Prepared by David F. DeSante
Posted 10.3.99
Contact: CPIFPlans at prbo dot org
See the introduction to Appendix 1 for
explanations of codes and abbreviations.
Stat: R West: rR?,xT. East: rR?,xT.
Dist: T West: N:F-2?; T:F-10; W:F-2. East: N:B-4? T:B-10; W:B-4.
Sign: CONT-1. This is a species of cities, towns, and extensive agricultural areas in the lowlands. Sierran population is extremely small and insignificant to the species. Probably no valid breeding records above the lowermost foothills.
Hab: R: 3-RSP.
F: 3-PAS,RSP.
Sp: This feral species is almost completely dependent upon cities and extensive agricultural areas throughout its range.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: No obvious
risks except diseases from infected populations. Not necessarily a desirable
element in the Sierran ecosystem because it could cause disease among native
pigeons.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON - Columba fasciata
Stat: SDM West: uS,rT,ifW. East: irS,irT.
Dist: T West: N:F-6; T:F-10; W:F-5. East: N:8; T:B-10.
Sign: WEST-4 (but absent from most of the northern interior of western North America so distribution really a composite of PAC-7 and SW-9). Ssp. monilis PAC-7.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,MRI,RSP.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,MCN,MRI,RSP; 2-PPN,DFR,MCP.
F: Because acorns are their staple food the species is highly dependent upon oaks for foraging both in and out of the nesting season. When the acorn crop fails, they resort to the fleshy fruits of madrone, toyon, manzanita, elderberry, dogwood, and chokecherry, or turn their attention to grain fields. They also require a steady source of water.
Abundance: BBS: 14 routes; 2.40 birds/route. MAPS:
Trends: BBS: DD; -5.7% per year ***
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: One of ten
Sierran species in definite and serious decline. Risks and causes of decline
difficult to assess. My best guess is that its winter (and perhaps breeding)
food supply (primarily acorns and secondarily other fruits) may be declining.
Perhaps acorn production in the Sierra is down because of the recent history
of extreme weather conditions, especially drought. Or perhaps there is
a decrease in the population of oaks due to natural attrition and poor
productivity. It is of interest in this regard that Acorn Woodpeckers and
Scrub Jays also show similar negative population trends in the Sierra (-5.3
for the woodpecker and –3.2 for the jay). The species may breed semi-colonially
so decreasing populations may act to stimulate further decreases by decreasing
the impetus for breeding. It is also possible (but unlikely?) that transmission
of disease from Rock Doves has contributed. Hunting pressure may also be
a relatively minor risk. Regardless, it is very definitely a species that
needs study.
MOURNING DOVE - Zenaida macroura
Stat: SDM West: uS,rT,rW. East: fS,rT.
Dist: T West: N:F-5; T:F-10; W:F-4. East: N:B-7; T:B-10.
Sign: CONT-1. Ssp. marginella WEST-4. Primarily a species of open country in foothills and lower elevations; thus, the Sierra is relatively unimportant to their overall or California populations.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,MRI,RSP; 2-DFR,MCN.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,MRI,PAS,RSP; 2-DFR,MCN,EPN,MCP.
F: Open grassy areas bordered by woodland or scrub. A water source within their daily cruising radius is also necessary.
Abundance: BBS: 13 routes; 1.66 birds/route. MAPS:
Trends: BBS: PD; -4.3% per year *
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Another declining
species that is difficult to assess. It is a short-distance migrant that
winters primarily in the grassland habitats of the southern United States
and northern Mexico. These grasslands are being seriously overgrazed and
otherwise degraded and are being destroyed for residential and agricultural
purposes. Many grassland-inhabiting short-distance migrants are in decline.
I suspect this is the major problem. Loss of riparian habitat for drinking
and roosting, especially in winter but, to a lesser extent, also during
the breeding season may also be a factor. Hunting pressure presents another
risk -- perhaps especially severe in Mexico.
GREATER ROADRUNNER - Geoccoyx californianus
Stat: R West: rR,xT. East: rR,xT.
Dist: TW,SE West: N:F-3; T:F-4; W:F-3. East: N:B-4; T:B-7; W:B-4.
Sign: SW-9. Sierran population very small and of insignificant importance to the species.
Hab: R:
F:
F: A species of arid open land with scattered bushes or thickets, generally at lower elevations than the Sierra proper.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: This species
has been in decline in California for a long time (Grinnell and Miller
1944) and
I suspect it has declined dramatically in the Sierran foothills as
well. Human development of its habitat (both residential and agricultural)
is unfavorable for this species. A general decline in its prey base (primarily
lizards and snakes) may be a very important risk.
