Wildlife Diversity Program Quarterly Report for April–June 2025
Wood Thrush Nanotagging by Chris Kelly, Western Bird and Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel Biologist
T he Wood Thrush is a priority species in 25 U.S. states and several Canadian provinces, and is a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in North Carolina. This year, NCWRC joined a rangewide Wood Thrush nanotagging project. And when we say rangewide, we really mean it! Bird conservation partners from North America and Central America are partic- ipating in this hemispheric research and conservation project across the Wood Thrush’s breeding and nonbreeding ranges. The objective is to better understand migratory connections, routes, timing, and survival across their full annual cycle. This understanding is needed so biologists can address the species’ conservation needs throughout its range and to improve the design of targeted habitat management actions. In May and June 2025, the mountain bird crew banded 22 Wood Thrush in Jackson, Transylvania, and Buncombe coun- ties, and fitted 11 of those with nanotags that communicate with the Motus Wildlife Tracking Network. The crew will ground-track the birds throughout the summer, then wait to see if they return next year or “ping” any Motus stations on migration. Motus detections can start painting a more granu- lar picture of a Wood Thrush’s annual travels. For example, a series of detections at one station over several days or weeks may reveal high quality habitat where a bird lingers to re-fuel. With partners across the Americas participating, quick action can follow to visit the site, interact with the community, and determine if the site would benefit from protection or targeted habitat management actions.
TOM WARD
CHRIS KELLY/NCWRC
Top: Wildlife Diversity Technician Clifton Avery with a nanotagged Wood Thrush. Note the antenna. Bottom: A Wood Thrush wear- ing a nanotag that can communicate with the Motus Wildlife Tracking Network.
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