Habitat - Clearing of the forest and planting crops in managed land is a habitat that many species of birds have recently been able to successfully invade. This environment can be flooded or dry, hot or cool. Agricultural fields may contain grain crops of wheat, oats, barley, or alfalfa or root crops such as beet and potato. Short grass hayfields provide food and cover for many small mammals, such as voles and mice, as well as insects, worms, and grubs.
Some birds sing and nest in shrubby areas bordering agricultural lands, like the Chipping Sparrow and Orchard Oriole. Others nest on the ground and call from the air like the Common Nighthawk, while the House Wren is content to carry out its breeding activities near buildings.
