3.3 Birds
Surveys. Distributional and status surveys need to focus on species believed to be declin- ing or mainly dependent on at-risk or sensitive natural communities. • Conduct surveys of secretive marsh birds such as the Black Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Least Bittern, and American Bittern to determine the status and distribution of all marsh birds (Legare et al. 1999; Gibbs and Melvin 1997; Conway et al. 2004) . Use survey data to estimate population status, trends, and distribution. Document distribution, past and present, using survey data and mapping eforts. • Conduct surveys of SGCN birds in riparian habitats not covered well by traditional sur- veys such as Breeding Bird Surveys (Swainson’s Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Prothonotary Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, etc.). • Survey for grassland birds that are considered to be steeply declining, are not tracked well by typical survey methods, or have poorly understood distribution and status in the region (e.g., Barn Owl, Grasshopper Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Kingbird, Bobolink, Dickcissel, Loggerhead Shrike). • Survey for birds that may be declining in Longleaf Pine habitats, such as Bachman’’s Sparrow. • Determine population and distribution status for other species not covered well by traditional surveys: American Kestrel, Merlin, Loggerhead Shrike, Barn Owl, Rusty Blackbird, Worm-eating Warbler, Seaside Sparrow, Nelson’s Sparrow, Saltmarsh Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Northern Harrier, and Short-eared Owl. • Determine breeding status/distribution of Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks. Because of their secretive nature, traditional bird surveys do not adequately track these populations. • Conduct migration surveys statewide to determine the extent of use of successional and other habitats by post-breeding and migratory birds. • Determine the breeding and roosting status and distribution of Chimney Swift in nat- ural conditions along major foodplains with appropriate habitat conditions (e.g. older, hollow trees).
• Survey for potential nesting birds in caves and on clifs and rock outcrops, such as Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, and Common Raven.
• Determine the status and distribution of Wayne’s Black-throated Green Warbler.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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