WWRC 86-05v
Similarities in Riparian Bird Communities Among Elevation Zones in Southeasten Wyoming
Abstract
I examined trends in bird species richness and overall
bird abundance in riparian habitats among elevations
varying from 6740 ft to 9800 ft. in southeastern
Wyoming. Bird species diversity ranged from a low
of three bird species and 23 pairs in subalpine shrub
willow habitat to a maximum of 21 species and 101
pairs in lowland cottonwood habitat. Bird communities
were less diverse at higher elevations probably
because of the reduced vegetational complexity and
increased environmental severity at high elevations.
Few bird species found in subalpine riparian habitats
contained unique (but depauperate) avifaunas. Despite
loss of a tree overstory, bird species composition on
mid-elevation shrub sites was more similar to
lowland cottwood habitats than to subalpine shrub
areas. Similarity in bird species composition was
greatest within elevational zones. Based on these
results, general recommendations for managing
riparian habitats in different elevational zones are
offered.
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