CHARACTERISTICS OF FLORIDA GRASSHOPPER SPARROW NESTS

We examined nests of the endangered Florida Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammod ramus savannarum floridanus) on the U.S. Air Force Avon Park Range, Hi ghlands County, Florida. Nests (n = 20) were located on the ground in shallow (less than or equal to 3.2 cm) excavations in the sand substra te. All were domed (>50% of the cup covered) and made of grass and gra ss-like monocots. Most (75%) were shielded by a low (<29.5 cm) growth of dwarf live oak (Quercus minima). Nest opening directions were rando mly oriented (P > 0.05). Vegetation density was significantly lower in the nest opening quadrant than in other quad rants (P = 0.003). An ex posed area at the nest opening would facilitate access and make predat or distraction displays more visible.