The influence of field boundary structure on breeding territory establishment of whitethroat Sylvia communis and yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella.

Abstract

Territory establishment of whitethroats and yellowhammers in field boundaries was influenced positively by the amount of herbaceous vegetation, and negatively by hedge height. Yellowhammer territory occurrence was more likely as ditch depth increased. Both species made considerable use of herbaceous vegetation as nest sites. This habitat has been lost from field boundaries on most farms as a result of intensive livestock and arable management and active management of this habitat is now required for the conservation of whitethroats, yellowhammers and other farmland wildlife.