for a wide variety of studies on pipit natural history, ecology, and conservation.

Differential ejection of cowbird eggs and non-mimetic eggs by grassland Passerines

Abstract Grassland passerines are purported to tolerate parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) because of adaptations by cowbirds that constrain egg discrimination and removal by their hosts, i.e., evolutionary equilibrium, rather than because of an absence of these defensive behaviors, i.e., evolutionary lag. We tested these hypotheses by experimentally parasitizing six grassland species with cowbird-like eggs and non-mimetic (blue) eggs in south-central Saskatchewan. Sprague's Pipits (Anthus spragueii), Vesper (Pooecetes gramineus), Savannah (Passerculus sandwichensis), and Baird's (Ammodramus bairdii) sparrows, and Chestnut-collared Longspurs (Calcarius ornatus) accepted all or nearly all cowbird eggs, but ejected or attempted to eject between 9 and 20% of blue eggs with 54% of rejected eggs not removed from the nests, i.e., failed ejection attempts. Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta) ejected an intermediate number of cowbird eggs (67%) and most blue eggs (92%), none of which was re...

ANNUAL RETURN RATES OF BREEDING GRASSLAND SONGBIRDS

Abstract We used reobservation of color-banded birds to index annual breeding site fidelity of four species of songbirds that nest in the northern mixed-grass prairie of northcentral Montana (1996–2005). Territorial males of Sprague's Pipits (Anthus spragueii), and Savannah (Passerculus sandwichensis), Grasshopper (Ammodramus savannarum), and Baird's (A. bairdii) sparrows were located on five permanent study sites (1998– 2004) and lured into mist-nets using tape broadcasts of conspecific songs and calls. The proportion reobserved was 5.3% (n = 247) across all banded adult males. Grasshopper Sparrows had the highest proportion of returns (8.9%), followed by Savannah Sparrows (5.4%), Baird's Sparrows (5.1%), and Sprague's Pipits (2.1%). Three nestling Savannah Sparrows were reobserved in subsequent years (n = 193), while no nestlings of the other species were reobserved (n = 401). Our return rates were low for all adults in comparison with typical reports of return rates for songbird species of woodland and...

Mixed-Grass Prairie Passerines Exhibit Weak and Variable Responses to Patch Size

AbstractMuch of our current understanding of the demographic effects of habitat fragmentation on bird populations is derived from studies of passerines in forests and tallgrass prairie surrounded by woody vegetation. We quantified grassland bird density, nest survival, and productivity in 41 native mixed-grass prairie pastures during 1997-2000 in southern Saskatchewan, Canada. Pastures ranged in size from 18 ha to 11,600 ha and were typically surrounded by agriculture (i.e., ranching and annual cropping). Grassland passerines did not respond strongly or uniformly to patch size. Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) was the only species whose density increased with pasture size. Patch size had minimal influence on nest survival of Sprague's Pipit or Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida); whereas nest survival increased with patch size for Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) and declined for Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii), Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus), and Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). Time-specific factors (i.e., nest age, date, and year) were more important predictors of nest survival than patch size. Exploratory analyses indicated that effects of edge distance, pasture shape, or landscape on nest survival were just as likely as patch-size effects. However, effects of edge on Chestnut-collared Longspurs may be governed by landscape-level factors, because nest survival decreased with distance to edge in landscapes with increased amounts of cropland. Our results indicate that mixed-grass prairie parcels ≥18 ha play a role in the conservation of several grassland passerine species currently in decline, but the conservation of Sprague's Pipit likely depends on maintaining larger tracts of native prairie.Les Passereaux des Prairies Herbacées Montrent des Réponses Faibles et Variables en Réponse à la Taille des Parcelles d'Habitats

MIXED-GRASS PRAIRIE PASSERINES EXHIBIT WEAK AND VARIABLE RESPONSES TO PATCH SIZE

Abstract Much of our current understanding of the demographic effects of habitat fragmentation on bird populations is derived from studies of passerines in forests and tallgrass prairie surrounded by woody vegetation. We quantified grassland bird density, nest survival, and productivity in 41 native mixed-grass prairie pastures during 1997-2000 in southern Saskatchewan, Canada. Pastures ranged in size from 18 ha to 11,600 ha and were typically surrounded by agriculture (i.e., ranching and annual cropping). Grassland passerines did not respond strongly or uniformly to patch size. Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) was the only species whose density increased with pasture size. Patch size had minimal influence on nest survival of Sprague's Pipit or Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida); whereas nest survival increased with patch size for Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) and declined for Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii), Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus), and Western Meadowlark...

NEST-SITE SELECTION PATTERNS AND THE INFLUENCE OF VEGETATION ON NEST SURVIVAL OF MIXED-GRASS PRAIRIE PASSERINES

Abstract Identification of habitat features influencing reproduction and survival are essential for the management and long-term viability of grassland bird populations. I quantified vegetation structure at nests and random sites in southern Saskatchewan, Canada, to determine which microhabitat features are important in nest-site selection by Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii), Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii), Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus), and Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). In addition, I related microhabitat features to nest survival to determine whether predation might influence their choice of nest sites. Grassland passerines exhibited nonrandom nest-placement patterns and built their nests in sites that were characterized by a greater density of dead vegetation within 30 cm of the ground, increased amounts of litter, and reduced coverage of bare ground. In addition, each species nested in taller vegetation than that found a...