Stat: R West: fR,rT. East: fR,rT.
Dist: TW,SE West: N:F-2; T:F-6; W:F-2. East: N:B-4; T:B-7; W:B-4.
Sign: US-2. Ssp. pratincola - US-2. Sierran population very small and of very little importance to the species.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,(PPN),(DFR),(MCN),MRI,MCP,BAR,RSP; 2-PJN.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,(PPN),(MCN),WTM,MRI,MCP,PAS,RSP; 2-PJN.
F: Generally confined to lower elevation valley bottoms and lower foothills where they dwell in rolling oak savannah and riparian habitats and nest in buildings, cavities in cliffs, or occasionally hollow trees.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Loss of large
old oaks and cottonwoods for nests may be compensated for by increased
human structures. Modern structures, however, seem less likely to harbor
Barn Owls, so nest supply may be limited. Like many valley raptors, loss
of prey base due to residential and agricultural development and increased
pesticide levels are risks.
FLAMMULATED OWL - Otus flammeolus
Stat: NTM West: uS. East: rS.
Dist: T West: N:3-7. East: N:6-8.
Sign: WMT-6. Ssp. flammeolus - WTM-6. This species is generally quite uncommon and of irregular distribution over most of its range. Local Sierran populations can be relatively large for this species; thus, the Sierra is of greater importance for this species than for most other
WMT-6 species.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,JPN,(RFR),(LPN),(ASP),(EPN),(MRI); 2-(SCN),
(PJN).
F: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,JPN,(RFR),(LPN),(ASP),(EPN),(MRI); 2-(SCN),
(PJN).
F: Favors open forests of black oak mixed with conifers, especially ponderosa pine and white fir, interspersed with small shrubby openings. Unlike most Sierran owls, they are almost completely insectivorous. Cavity nester.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Loss of old
snags with large woodpecker holes may be critical. General decline in populations
of black oaks is another risk. Poor production of large insects due to
drought and other weather-related factors is another likely risk. Pesticide
use in tropical upland forests and loss of snags there may also be a problem.
This species need extensive study. I believe it may be in trouble.
WESTERN SCREECH-OWL - Otus kennicottii
Stat: R West: lfR,rT. East: lfR,rT.
Dist: TW,SE West: N:F-4; T:F-8; W:F-4. East: N:B-5; T:B-10; W:B-5.
Sign: WEST-4. Ssp. quercinus on West slope - CAL-10; inyoensis along base of southern East slope; of limited distribution from the Inyo region of eastern California East to northwestern Utah - SW-9. Mostly confined to lower elevation foothill woodland so Sierran populations are of relatively low importance to the species.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,MRI,RSP; 2-PPN,(JPN),(RFR),(LPN),(SCN),(EPN),(PJN),(JUN).
F: 3-MHW,MHC,MRI,WTM,PAS,RSP; 2-PPN,(MCN),(JPN),(RFR),(LPN),(SCN),(EPN),
(PJN),(JUN).
F: Prefers broken woodlands of live and blue oaks that may or may not be mixed with conifers. Also occurs often in riparian situations. Cavity nester.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Loss of oak
and riparian cottonwood habitat is perhaps the major risk. Loss of snags
and large old trees for nesting and roosting must be important. Pesticide
use is a potential problem.
GREAT HORNED OWL - Bubo virginianus
Stat: R West: fR,uT. East: fR,uT.
Dist: T West: N:F-9; T:F-10; W:F-9. East: N:B-9; T:B-10; W:B-9.
Sign: CONT-1. Ssp. pacificus - CAL-10.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,MCN,EPN,MRI,BAR,RSP; 2-DFR,JPN,RFR,LPN,ASP,PJN,JUN.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,EPN,MRI,WTM,PAS,BAR,RSP; 2-JPN,RFR,LPN,ASP,
PJN,JUN.
F: Occurs in an extremely wide variety of habitats but seems to shun dense old-growth mid-elevation forests and densely vegetated mid-elevation meadows.
Abundance: BBS: 4 routes; 0.06 birds/route. MAPS:
Trends: BBS: UN; -3.9% per year
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Shooting
"vermin" is still probably a risk. Loss of prey base and pesticide use
are risks. Increased residential and agricultural development are important
risks, although the species often thrives close to human habitations. Harassment
from increasing crow populations in the lowest foothills may be a risk.
NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL - Glaucidium gnoma
Stat: R-SDM West: uS,xT,iuW. East: rS,xT,irW.
Dist: T West: N:3-7; T:F-9; W:F-7. East: N:7-8; T:B-8; W:B-8.
Sign: WMT-6. Ssp. californicum - WTM-6; Grinnell and Miller (1944) distinguish pinicola on the East slope of the southern Sierra (and possibly on the East slope of the central Sierra as well) from californicum in the rest of the Sierra, but AOU (1957) did not recognize pinicola; if pinicola is recognized then subspecies become californicum - CAL-10 and pinicola - RM/GB-8.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,EPN,PJN,MRI,RSP.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,EPN,PJN,MRI,WTM,PAS,RSP; 2-MCP.
F: Favors open stands of black oaks, ponderosa pines, incense cedars,
and white firs, but also occurs in sugar pines, sequoias, riparian hardwoods,
and abandoned orchards. Perhaps prefers edge or broken situations. Cavity
nester.
Abundance: BBS: 5 routes; 0.14 birds/route. MAPS:
Trends: BBS: UN; 2.4% per year
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Loss of snags is the only important risk I can suggest. Maybe loss of black oaks is also important. I believe this species is declining but I don’t know the cause. I believe it has declined heavily since the days of Grinnell and Miller (1944) who rated it as common. It needs to be extensively studied.
SPOTTED OWL - Strix occidentalis
Stat: R West: uR,xT. East: xS*.
Dist: T West: N:3-6; T:3-7: W:3-6. East: N:8?.
Sign: WMT-6. Actually a composite of PAC-7 and SW-9. Ssp. occidentalis -
PCAL-11. The Sierra Nevada offers the only extensive, nearly continuous habitat existing for this subspecies, the California Spotted Owl, which has been designated by the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service as a "Candidate 2" species with its population in documented decline, and by the California Department of Fish and Game as a "Species of Special Concern". As such the Sierra population is of critical importance for protecting this subspecies. In addition, considering that the Northern Spotted Owl, subspecies caurina, is already listed as "Federally Threatened" and the Mexican Spotted owl, subspecies lucida, may also be in serious trouble, the Sierran population of the Spotted Owl is of extreme importance for the conservation of the entire species.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,RFR,MRI; 2-LPN,EPN.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,RFR,MRI; 2-LPN,EPN.
F: Prefers dense, multilayered old-growth forests especially on shady slopes or in canyonbottoms. Often includes a hardwood element but also occurs in the absence of hardwoods. Seems to reach maximum Abundance at elevations below the red fir zone.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: This species
is being extensively studied so I can't add much to the discussion (see
Verner et al. 1992). Habitat change due to logging is the major threat.
Maintaining an even distribution of birds should be the major management
action. Loss of old-growth forest and fragmentation of all mature forests
are, perhaps, the biggest threats.
GREAT GRAY OWL - Strix nebulosa
Stat: R West: rS,xT,rW. East:
Dist: C West: N:4-7; T:3-10; W:3-5. East:
Sign: CAN/WMT-3. Ssp. nebulosa - CAN/WMT-3. Sierran population small and of little importance to the species. However, the entire California population of this species is located in the central Sierra; thus, the Sierra is all-important for the survival of the species in California. Moreover, the Sierran population appears to be completely isolated from the next nearest population of this species which is in the Cascades of southern Oregon. The California population is by far the southernmost population of this species on Earth. A "California Endangered" species.
Hab: R: 3-MCN,RFR,LPN.
F: 3-MCN,RFR,LPN,WTM.
F: Requires extensive, densely-vegetated, wet or moist meadows margined by old-growth coniferous forest from the mixed conifer through the red fir to the lower lodgepole zones. Prefers the tops of tall broken snags for nesting.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Grazing of mid-elevation meadows is the major threat and probable cause of its very low current population size. Grazing thins the vegetation and makes the meadow more attractive to Great Horned Owls, which tend to exclude Great Grays. Virtually California's entire population resides in Yosemite NP where grazing is not permitted. Yet, in winters of heavy snowfall, the birds must move out of the Park to nearby lower elevation meadows. Grazing on these wintering meadows must be prohibited if the population is to survive. Eliminating grazing on Sierran meadows overall would be one of the best possible management actions to enhance all species of Sierran landbirds and reverse their population declines. Disturbance by humans (birders) at the Great Gray's Yosemite nesting haunts is a risk.
