Effects of habitat fragmetation on Midwestern grassland bird communities.

Conclusions:Results indicate that breeding bird species richness patterns significantly increased with fragment size. Area-sensitive species required patches of suitable habitat at least 5-55 ha in size. Edge and vegetation-restricted species were more affected by overall habitat loss of habitat than reductions in average patch size.Thresholds/Learnings:Area-sensitive species required patches of suitable habitat at least 5-55 ha in size, and regularly avoided smaller grassland fragments even when they were composed of suitable habitat