Bird Nesting in Chickasaw Plum Related to Age of Plum in Oklahoma (Notes and Discussion) (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Grassland birds are declining throughout the United States and Canada (Peterjohn and Sauer, 1999; Sauer et al., 2008). These declines often are attributed to loss and fragmentation of breeding habitat (Herkert, 1994). In many areas, encroachment of shrubs is a contributing factor (Lloyd et al., 1998; Van Auken, 2000). However, some bird species associated with grasslands, including the loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus, Brooks and Temple, 1990), Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii) and field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), require woody plants for nesting habitat. In some areas, birds that use shrub habitats, e.g., brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), field sparrow and indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea), may be declining at higher rates than other grassland-associated birds (Saner et al., 2008).