bird report e-o - designing a future for arkansas … · bird report e-o s rank: g rank: boston...

Bird Report E-OBird Report E-OBird Report E-OBird Report E-O

S Rank:

G Rank:

Boston Mountains

Arkansas Valley

Ouachita Mountains

South Central Plains

Mississippi Alluvial Plain

Mississippi Valley Loess Plains

Ozark Highlands

Class:

Order:

Family:

Aves

Ciconiiformes

Ardeidae

DistributionDistributionDistributionDistribution

Element Occurrence RecordsElement Occurrence RecordsElement Occurrence RecordsElement Occurrence Records

Ixobrychus exilis��

Priority Score:

S2B,S2N — Imperiled breeding and nonbreeding species in Arkansas

G5 — Secure

19191919

Ecoregions where the species occurs:

Population Trend: Unknown

Taxa Association Team and Peer ReviewersANHC Mr. Bill Holimon, USFS Mr. Steve Duzan, USFWS Mr. Allan Mueller, AGFC Ms. Catherine Rideout, Audubon Arkansas Dr. Dan Scheiman, AGFC Ms. Karen Rowe, Bill Shepherd, USFS Dr. Joe Neal, American Bird Conservancy Dr. Jane Fitzgerald

out of 100out of 100out of 100out of 100

Residence: Breeding


Page 237


Potential Habitat Map

Habitats Weight

Ponds, Lakes, and Water Holes Suitable

Problems Faced

KNOWN PROBLEM: Loss of wetlands from conversion Threat: Habitat destruction or conversionSource: Crop production practices

KNOWN PROBLEM: Loss of wetlands to invasive plant species

Threat: Habitat destruction or conversionSource: Exotic species

KNOWN PROBLEM:: Vulnerable to toxins and contaminants resulting from agricultural run-off

Threat: Toxins/contaminantsSource: Crop production practices

Data Gaps/Research Needs

No data gaps or research needs were identified..

ImportanceConservation Actions Category

Maintain wetlands Habitat ProtectionHigh

Restore wetlands. Habitat Restoration/ImprovementHigh

Monitoring Strategies

Participate in National Marshbird Monitoring Program coordinated by Waterbird Conservation for the Americas Bird Initiative. Continue tracking of this species by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.


38


CommentsThis secretive bird can be found in high densities in quality habitat. Loss of large, shallow wetlands with dense emergent vegetation, and pollution are major threats. Minor modification to habitat management plans for waterfowl can increase available habitat. (Arkansas Audubon Society 2005, Carter and others 2000, CWCS 2004, CWCS 2005A, CWCS 2005B, Gibbs and others 1992B, Hamel 1992, James and Neal 1986, Kushlan and others 2002, Martin and Finch 1995, National Audubon Society 2002, Rich and others 2004, Sauer and others 2004)


Page 239


S Rank:

G Rank:

Boston Mountains

Arkansas Valley

Ouachita Mountains




Ozark Highlands

Class:

Order:

Family:

Aves

Passeriformes

Laniidae



Lanius ludovicianus migrans ��

Priority Score:

S3B,S3N — Vulnerable breeding and nonbreeding species in Arkansas

G4T3Q — Apparently secure (vulnerable subspecies) questionable taxonomy

33333333


Population Trend: Decreasing



Residence: Permanent


Page 240



Habitats Weight

Arkansas Valley Prairie and Woodland Optimal

Crop Land Suitable

Lower Mississippi Alluvial Plain Grand Prairie Optimal

Pasture Land Suitable

Southeastern Great Plains Tallgrass Prairie Suitable

West Gulf Coastal Plain Calcareous Prairie Optimal

Problems Faced

KNOWN PROBLEM: Lack of grassland with shrub component

Threat: Habitat destructionSource: Crop production practices

KNOWN PROBLEM: Post-fledging mortality, especially resulting from car strikes

Threat: Extraordinary predation/parasitism/diseaseSource: Road construction

POTENTIAL PROBLEM: Pesticides Threat: Toxins/contaminantsSource: Crop production practices


Determine habitat requirements..