Area Sensitivity in Grassland Passerines: Effects of Patch Size, Patch Shape, and Vegetation Structure on Bird Abundance and Occurrence in Southern Saskatchewan

Abstract Information on area sensitivity and effects of habitat fragmentation has come largely from forest and tallgrass-prairie habitats. Research from other ecosystems is required to determine whether the fragmentation paradigm derived from those studies is applicable to passerine communities elsewhere. I examined the effects of habitat fragmentation on abundance and occurrence of nine species of mixed-grass prairie passerines in southern Saskatchewan. I conducted 190 point-counts in 1996 and 1997 on 89 pastures ranging in size from 8 to 6,475 ha. Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii), Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii), Grasshopper Sparrow (A. savannarum), and Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus) were found to be area-sensitive, in that they were more abundant or occurred more frequently, or both, in larger patches of mixed-grass prairie. However, the ratio of edge to interior habitat was a better predictor of area sensitivity than patch size in most cases. Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris), Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida), Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), and Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) were insensitive to patch size, though occurrence of Clay-colored Sparrow and Western Meadowlark tended to be greater in smaller pastures. Vegetation structure was also found to be an important predictor of grassland songbird abundance and occurrence, in that it explained additional variation not accounted for by patch size or the ratio of edge to interior habitat. Although protection of large contiguous tracts of habitat is essential to conservation of native species, small native-prairie patches with minimal edge habitat also play a vital role in conservation of grassland birds.

AREA SENSITIVITY IN GRASSLAND PASSERINES: EFFECTS OF PATCH SIZE, PATCH SHAPE, AND VEGETATION STRUCTURE ON BIRD ABUNDANCE AND OCCURRENCE IN SOUTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

Abstract Information on area sensitivity and effects of habitat fragmentation has come largely from forest and tallgrass-prairie habitats. Research from other ecosystems is required to determine whether the fragmentation paradigm derived from those studies is applicable to passerine communities elsewhere. I examined the effects of habitat fragmentation on abundance and occurrence of nine species of mixed-grass prairie passerines in southern Saskatchewan. I conducted 190 point-counts in 1996 and 1997 on 89 pastures ranging in size from 8 to 6,475 ha. Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii), Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii), Grasshopper Sparrow (A. savannarum), and Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus) were found to be area-sensitive, in that they were more abundant or occurred more frequently, or both, in larger patches of mixed-grass prairie. However, the ratio of edge to interior habitat was a better predictor of area sensitivity than patch size in most cases. Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris), ...

GRASSLAND SONGBIRD NEST SITE SELECTION PATTERNS IN NORTHCENTRAL MONTANA

Abstract We explored nest site habitat selection patterns for six grassland passerine species in northcentral Montana: Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii), Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), Baird's Sparrow (A. bairdii), Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus), and Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). We quantified habitat characteristics at sites chosen for nesting and compared them to randomly selected sites, both spatially and temporally. Using discriminant analysis, two species groups were discernable based on a combination of habitat characteristics, which were distinct from random sites. Nest sites had greater foliage height and density than random sites. This pattern generally was shown most strongly by Western Meadowlarks, Baird's, and Savannah sparrows. Three bird species selected nest patches (5-m radius plots centered on nests) having little or no clubmoss (Selaginella densa) cover, which was one of the most powerful discriminati...

NESTING ECOLOGY OF MIXED-GRASS PRAIRIE SONGBIRDS IN SOUTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

During 1996–2000, I studied the nesting ecology of Sprague's Pipits (Anthus spragueii), Clay-colored Sparrows (Spizella pallida), Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis), Baird's Sparrows (Ammodramus bairdii), Chestnut-collared Longspurs (Calcarius ornatus), and Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta) on 47 native mixed-grass prairie pastures in southern Saskatchewan. Predation was the primary cause of nest failure and occurred at a similar frequency among the six species. Nest success and productivity varied among years and was lowest during 1997, the year of a substantial increase in meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) populations in southern Saskatchewan. Nest predation was most severe during the nestling stage with daily survival rates typically lower than those of the incubation period. Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) parasitized nests of all six species, with 5–29% of host nests containing cowbird eggs. Savannah Sparrows, Clay-colored Sparrows, and Western Meadowlarks incurred the highest frequency of brood parasitism. Parasitized hosts experienced lower productivity due to a combination of reductions in clutch size, hatching success, and fledging success. Overall, brood parasitism by cowbirds cost these birds between 1.3 and 2.2 young per successful nest. These results support the general contention that nest predation is the primary factor influencing grassland songbird reproductive success.

Models for Guiding Management of Prairie Bird Habitat in Northwestern North Dakota

Abstract With grassland bird populations in the Great Plains exhibiting steep declines, grassland managers require information on bird habitat needs to optimally manage lands dedicated to wildlife. During 1993–1994, we measured bird occurrence and corresponding vegetation attributes on mixed-grass prairie in northwestern North Dakota. Three hundred and ten point-count locations over a wide range of successional stages were sampled. Ten grassland passerine species occurred commonly (i.e., at >10% of point count locations), including two species endemic to the northern Great Plains [Baird's sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii) and Sprague's pipit (Anthus spragueii)], and several species of management concern [bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), clay-colored sparrow (Spizella pallida)]. Some species were ubiquitous and had generalized habitat associations [e.g., savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)]. Others exhibited more finely tuned, closely overlapping use of rel...