Correlations between stream insect emergence and densities of insectivorous birds in the tallgrass prairie

TitleCorrelations between stream insect emergence and densities of insectivorous birds in the tallgrass prairie
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Publication1989
AuthorsGray, LJ
EditorBragg, TB, Stubbendieck, J
Pagination263 -265
PublisherUniversity of Nebraska Press
Conference LocationLincoln, NE
Accession NumberKNZ00229
Keywordstallgrass prairie
Abstract

Previous observations in riprarian habitats of Kings Creek, Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas indicated that emerging aquatic insects represent a concentrated source of food for insectivorous birds, particularly the flycatcher and gleaner guilds. This hypothesis was tested by concurrent measurments of net insect emergence (total emergence minus adults returning to the stream) and densities of birds at six sampling sites from June to August 1987 and May to June 1988. Significant positive correlations with emergence were found for flycatchers (r=0.93) and gleaners (r=0.91), the two insectivore guilds containing the majority of individuals along Kings Creek. Observations also showed that flycatcher and gleaner populations rapidly respond to temporal changes in insect emergence. Key words: fly catcher, gleaner, bird, aquatic insect, tallgrass prairie, stream, Kansas