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<p>One of the most important aspects of the reproductive ecology of birds is nesting site selection, because it directly influences survival adaptation to environmental conditions. This study investigates the influence of domestic livestock grazing on the nesting behavior of grassland birds, specifically the Spectacled Tyrant (<i>Hymenops perspicillatus</i>) and the Grassland Yellow Finch (<i>Sicalis luteola</i>). We conducted field observations and measurements in grazed and ungrazed areas to assess vegetation structure and nest site selection. Our findings reveal that grazing significantly reduces the proportion of tall grass at the landscape scale while increasing vegetation height in local patches dominated by unpalatable plant species. Reproductive success was lower in grazing sites for both species due to reduced nest concealment and increased predation risk. The Spectacled Tyrant showed a strong preference for nesting in areas with taller vegetation, higher cover, and lower visibility. In contrast, the Grassland Yellow Finch exhibited a more generalist nesting strategy, showing less specificity in its selection criteria, although it tends to choose vegetation with lower visibility. Our study emphasizes the need for adaptive management that balances livestock production with the ecological requirements of grassland bird species.</p>

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Grassland birds’ dilemma, how to adjust nest site selection against vegetation structure modification from livestock grazing

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年4月21日

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  • Sofía Martin-Sirito,
  • Stella B. Román,
  • Walter S. Svagelj,
  • Franco Bogel,
  • Daniel A. Cardoni,
  • Juan P. Isacch

摘要

One of the most important aspects of the reproductive ecology of birds is nesting site selection, because it directly influences survival adaptation to environmental conditions. This study investigates the influence of domestic livestock grazing on the nesting behavior of grassland birds, specifically the Spectacled Tyrant (Hymenops perspicillatus) and the Grassland Yellow Finch (Sicalis luteola). We conducted field observations and measurements in grazed and ungrazed areas to assess vegetation structure and nest site selection. Our findings reveal that grazing significantly reduces the proportion of tall grass at the landscape scale while increasing vegetation height in local patches dominated by unpalatable plant species. Reproductive success was lower in grazing sites for both species due to reduced nest concealment and increased predation risk. The Spectacled Tyrant showed a strong preference for nesting in areas with taller vegetation, higher cover, and lower visibility. In contrast, the Grassland Yellow Finch exhibited a more generalist nesting strategy, showing less specificity in its selection criteria, although it tends to choose vegetation with lower visibility. Our study emphasizes the need for adaptive management that balances livestock production with the ecological requirements of grassland bird species.