Maintain grassland with shrub component Habitat ProtectionHigh

Restore grassland with shrub component. Habitat Restoration/ImprovementHigh

Restore native grasslands. Habitat Restoration/ImprovementMedium


Page 241



The Partners in Flight North American Landbird Conservation Plan indicates that long-term population trend monitoring for this species is generally considered adequate but some issues, such as bias, may not have been accounted for. Continue to conduct Breeding Bird Surveys at all routes established in Arkansas. Continue tracking of this species by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.

CommentsA predatory bird that impales its prey (insects, rodents, birds) on sharp objects like thorns and barbed wire. This allows it to eat prey without the benefit of strong, taloned feet that raptors use for holding prey. It also serves to advertise its territory and attract mates. It inhabits open country with scattered trees and shrubs. Populations are correlated with the amount of pasture land. Habitat is available yet the species is declining. More study is needed to identify sources of the decline. (Arkansas Audubon Society 2005, Carter and others 2000, CWCS 2004, CWCS 2005A, CWCS 2005B, Duzan and others 2003, Hamel 1992, James and Neal 1986, Martin and Finch 1995, National Audubon Society 2002, Rich and others 2004, Sauer and others 2004, Yosef 1996)


Page 242


S Rank:

G Rank:

Boston Mountains

Arkansas Valley

Ouachita Mountains




Ozark Highlands

Class:

Order:

Family:

Aves

Charadriiformes

Scolopacidae



Limnodromus griseus � �� # ��

Priority Score:

SZN — Uncommon or irregular nonbreeding species in Arkansas

G5 — Secure

8888





Residence: Transient

Limnodromus griseus ��#��

Page 243



Habitats Weight

Mud Flats Optimal

Ponds, Lakes, and Water Holes Marginal

Problems Faced

KNOWN PROBLEM: Lack of mudflats during migration as a result of hydrological alteration

Threat: Hydrological alterationSource: Water diversion



Restore mudflats. Habitat Restoration/ImprovementHigh


Continue and expand fall migration counts in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley and the West Gulf Coastal Plain, coordinated through Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Shorebird Monitoring Program.

CommentsListed as a species of high concern by the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan. While population size is difficult to determine, it is thought to be relatively abundant. Proper management of water levels on wetlands, artificial impoundments, and flooded agricultural fields can provide critical stopover habitat during migration. (Arkansas Audubon Society 2005, Carter and others 2000, CWCS 2004, CWCS 2005A, CWCS 2005B, Hamel 1992, James and Neal 1986, Jehl and others 2001, Martin and Finch 1995, National Audubon Society 2002, Rich and others 2004, Sauer and others 2004, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan 2004)

Limnodromus griseus ��#��

Page 244


S Rank:

G Rank:

Boston Mountains

Arkansas Valley

Ouachita Mountains




Ozark Highlands

Class:

Order:

Family:

Aves

Passeriformes

Parulidae



Limnothlypis swainsonii � � �� $ � ��

Priority Score:

S3B — Vulnerable breeding species in Arkansas

G4 — Apparently secure species

19191919





Residence: Breeding

Limnothlypis swainsonii ��$��

Page 245



Habitats Weight

Cultivated Forest Marginal

Lower Mississippi Flatwoods Woodland and Forest Marginal

Lower Mississippi River High Bottomland Forest Suitable

Lower Mississippi River Riparian Forest Optimal

Mississippi River Alluvial Plain Loess Slope Forest Suitable

Ozark-Ouachita Riparian Marginal

South-Central Interior Large Floodplain Data Gap

South-Central Interior Large Floodplain Suitable

West Gulf Coastal Plain Large River Floodplain Forest Marginal

West Gulf Coastal Plain Mesic Hardwood Forest Marginal

West Gulf Coastal Plain Red River Floodplain Forest Marginal

West Gulf Coastal Plain Small Stream/River Forest Suitable

West Gulf Coastal Plain Wet Hardwood Flatwoods Marginal


Page 246


Problems Faced

KNOWN PROBLEM: even-aged forest management causing lack of understory and midstory - loss of midseral stages interspersed with more mature woodlands.

