Factors affecting the territory distribution of Skylarks<i>Alauda arvensis</i>breeding on lowland farmland

Donald, Paul F.; Evans, Andrew D.; Buckingham, D. L.; Muirhead, L.B.; Wilson, Jeremy D.

doi:10.1080/00063650109461227

Cited by 62 publications

(60 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Therefore, we staunchly suggest that in specific protected areas for steppe-land bird conservation at least, set-aside should be maintained as an area of uncropped habitat within the agricultural matrix, providing irreplaceable breeding sites and sources of food throughout the year (Henderson et al . 2000, Donald, Evans et al . 2001, Onrubia & Andrés 2005.…”

Section: Conservation and Management Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Identifying set‐aside features for bird conservation and management in northeast Iberian pseudo‐steppes

et al. 2010

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Capsule Set-aside (land temporally removed from agricultural production) features and their regional locations influence steppe-bird species of conservation concern in Catalonia. Aims To identify set-aside features important to the ecology of four ground nesting species, namely Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax , Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus , Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla and Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra . Methods Set-aside fields were surveyed in four regions of Catalonia (northeast of Spain) for the selected species during the 2004 and 2005 breeding seasons. Set-aside habitat descriptors (e.g. size, vegetation structure) were collected. Ordination plots and information theoretic methods were used to assess the relationship between the selected bird species, set-aside features and the regions. Results The region where the set-aside was located had a strong effect on the abundance of the selected species. In addition, vegetation coverage, field shape of set-aside and surrounding natural habitats were critical features, but with contrasting effects on the different species. Conclusion Populations of the selected species of conservation concern could be improved by effective management of set-aside. As selected species responded differently, we recommend that management at local level should take into account the conservation value at a regional level of the protected area for each of the selected species.

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Section: Conservation and Management Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…3 ). Vegetation cover is a determining factor in the distribution and abundance of many farmland birds (Donald, Evans et al 2001, Moorcroft et al . 2002, Whittingham et al 2006 in addition to the specific species in the present study , Moreira et al 2005, Serrano & Astrain 2005.…”

Section: Set-aside Features and Surrounding Habitatsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying set‐aside features for bird conservation and management in northeast Iberian pseudo‐steppes

et al. 2010

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“…For example, the national survey of Skylarks highlighted the importance of winter-sown cereals as a nesting habitat in England (Browne et al . 2000), a subsequent detailed autecological study determined the factors limiting breeding density and success in this habitat (Donald et al . 2001a(Donald et al .…”

Section: Synthesis and Priorities For Future Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…switch from spring to autumn sowing of cereals) (Donald et al 2001a(Donald et al , 2002 Corn Bunting productivity is related to pesticide use (Brickle et al 2000) Oilseed rape is the most important farmland nesting habitat for Reed Buntings (D. Gruar et al unpubl. data) and a key food source for Linnets (Moorcroft et al 1997) and Turtle Doves (Browne & Aebischer 2003) Turtle Doves have fewer breeding attempts compared to the 1960s Cirl Buntings require weedy overwinter stubbles near to extensively managed grassland (Evans 1996) Studies of land-uses or land management practices Set-aside can provide an important nesting and foraging habitat for a number of species (Buckingham et al 1999, Henderson et al 2000a, 2000b.…”

Section: (2) Autecological Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Science into policy: the role of research in the development of a recovery plan for farmland birds in England

Grice

Evans

Osmond

et al. 2004

Ibis

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The results of scientific research have played a central role in convincing decision-makers of the plight of farmland birds and in the development of land management measures and policies designed to reverse the population declines. Several types of study have contributed to what is now a considerable knowledge base on the ecological requirements of key species, the reasons for their declines and the remedial measures necessary to bring about population recovery. They include: monitoring; analyses of large-scale datasets; detailed studies of particular species, land-uses or land management practices; and the development and testing of solutions. As a consequence, there is now an excellent qualitative understanding of farmland bird ecology, which is well reflected in the suite of land management schemes and other policy initiatives that currently operate in England. Future research efforts should focus on the further development and testing of solutions and gaining a better understanding of the quantitative relationship between the provision of resources (especially nesting and foraging habitats) and the population response of target bird species. Such work should ensure that land management measures are deployed at the required scale, in appropriate locations and are of sufficient quality to influence the national populations of the declining species.

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“…In the UK, this decline has been most marked in arable landscapes (Chamberlain & Crick 1999), with strong evidence that the switch from spring to autumn cultivation has been largely responsible (Donald et al 2001b). Skylark nesting is generally constrained by vegetation structure, with nest building not commencing until vegetation reaches a certain height, and ceasing if the vegetation becomes too tall or dense (Donald et al 2001b). The length of the effective breeding season for Skylarks nesting in winter-sown cereals is restricted by vegetation height and structure at both ends of the season.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Conservation tillage encourages early breeding by SkylarksAlauda arvensis

Field¹,

Kirby²,

Bradbury³

2007

Bird Study

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Factors affecting the territory distribution of SkylarksAlauda arvensisbreeding on lowland farmland

Cited by 62 publications

References 12 publications

Identifying set‐aside features for bird conservation and management in northeast Iberian pseudo‐steppes

Identifying set‐aside features for bird conservation and management in northeast Iberian pseudo‐steppes

Science into policy: the role of research in the development of a recovery plan for farmland birds in England

Conservation tillage encourages early breeding by SkylarksAlauda arvensis

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