Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
3.3.8.3 Research Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding, competition, and food web dynamics. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying possibilities for improved management and conservation. All studies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Use data collected through the NC Bird Atlas to generate distribution and abundance maps and related metrics for species breeding and over-wintering in North Carolina. • Fill critical knowledge gaps such as density, diet, nesting performance, use of roosting, nesting, and foraging habitat. Investigate prey availability and determine if insect abundance or changes in insect diversity are limiting factors.
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Northern Saw-whet Owl
• Study movements, particularly post-breeding dispersal, of several raptor species. Determine if these species remain year-round residents or shift altitudinally or latitudinally for the winter.
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Northern Saw-whet Owl
• Study nest ecology and movements, autumn flock formation, and particularly post- breeding dispersal of several mountain songbird species.
Black-capped Chickadee
Hermit Thrush
Veery
• Document nest sites and ecology, record songs for type identification, and document movements with respect to cone crop availability.
Red Crossbill
• Assess response of disturbance-sensitive species to recreation development and activities. Eastern Whip-poor-will Northern Saw-whet Owl Peregrine Falcon Coastal shorebirds • Determine the extent of use of successional and other habitats by post-breeding and migratory birds using the Motus Wildlife Tracking Network and other methodologies.
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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