Imagine a six-foot-tall, 2,000+ pound creature casually reshaping the landscape as it grazes. Now multiply that by a herd. That’s the power of the American bison—a natural ecosystem engineer. These animals don’t just move through grasslands—they shape them, and that shaping has ripple effects for all sorts of wildlife, especially birds.
For centuries, bison played a central role in grassland ecology. But after westward expansion and government-led extermination campaigns, their numbers plummeted. Today, even with around 15,000 roaming free, they’re considered functionally extinct. That means they’re no longer fulfilling their full ecological role on the land.
But now, thanks to tribal-led efforts and a new $25 million federal investment, bison restoration is gaining momentum. And if we bring them back in real numbers? Birds stand to benefit in a big way. Here’s how.
Birds like Black-billed Magpies and Brown-headed Cowbirds aren’t just hanging out on bison for fun. These birds rely on the big grazers to kick up insects as they move—or to provide meals directly from their hides. It’s a win-win: birds get food, bison get bug relief.
Fun fact? “Cowbird” is a bit of a misnomer. According to Jason Baldes, a tribal buffalo program manager and member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, “They should really be called buffalobirds.”
Yes, bison droppings enrich the soil, but for some birds, dung has more creative uses. Long-billed Curlews build nests next to buffalo patties for camouflage. And Burrowing Owls line their tunnels with dung—possibly to attract dung beetles, which make for a handy snack.
So yeah…buffalo poop is kind of a big deal.
Bison don’t graze evenly across the land. They’ll eat grass down to a stub in one area, then leave another untouched for years. This creates a patchwork of short and tall grasses—exactly what grassland birds need.
Horned Larks and Thick-billed Longspurs thrive in the short stuff. Meanwhile, birds like Baird’s Sparrows prefer thicker, taller grass for hiding nests. The takeaway? Bison know how to manage land in ways that cattle just don’t.
Bison don’t munch on shrubs, but they sure do knock them down. Constantly itchy, they’ll rub against any sturdy plant to scratch themselves—and that destructive habit helps stop woody shrubs from taking over grassland.
This is a game-changer for birds like Sprague’s Pipit and Chestnut-collared Longspur, which avoid areas with trees or shrubs (because they attract predators). One or two trees can ruin a whole patch of habitat for these birds—bison help keep that threat in check.
Unlike cattle, which gravitate toward water and often damage riverbanks, bison prefer upland grasses and can handle heat better. That means they’re less likely to trample sensitive riparian zones or muddy up streams.
Healthier rivers and streams = better habitat for water-loving birds like Yellow Warblers, Bullock’s Orioles, and Eastern Kingbirds. Letting bison do their thing supports a cleaner, more balanced ecosystem.
Bison restoration isn’t just about the animals—it’s about the health of an entire ecosystem. From bugs to birds to waterways, everything improves when these grazers return to the landscape.
And yes, this is a Native story—tribal nations have lived alongside bison for generations and are leading many of today’s restoration efforts. But as Jason Baldes says, it’s also an American story. Because restoring biodiversity and honoring traditional knowledge doesn’t just protect cultural heritage—it protects the future for all of us.
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