Relationships between Breeding Birds and Vegetation in Four Woodland Types of the Little Missouri National Grasslands

Abstract

Bird species richness was greater in the cottonwood woodland type than in the juniper, pine, and ash woodland types. Total breeding bird densities were greatest in the green ash woodland type. The densities of 25 bird species were significantly different among the four woodland types. The densities of birds in five foraging guilds and four nesting guilds were significantly different among the four woodland types. The influence of vegetation on bird community structure is discussed and suggestions are made for preserving and reestablishing woodlands threatened by the strip-mining of lignite coal.