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Productivity and Survivorship of Tallgrass Prairie Birds |
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Productivity and Survivorship of Tallgrass Prairie Birds |
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Yellow-billed Cuckoos are often captured along prairie edges |
Placing a numbered leg band on a Yellow-billed Cuckoo allows later identification if the bird is recaptured. |
To collect demographic population data and reproductive
success and survivorship data on birds associated with tallgrass 
prairie, we are cooperating
with the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS)
program developed at the Institute for Bird Populations (Point
Reyes Station, California). From 1992 to 1996 we operated 12 MAPS
mist netting stations in Osage and Washington counties, Oklahoma.
The MAPS program is a standardized procedure involving the
capture of birds through the use of mist nets. In our study, mist
nets were erected in prairie-edge habitats where we capture
species such as Painted Bunting, Bell's Vireo, Field Sparrow,
Dickcissel, Brown Thrasher, and Northern Cardinal.
From 1992
through 1996 we captured approximately 4000 individuals
(excluding recaptures). For each individual captured we record
the species, sex, age, breeding condition, and several
morphometric measures (e.g., culmen length, wing chord). In
addition, each bird was fitted with a serially numbered aluminum
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service leg band that allows us to
identify the individual if it is recaptured. By comparing the
proportion of juvenile to adult birds captured, we can compare
relative rates of reproductive success among years. Survivorship
for each species can be determined by analyzing annual recapture
rates.
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The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is Oklahoma's state bird. |
This male Common Yellowthroat with wild roses resulted in a stunning portrait. |
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Pileated Woodpeckers are present in larger wooded areas within the tallgrass prairie. |
Wing chord is one measurement taken on birds such as this Dickcissel while banding them. |
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American Goldfinch caught in a net. |
Dickcissels don't necessarily enjoy being measured, and bite back. |
Bird Song: Field Sparrow
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Copyright 1998 George M. Sutton Avian Research Center
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