Threat: Altered composition/structureSource: Forestry activities

KNOWN PROBLEM: Loss of dense understory component of riparian/floodplain forest.

Threat: Altered composition/structureSource: Dam

KNOWN PROBLEM: Loss of dense understory component of riparian/floodplain forest.

Threat: Alteration of natural fire regimesSource: Fire suppression

KNOWN PROBLEM: Loss of giant cane habitat. Threat: Habitat destructionSource: Conversion of Riparian Forest

POTENTIAL PROBLEM: Nesting failure caused by flooding

Threat: Hydrological alterationSource: Dam


Determine post- fledging survival.

Determine distribution and abundance. use of forest

Evaluate management practices to create breeding habitat.


Manage for dense understory and ground cover. Habitat Restoration/ImprovementHigh

Manage for uneven aged forests using group selection harvest or even aged management with small clearcuts

Habitat Restoration/ImprovementHigh

Restore canebrake habitats Habitat Restoration/ImprovementHigh


The Partners in Flight North American Landbird Conservation Plan indicates that long-term population trend monitoring for this species is generally considered adequate but some issues, such as bias, may not have been accounted for. Continue to conduct Breeding Bird Surveys at all routes established in Arkansas. Expand effort to locate new breeding populations. Continue tracking of this species by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.


Page 247


CommentsAlthough easy to locate by its loud song, this species is difficult to see in the dense shrub and cane patches of bottomland forests and swamps. Loss and fragmentation of bottomland hardwood forests and associated canebreaks is a source of decline. Cowbird nest parasitism is high in the White River NWR. (Brown and Dickson 1994, Carrie 1996, Clawson 1982, Duzan and others 2003, 2003A, Evans and Kirkman 1980, Fitzgerald 2000, Graves 2002, Hamel 1992, Jacobs 2001, James and Neal 1986, Martin and Finch 1995, Robbins and Easterla 1992)


Page 248


S Rank:

G Rank:

Boston Mountains

Arkansas Valley

Ouachita Mountains




Ozark Highlands

Class:

Order:

Family:

Aves

Charadriiformes

Scolopacidae



Limosa haemastica�� % ��

Priority Score:



11111111






Limosa haemastica��%��

Page 249



Habitats Weight

Crop Land Marginal

Mud Flats Optimal

Problems Faced

KNOWN PROBLEM: Lack of mudflats during migration as a result of hydrological alteration

Threat: Hydrological alterationSource: Water diversion




Restore mudflats. Habitat Restoration/ImprovementHigh


Continue and expand fall migration counts in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley and the West Gulf Coastal Plain, coordinated through Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Shorebird Monitoring Program. Continue tracking of this species by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.


Page 250


CommentsListed as a species of high concern by the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan. Thought to be stable, but highly vulnerable due to small population size and fragmented populations. The availability of habitat and food along their migratory route is critical. Birds need to stop and refuel as they go. Proper management of water levels on wetlands, artificial impoundments, and flooded agricultural fields can help. Short, sparse vegetation will provide habitat for the aquatic invertebrates that shorebirds eat. (Arkansas Audubon Society 2005, Carter and others 2000, CWCS 2004, CWCS 2005A, CWCS 2005B, Elphick and Klima 2002, Hamel 1992, James and Neal 1986, Martin and Finch 1995, National Audubon Society 2002, Rich and others 2004, Sauer and others 2004, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan 2004)


Page 251


S Rank:

G Rank:

Boston Mountains

Arkansas Valley

Ouachita Mountains




Ozark Highlands

Class:

Order:

Family:

Aves

Piciformes

Picidae



Melanerpes erythrocephalus� �� " ��

Priority Score:

