Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
about the status and population trends of many species of secretive marsh birds is limited. This general lack of knowledge is the product of inconsistencies in survey methods that make it difficult to compare data from local and regional survey efforts and current broad-scale monitoring efforts (e.g., BBS) lack adequate coverage of wetland habitat to provide statistically significant results on marsh bird trends. Currently, data available through the program are managed by the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (Maryland), in cooperation with the University of Arizona and the USFWS Office of Migratory Birds. 3.3.3.4 Songbirds Breeding bird surveys and monitoring of priority species and habitats have been conducted on state-owned game lands and other public lands, on conservation partnership lands (e.g., NCWRC’s CURE program), and on private lands, especially on early successional habitats. Data from these survey efforts have improved our understanding of distribution, relative abundance, and population trends for migratory songbirds, but are not adequate to assess larger population parameters for some species such as Cerulean, Golden-winged, and Wayne’s Black-throated Green Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Prairie Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Vesper and Henslow’s Sparrow, and others. North Carolina plays a key role in the life cycle of many migratory songbirds for all stages of their life cycle (breeding, wintering, and migration stopover habitats). Songbirds comprise the largest bird species group and accordingly are found in every habitat type across the state. The following information highlights migratory songbirds for which there are conservation concerns. • The Henslow’s Sparrow is considered one of the most vulnerable nongame species found in eastern North America (Hunter et al. 2001) . One of the only breeding locations in the southeastern United States for this species is in eastern North Carolina at the Voice of America Game Land (VOAGL). Consistent growth of the Henslow’s Sparrow population at the VOAGL over the last decade has been attributed to active habitat management using prescribed fire as well as mechanical and chemical control of woody stems (Nastase 2024) . The Henslow’s Sparrow is currently listed for state protection as an endangered species (NCWRC 2021) . • The Golden-winged Warbler has experienced one of the steepest declines of any North American songbird (GWWG 2013; Sauer et al. 2013) and is currently being petitioned for ESA protection. It is threatened by loss of high-elevation successional community habitats; genetic changes are exacerbated by hybridization with the Blue-winged Warbler. In North Carolina, a range-wide, spatially balanced monitoring effort led by Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and supplemental surveys and monitoring have improved overall understanding of the species. The Golden-winged Warbler Working Group (GWWG 2013) developed best management practices for Golden-winged Warbler, which identify habitat and population goals and include habitat supplements dedicated to specific habitat types most important to Golden-winged Warblers in the Appalachian Mountains (e.g., Deciduous
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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