File:Brigham Young University science bulletin (1955) (20227161618).jpg

Title: Brigham Young University science bulletin
Identifier: brighamyounguniv09brig (find matches)
Year: 1955 (1950s)
Authors: Brigham Young University
Subjects: Biology -- Periodicals
Publisher: Provo, Utah : Brigham Young University
Contributing Library: Harvard University, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Ernst Mayr Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Harvard University, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Ernst Mayr Library

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10 Biugham Young University Science Bulletin mingbird are also present. In the more southern parts of the basin the Blue Grosbeak and Mock- ingbird are often seen in this habitat. In winter and during migration a number of species utilize the shrubs for refuge or as a source of food. Perhaps the most conspicuous of these would be the. flocks of White-crowned Sparrows and Juncos that feed principally on the ground but use the shrubs for cover and refuge. A few kinds of birds are principally ground dwellers and utilize the trees and shrubs for temporary refuge or roosting. The Mourning Dove is in large part a ground dweller, but it also nests in trees or shrubs and uses die latter for perching. The Ring-necked Pheasant, Cali- fornia Quail, and Gambel's Quail nest on the ground, but may roost or seek refuge in the tall- er vegetation. A few passerine birds including the Green-tailed and Rufous-sided Towhees often nest on the ground and feed there. The natural pastures and cultivated fields of the floodplains representing more open habitats are frequently used as feeding grounds and even nesting places for many of the woodland dwell- ing birds. The Western Meadowlark nests on the ground in die pastures and fields but fre- quently perches on posts or trees. Robins, Brew- er's Blackbird, Starling, Common Crow, and Magpie are birds most commonly seen feeding in the open areas. The Savannah Sparrow is also a common pastureland bird. BIRDS OF THE DESERT SHRUB AND CANYON HABITATS The desert shrub communities occupy the higher and drier ground where the only natural source of moisture is the precipitation that falls as rain or snow. The greater part of this mois- ture comes in fall and winter. In the Green River Basin Province the general aspect of the country is less rugged with flat or rolling country and low hills broken only by streams. While some of the land is being used for dry farming most of it is utilized for grazing of livestock and much of it is overgrazed. Sagebrush is the predominant shrub in this area. The desert shrub communities of the Uinta Mountains Province occupy a relatively small area in the Uinta Basin of Utah and extend east- ward into Colorado principally along the drain- age of the White River. A considerable amount of die land in the Uinta Basin of Utah has been
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Fig. 8. Devil's Garden area in Arches National Monument, Grand County, Utah, showing monument-like roe* formations with desert shrub and scattered pinyon-juniper communities. Photo by D E. Beck.

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