S4B,S4S5N — Apparently secure breeding, apparently secure nonbreeding species (uncertain rank) in Arkansas

G5 — Secure

14141414






Melanerpes erythrocephalus��"��

Page 252




Page 253


Habitats Weight

Arkansas Valley Prairie and Woodland Suitable

Lower Mississippi Alluvial Plain Grand Prairie Marginal

Lower Mississippi Flatwoods Woodland and Forest Suitable

Lower Mississippi River High Bottomland Forest Suitable

Lower Mississippi River Low Bottomland Forest Suitable

Lower Mississippi River Riparian Forest Suitable

Mississippi River Alluvial Plain Loess Slope Forest Optimal

Ouachita Novaculite Glade and Woodland Suitable

Ozark-Ouachita Dry Oak Woodland Optimal

Ozark-Ouachita Pine/Bluestem Woodland Optimal

Ozark-Ouachita Pine-Oak Forest Data Gap

Ozark-Ouachita Pine-Oak Woodland Suitable



South-Central Interior Large Floodplain Optimal

Urban/Suburban Marginal

West Gulf Coastal Plain Large River Floodplain Forest Suitable

West Gulf Coastal Plain Red River Floodplain Forest Suitable

West Gulf Coastal Plain Sandhill Oak and Shortleaf Pine Forest and Woodland

Suitable

West Gulf Coastal Plain Small Stream/River Forest Marginal

West Gulf Coastal Plain Wet Hardwood Flatwoods Suitable

Problems Faced

KNOWN PROBLEM: Fire suppression leading to loss of oak-savanna.

Threat: Alteration of natural fire regimesSource: Fire suppression

KNOWN PROBLEM: Competition for nest cavities with European Starlings.

Threat: Extraordinary competition for resourcesSource: Exotic species

KNOWN PROBLEM: Loss of mature tree snags for nesting and roosting.



Page 254





Protect mature tree snags in open forest conditions. Habitat ProtectionHigh

Reduce numbers of nest cavity competitors such as House Sparrows and European Starlings.

Threat AbatementMedium

Restoration of oak-savanna. Habitat Restoration/ImprovementHigh


The Partners in Flight North American Landbird Conservation Plan indicates that long-term population trend monitoring for this species is generally considered adequate but some issues, such as bias, may not have been accounted for. Continue to conduct Breeding Bird Surveys at all routes established in Arkansas. Continue tracking of this species by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.

CommentsA striking bird of open country and savannas. Like other woodpeckers, they depend on an abundance of mature tree snags for roosting and nesting. Clearing of dead trees, fire suppression, and clean farming practices reduce snag abundance. (Bent 1964, Clawson 1982, Duzan and others 2003, 2003A, Evans and Kirkman 1980, Fitzgerald 2000, Hamel 1992, Jacobs 2001, James and Neal 1986, Kilham 1992, Martin and Finch 1995, Smith and others 2000).


Page 255


S Rank:

G Rank:

Boston Mountains

Arkansas Valley

Ouachita Mountains




Ozark Highlands

Class:

Order:

Family:

Aves

Ciconiiformes

Ciconiidae



Mycteria americana� ��

Priority Score:



9999


Population Trend: Increasing




Mycteria americana��

Page 256



Habitats Weight

Lower Mississippi River Low Bottomland Forest Marginal

Ponds, Lakes, and Water Holes Optimal

West Gulf Coastal Plain Large River Floodplain Forest Marginal

Problems Faced

KNOWN PROBLEM: Loss of wetlands Threat: Habitat destruction or conversionSource: Crop production practices

KNOWN PROBLEM: Loss of wetlands Threat: Habitat destructionSource: Urban development


Determine source populations.


Maintain wetlands. Habitat ProtectionHigh

Restore wetlands. Habitat Restoration/ImprovementHigh


Continue tracking of this species by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.


