The grasslands of Nebraska provide a unique and critical stopover point for numerous bird species during their migratory journeys. Each year, millions of birds travel through the Great Plains, with a significant portion of these birds utilizing Nebraska's grasslands as a vital source of food, shelter, and breeding grounds. Among the various types of birds that migrate through the region, grassland birds are of particular interest due to their notable population declines in recent years.

One notable example of a grassland bird species that migrates through Nebraska is the upland sandpiper. These birds travel from their wintering grounds in South America to their breeding grounds in the northern United States and Canada, with a significant stopover in the Sandhills region of Nebraska. The Sandhills, located in north-central Nebraska, provide a unique combination of wetlands and grasslands that serve as a crucial refueling point for the upland sandpipers. Research has shown that the upland sandpipers that stopover in the Sandhills region have a higher chance of survival and successful breeding than those that do not utilize this critical habitat.

Another example of a grassland bird species that migrates through Nebraska is the prairie-chicken. The prairie-chicken is a species of grouse that is native to the grasslands of the Great Plains and has experienced significant declines in population over the years. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the prairie-chicken and its habitat, including the creation of protected areas such as the Prairie Pothole Region in south-central Nebraska. The Prairie Pothole Region provides a crucial breeding and brooding ground for the prairie-chicken, and research has shown that the protection of this habitat is critical to the long-term survival of the species.

The grasslands of Nebraska are not only important for the birds that migrate through the region but also for the various ecosystems that they support. The grasslands provide a unique combination of vegetation and wildlife that support a diverse array of ecosystems. For example, the tallgrass prairies of the Rainwater Basin in south-central Nebraska provide a critical habitat for a variety of plants and animals. The Rainwater Basin is a vast wetland area that is composed of a series of shallow lakes, marshes, and grasslands. This unique ecosystem supports a diverse array of wildlife, including numerous species of birds, fish, and mammals.

In addition to the importance of grasslands as a habitat for migratory birds, research has also shown that the quality of the grasslands can have a significant impact on the success of the birds. For example, a study conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that the quality of the tallgrass prairies in the Rainwater Basin had a significant impact on the reproductive success of the upland sandpiper. The study found that the upland sandpipers that bred in areas with high-quality habitat had a higher reproductive success than those that bred in areas with lower-quality habitat.

The conservation of grassland ecosystems is critical to the long-term survival of many bird species. Efforts to protect and restore grasslands are underway, including the creation of protected areas and the implementation of sustainable land-use practices. For example, the National Audubon Society has established a number of protected areas in the Great Plains, including the Rainwater Basin in south-central Nebraska. These protected areas provide a critical habitat for numerous bird species and help to ensure the long-term survival of these species.

Overall, the grasslands of Nebraska provide a unique and critical habitat for numerous bird species during their migratory journeys. The conservation of these ecosystems is critical to the long-term survival of many bird species, and efforts to protect and restore grasslands are essential to maintaining the health and diversity of these ecosystems.