| Abstract: |
Horned larks (Eremophila alpestris), Cassin’s sparrows (Aimophila cassinii), lark sparrows (Chondestes grammacus), and grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) are abundant summer birds in the semidesert grasslands of southeastern Arizona. We compared densities and habitats of these species on grazed vs. ungrazed sites.
The average characteristics of plots occupied by the four study species are in general accord with other data and show the value of these birds as indicators. Cassin’s sparrows are common in grasslands
with scattered shrubs. Our data suggest that Cassin’s sparrows
can be excellent indicators of lightly grazed or protected range, but only where shrubs or small trees are present. |
