Video: Grassland Birds Find Refuge on the Prairie

Grass is anything but boring in the prairies of the Northern Plains. This expanse of sun-kissed browns and greens looks tranquil. But in fact, the grasslands practically hum with ecological activity.

Flying north in the spring, birds such as the Long-billed Curlew, North America's largest shorebird, use these sites to select mates, build nests, and raise their young. The native grasses and plants offer the perfect refuge.

But the prairie is in jeopardy. Large-scale development and the spread of invasive plants has wiped out much of this unique habitat. The future of birds that require grasslands to survive—such as the Long-billed Curlew, Baird's Sparrow, and Sprague's Pipit—hangs in the balance.

American Bird Conservancy works closely with landowners to conserve these prairies on private lands, ensuring that curlews and other grassland birds have homes for generations to come.


Aditi DesaiAditi Desai is a digital storyteller skilled in producing, editing, and shooting documentaries. She has a diverse background in counseling, legal advocacy, and environmental conservation work and has produced videos for clients such as The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Prince Charitable Trusts, PBS, the National Park Service, Blue Bear Films, and Discovery Communications. Aditi holds an M.F.A. in Film and Electronic Media from American University and a B.A. in Psychology from Smith College.