A comparison of raptor densities and habitat use in Kansas cropland and rangeland ecosystems

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Author(s)Williams, Christopher K.
Author(s)Applegate, Roger D.
Author(s)Lutz, R. Scott
Author(s)Rusch, Donald H.
Date Accessioned2023-09-27T19:12:13Z
Date Available2023-09-27T19:12:13Z
Publication Date2000-09
DescriptionThis article was originally published in Journal of Raptor Research 34(3):203-209. The version of record is available at: DOI URL. © 2000 The Raptor Research Foundation, Inc.
AbstractWe counted raptors on line transects along roads to assess densities, species diversity, and habitat selection of winter raptors between cropland and rangeland habitats in eastern Kansas. We conducted counts every 2 wk between September-March 1994-98. Species diversity indices did not differ between the two habitats (P -- 0.15). We calculated density estimates and cover type selection for Red- tailed Hawks (Buteojamaicensis), Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus), and American Kestrels (Falco sparv- erius). Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Harrier densities were higher in cropland, while kestrel densities did not differ between the two habitats. All three species across both habitats had a general preference for idleland habitat. We believe three factors could explain the higher raptor densities in cropland: increased prey abundance, increased visibility of prey associated with harvested agriculture fields, and/ or a higher relative amount of preferred hunting habitat.
SponsorWe thank G. Horak, J. Stephen, R. Powers, M. Paradise, K. Church, C. Roy, and A. Schleicher for assisting with counts; and J.R. Cary and M.L. Williams who provided data analysis advice.The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Federal Aid Project No. W-39-R,Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, the University of Wisconsin, Emporia Area Chapter of Quail Unlimited, and the Max McGraw Foundation helped fund this research.
CitationWilliams, Christopher, Roger Applegate, R. Lutz, R. Scott, and Donald H. Rusch. “A Comparison of Raptor Densities and Habitat Use in Kansas Cropland and Rangeland Ecosystems.” Journal of Raptor Research 34 (September 1, 2000): 203–9.
ISSN2162-4569
URLhttps://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/33329
Languageen_US
PublisherJournal of Raptor Research
KeywordsNorthern Harrier
KeywordsCircus cyaneus
KeywordsRed-tailed Hawk
KeywordsButeo jamaicensis
KeywordsAmerican kestrel
KeywordsFalco sparverius
Keywordscropland
Keywordscover type selection
Keywordsdensity
Keywordsline transect
Keywordsrangeland
Keywordslife on land
TitleA comparison of raptor densities and habitat use in Kansas cropland and rangeland ecosystems
TypeArticle
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