The importance of floristics to sagebrush breeding birds of the south Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, British Columbia
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Habitat associations were determined for five species of songbirds breeding in sagebrush habitat of the South Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, British Columbia. We examined the relative importance of plant species versus “total forbs” and “total grasses” at a local level (<100 m) with point counts and vegetation survey data collected at 245 points. Logistic regression models showed that individual plant species were often more important than variables that grouped species. Habitat associations varied for each species. Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) was associated with parsnipflowered buckwheat (Eriogonum heracleoides) and lupine (Lupinus sericeus or sulphureus). Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) was positively associated with sand dropseed grass (Sporobolus cryptandrus), Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodrammus savannarum) was positively associated with pasture sage (Artemisia frigida) and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) was positively associated with lupine, and Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) was positively associated with needle-and thread grass (Stipa comata). These herb-layer species have strong associations with rangeland management practices; therefore this information can be used to direct management efforts in this highly threatened area.