Effects of Brush Control and Game-bird Management on Nongame Birds

We observed the responses of nongame birds to brush suppression and habitat management for game birds in the Rolling Plains of Texas during 1981-1983. Data from line transects were used to describe density, species diversity, species richness, and equitability. We observed no difference in these variables between untreated sites and sites late sprayed with herbicides in 1969. The density of northern mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) was lower on treated than untreated areas, but no other species were affected. Habitat management to favor mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) and bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) was associated with a 54% increase in combined density of nongame birds and a reduction in equitability. Species diversity and species richness were similar on managed and unmanaged sites. On our study area, past herbicide treatment of mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and habitat management for game birds were compatible with nongame birds.This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries.The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information.Migrated from OJS platform August 202