iButton | Konza Prairie LTER

Abstract:

This data set contains data describing Grasshopper Sparrow nests prior to 2017, and after that, additionally many Dickcissels, Eastern Meadowlarks, and other songbirds.. These nests were primarily found by rope dragging but also on surveys (see RI Survey Data Set), flushing birds during other activities, and via behavioral observations. We described nest contents and monitored nest fate via visits every 2-3 day and by placing an iButton placed in the center of the nest flush with the bottom of the nest cup and comparing temperature traces to a second iButton placed outside of the nest to determine the timing of nest failure and other metrics of incubation/brooding behavior. We compiled counts of partial egg loss, partial brood loss, and estimated causes of nest failure, comparing the timing of these events with KNZ-collected meteorological data to determine the temporal association between rainstorms and nest abandonment. Missing values in character fields denoted by NA, and in numeric fields -999.

Data set ID:

112

Core Areas:

Populations

Related publications:

Patterns and correlates of within-season breeding dispersal: a common strategy in a declining grassland songbird

Causes and consequences of avian within-season dispersal decisions in a dynamic grassland environment

Grasshopper sparrows on the move: patterns and causes of within-season breeding dispersal in a declining grassland songbird

Short name:

CBS02

Related sites:

1B

1D

2A

2D

C1A

C3A

C3B

C3C

C3SA

C3SB

C3SC

K1A

K1B

K2A

N1A

N20A

N1B

N2A

N2B

N4D

N1B

Methods:

Variable Measured: Location, date found, egg measurements, bird sex, stage of nest, inferred fate of nest.

Codes Used:
GRSP   Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)
BHCO   Brown-Headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
NOAA   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Color Band Color Abbreviations:
A   Gray
B   (Light) Blue
D   Dark (Blue)
G   Green
K   Black
O   Orange
P   Pink
R   Red
S   Silver
W   White
Y   Yellow

Observers:
AB   W. Alice Boyle
ADT   Alaina Thomas
AJH   Alex Henry
AMC   Amanda Charpinel
BJR   Breyana Ramsey
BV   Bram Verheijen
CES   Chelsea Sink
CRW   Caitie Weichmann
DDH   Destiney Hett
DJS   Dylan Smith
EJH   Emily Hudson
EJW   Emily Williams
HN   Hunter Nedland
JMG   Jackie Gehrt
KRW   Kyle Wait
LTA   Lauren Angermeyer
MLG   Michaela Gustafson
SKW   Sarah Winnicki
SVR   Suzy Replogle Curnutt

Method Found:
BO   Behavioral Observation
RW   Random Walking
RD   Rope Dragging
OT   Other
UN   Unknown

Stage Found:
BU   Building
LAY   Laying
IB   Incubating
NG   Nestlings
FL   Fledged/Fledglings

Inferred Fate:
SU   Fledged =1 GRSP
SC   Fledged =1 GRSP and =1BHCO
CO   Fledged only BHCO or abandoned due to cowbird parasitism
PR   Nest contents eaten
AB   Abandoned for no apparent reason
TR   Trampled by livestock
WE   Nest flooded, nestlings died of exposure
HU   Suspected human-caused abandonment or destruction