Distribution, Abundance, and Habitat of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow

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Abstract
In the early 1900''s, the population of Florida grasshopper sparrows (A. savannarum floridanus) was reportedly large and widespread in Florida; however, surveys between 1980 and 1982 revealed only 93 sparrows at 7 sites. The sparrow was found at only one of its former locations, suggesting a reduction in both abundance and occupied range. Although the subspecies prefers stunted oaks (Quercus sp.) and saw palmettos (Serenoa sp.), its ecological requirements seem liberal enough to enable it to persist in some managed cattle pastures. Compared with the habitat of the eastern grasshopper sparrow (A. s. pratensis), habitat used by A. s. floridanus has lower values for variables pertaining to vegetation height, vertical density, litter depth and litter cover, but much higher values for percentage shrub cover and bare ground. Habitat loss or alteration due to pasture management is the greatest threat to the subspecies. A low growth of palmettos and woody shrubs should be maintained in areas where the sparrow occurs. Federal listing of the Florida grasshopper sparrow as threathened or endangered may be appropriate due to its probable low numbers, restricted distribution, and loss of habitat.

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