Page 257


CommentsAlthough the number of post-breeding wanders has increased in the state, the species is declining due to habitat loss and altered water regimes. Open water habitats such as deep marshes, flooded farmland, impoundments, and fish ponds provide foraging opportunities in the state. (Arkansas Audubon Society 2005, Carter and others 2000, Coulter and others 1999, CWCS 2004, CWCS 2005A, CWCS 2005B, Hamel 1992, James and Neal 1986, Kushlan and others 2002, Martin and Finch 1995, National Audubon Society 2002, Rich and others 2004, Sauer and others 2004)


Page 258


S Rank:

G Rank:

Boston Mountains

Arkansas Valley

Ouachita Mountains




Ozark Highlands

Class:

Order:

Family:

Aves

Ciconiiformes

Ardeidae



Nyctanassa violacea& �� ' ��

Priority Score:

S3B — Vulnerable breeding species in Arkansas

G5 — Secure

15151515





Residence: Breeding

Nyctanassa violacea&��'��

Page 259



Habitats Weight

Lower Mississippi Alluvial Plain Grand Prairie Suitable


Lower Mississippi River Bottomland Depression Suitable

Lower Mississippi River High Bottomland Forest Marginal









West Gulf Coastal Plain Small Stream/River Forest Marginal


Page 260


Problems Faced

KNOWN PROBLEM: Conflicts with aquaculture Threat: Extraordinary competition for resourcesSource: Confined animal operations

KNOWN PROBLEM: Degradation and loss of breeding and foraging habitat

Threat: Habitat destruction or conversionSource: Crop production practices

KNOWN PROBLEM: Vulnerability to toxins and contaminants from agricultural run-off

Threat: Toxins/contaminantsSource: Crop production practices


Research effects of depredation on aquaculture.


Improve breeding and foraging habitat. Habitat Restoration/ImprovementHigh

Reduce depredation on aquaculture facilities. Public Relations/EducationHigh

Reduce threats posed by toxins/contaminants. Threat AbatementMedium


Conduct inventories for colonial waterbirds, particularly rookery counts, as a part of the North American Colonial Waterbird Monitoring Program coordinated by the Waterbird Conservation for the Americas Bird Initiative. Continue tracking of this species by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.

CommentsThis species forages from dusk to dawn. Because it specializes on crustaceans it can conflict with shrimp farmers. Generally abundant and widespread, though restricted to areas near water because of its food requirements. Protection of forested wetland habitat, and reducing conflicts between birds and farmers and between nest colonies and the neighborhoods in which they nest are important conservation measures. (Arkansas Audubon Society 2005, Carter and others 2000, CWCS 2004, CWCS 2005A, CWCS 2005B, Hamel 1992, Hunter and Patrick 2003, James and Neal 1986, Kushlan and others 2002, Layher 1993, Martin and Finch 1995, National Audubon Society 2002, Rich and others 2004, Sauer and others 2004, Watts 1995)


Page 261


S Rank:

G Rank:

Boston Mountains

Arkansas Valley

Ouachita Mountains




Ozark Highlands

Class:

Order:

Family:

Aves

Ciconiiformes

Ardeidae



Nycticorax nycticorax�� ' ��

Priority Score:

S2B,S3N — Imperiled breeding, vulnerable nonbreeding species in Arkansas

G5 — Secure

19191919






Nycticorax nycticorax��'��

2



Habitats Weight

Lower Mississippi Alluvial Plain Grand Prairie Suitable


Lower Mississippi River Bottomland Depression Suitable

Lower Mississippi River High Bottomland Forest Marginal




South-Central Interior Large Floodplain Marginal



Problems Faced

KNOWN PROBLEM: Loss of habitat Threat: Habitat destruction or conversionSource: Crop production practices

KNOWN PROBLEM: Nest failure resulting from mammalian predation

Threat: Extraordinary predation/parasitism/diseaseSource: Predation


Research effects of depredation on aquaculture.


