Laserfiche WebLink
Seven passerine species were observed in the upland sagebrush vegetation type <br />in the Seneca II study area during the June, 1979 census. The green tailed <br />towhee and Brewer's sparrow were the most abundant species and the Brewer's <br />sparrow exhibited a definite affinity for this type. All seven species <br />observed in this type were encountered in at least one other vegetation <br />type in the Seneca II study area. The Shanrnon~Jeiner species diversity <br />index for upland sagebrush type was the lowest of all types sampled (1.33). <br />This vegetation type also supported the lowest total avian population <br />(15.3 individuals/]an). The law species diversity and number of birds <br />observed in this type may be indicative of the homogeneity and low structural <br />diversity of sagebrush habitat. <br />Important Breeding Passerine Species. Thirty three different avian species <br />were encountered along the breeding bird transacts conducted on the five <br />vegetation types surveyed. Important passerine species in decreasing order <br />of relative a;~,~ ce over all types during the June, 1979 oPnsus were: <br />green-tailed towhee, house wren, tree swallow, American robin, Brewer's <br />sparrow, brown-headed cowbird, and violet-green swallow. The frost widely • <br />distributed species, oa.~urring in at least four of the five vegetation types <br />siu-veyE~ci, were American robin, brawn-headed cowbird, green-tailed towhee, <br />and rufous-sided towhee. <br />The green-tailed towhee was the most abundant avian species encountered <br />during t1~e study averaging 6.1 individuals/km over all habitats. This <br />species was observed in all habitat types sampled except riparian. It was <br />the frost abundant species enooimtered >n mi~oed brush, GamUel oak, and upland <br />sagebniah vegetation. The green-tailed towhee exhibited a definite affinity <br />for the mixed brush type. <br />The house wren was the second cost abundant species en~untered (average <br />at,mAance of 1.8 individuals/km). 'T'his species was observed in the aspen, <br />mixed brush, and upland sagebrush vegetation types. The house wren was the <br />most abundant species observed in aspen vegetation and exhibited a definite <br />affinity for this habitat type. <br />• <br />-38- <br />