Reduce depredation on aquaculture. OtherMedium


Page 263



Conduct inventories for colonial waterbirds, particularly rookery counts, as a part of the North American Colonial Waterbird Monitoring Program coordinated by the Waterbird Conservation for the Americas Bird Initiative. Continue tracking of this species by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.

CommentsA widespread, abundant, colonial nester. An excellent indicator of environmental quality, this species has recovered following the banning of DDT. It eats a wide variety of prey, including fish. This puts it in conflict with aquaculture farms. More study is needed to determine what effect this and other wading birds have on commercial harvest. (Arkansas Audubon Society 2005, Carter and others 2000, CWCS 2004, CWCS 2005A, CWCS 2005B, Davis 1993, Hamel 1992, Hunter and Patrick 2003, James and Neal 1986, Kushlan and others 2002, Layher 1993, Martin and Finch 1995, National Audubon Society 2002, Rich and others 2004, Sauer and others 2004)


Page 264


S Rank:

G Rank:

Boston Mountains

Arkansas Valley

Ouachita Mountains




Ozark Highlands

Class:

Order:

Family:

Aves

Passeriformes

Parulidae



Oporornis formosus� ��

Priority Score:

S4B — Apparently secure breeding species in Arkansas

G5 — Secure

14141414





Residence: Breeding

Oporornis formosus��

Page 265



Habitats Weight

Cultivated Forest Marginal


Lower Mississippi River High Bottomland Forest Optimal



Mississippi River Alluvial Plain Loess Slope Forest Suitable

Ozark-Ouachita Dry-Mesic Oak Forest Marginal

Ozark-Ouachita Mesic Hardwood Forest Optimal

Ozark-Ouachita Pine-Oak Forest Suitable

Ozark-Ouachita Riparian Optimal



West Gulf Coastal Plain Large River Floodplain Forest Optimal

West Gulf Coastal Plain Mesic Hardwood Forest Optimal

West Gulf Coastal Plain Pine-Hardwood Forest Suitable

West Gulf Coastal Plain Red River Floodplain Forest Optimal

West Gulf Coastal Plain Small Stream/River Forest Suitable

West Gulf Coastal Plain Wet Hardwood Flatwoods Marginal


Page 266


Problems Faced

KNOWN PROBLEM: Even-aged forest management, lack of understory and midstory.


KNOWN PROBLEM: Loss of bottomland hardwood habitat due to conversion to agriculture

Threat: Habitat destructionSource: Conversion of Riparian Forest

KNOWN PROBLEM: Loss of bottomland hardwood habitat for timber harvest.

Threat: Habitat destructionSource: Commercial harvest


Determine breeding habitat requirements.

Determine the effects of forest fragmentation.

Determine the extent of cowbird parasitism.


Manage for dense understory and ground cover. Habitat Restoration/ImprovementHigh

Manage for uneven aged forests using small group selection harvest.

Habitat Restoration/ImprovementHigh


The Partners in Flight North American Landbird Conservation Plan indicates that long-term population trend monitoring for this species is generally considered adequate but some issues, such as bias, may not have been accounted for. Continue to conduct Breeding Bird Surveys at all routes established in Arkansas.

CommentsPopulations rise and fall, depending upon the local availability of second-growth, deciduous forest with a shrubby understory. Forest management practices that encourage a dense understory and well-developed ground cover should enhance forest stands for this species. (Annand and Thompson 1997, Clawson 1982, Duzan and others 2003, 2003A, Evans and Kirkman 1980, Finch and Stangel 1993, Fitzgerald 2000, Gibbs and Faaborg 1990, Hamel 1992, Jacobs 2001, James 1971, James and Neal 1986, James and others 1989, Kellner Unpublished, Martin and Finch 1995, McDonald 1998, Pingjun 1994, Robbins and Easterla 1992, Thompson and others 1992, 1995, 1996, Wenny and others 1993, Wilson and others 1995, USDA FS 1997


Page 267

bird report e-o - designing a future for arkansas … · bird report e-o s rank: g rank: boston...

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