Stat: R-SDM West: rS,rT,rW. East: luS,rT,rW.
Dist: T West: N:F-6?; T:F-10; W:F-5?. East: N:B-8; T:B-10; W:B-7.
Sign: CONT-1. Ssp. tuftsi - WEST-4; West slope Sierran population very small and of little significance to the species; East slope population larger and of considerably greater significance. However, because the overall population in California is very small, all Sierran birds are of great importance to the California population.
Hab: R: 3-MRI; 2-MHC,PPN,MCN,EPN,JUN.
F: 3-MRI,WTM,MCP,PAS; 2-MHC,PPN,MCN,EPN,JUN.
F: Habitat requirements not well-understood. On the West slope may prefer riparian and oak-conifer forests. On the East slope utilizes eastside pine and juniper habitats as well as riparian situations. Utilizes old Magpie nests.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Has decreased
significantly in California in historic times; Grinnell and Miller (1994)
considered them to be "common" or even "abundant" locally, but noted that
the species was already declining. Loss of riparian habitat, especially
arborescent riparian vegetation, is probably the major threat. But who
know anything about this species in the Sierra? Not me. Do they fall victim
to increasing numbers of Great Horneds? How is their prey base? This species
needs to be thoroughly studied.
NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL - Aegolius acadicus
Stat: R-SDM West: rR,xT. East: rR,rT.
Dist: T West: N:4-6?; T:4-8?; W:4-6?. East: N:6-8?; T:6-10?; W:6-8?.
Sign: CAN/WMT-3. Ssp. acadicus - CAN/WMT-3. Sierran population is presumably quite small and of relatively little significance to the species.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,LPN,EPN,MRI; 2-JPN,RFR,PJN,JUN.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,LPN,EPN,MRI; 2-JPN,RFR,ASP,PJN,JUN,WTM.
F: Very poorly known in the Sierra. Probably prefers dense oak-conifer forest but may also occur in pure conifer forest. May nest in eastside pine forest on the East slope. Cavity nester.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Another mystery species. Loss of snags is probably important. Do they use oaks? If so, loss of black oaks could be a major risk.
COMMON NIGHTHAWK - Chordeiles minor
Stat: NTM West: rS,rT. East: rS,rT.
Dist: T West: N:F-10?; T:F-12. East: N:B-8; T:B-11.
Sign: CONT-1. Ssp. hesperis - WUS-5. Populations in the Sierra are small and of very little significance to the species. The species becomes common east of the eastern base of the Sierran escarpment.
Hab: R: 3-MHC,MCN,BAR; 2-PPN,JPN,EPN,PJN,JUN,MCP,RSP.
F: 3-MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,JPN,RFR,EPN,PJN,JUN,WTM,MCP,PAS,BAR,RSP.
F: Needs large gravelly openings in forested country or open country itself for nesting. Generally hunts over water, meadows, sagebrush scrub, or open coniferous forest.
Abundance: BBS: 9 routes; 0.85 birds/route. MAPS:
Trends: BBS: DT; -2.1% per year
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: I believe
this species has declined drastically in the Sierra since days of Grinnell
and Miller (1944) and is still declining. Loss of upslope-wind-drifted
large insects form the Central Valley and Great Basin due to agricultural
development and pesticide use could be the major factor. Similar factors
on the winter range could be a problem. Also, nest disturbance and trampling
by grazing cattle could be problem. Further study is warranted.
COMMON POORWIL - Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
Stat: SD-NTM West: fS,rT East: fS,rT.
Dist: T West: N:F-6; T:F-10. East: N:B-8; T:B-10.
Sign: WUS-5. Ssp. californicus west slope - CAL-10; nuttallii east slope -
WUS-5.
Hab: R: 3-PJN,JUN,BAR; 2-MHW,MHC,EPN,MCP.
F: 3-PJN,JUN,BAR; 2-MHW,MHC,EPN,MCP.
F: Generally prefers rather open chaparral or quite open oak woodland or coniferous forest, generally on the edges of open space, clearings, or roads. An open mixture of shrubs and small trees seems especially to their liking.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: May be increasing in the Sierra. Risks are hard to suggest. A general decrease in large flying insects due to adverse weather and pesticide use could be a risk. Logging may be benefiting this species.
BLACK SWIFT - Cypseloides niger
Stat: NTM West: luS,rT. East: rT.
Dist: T West: N:4-7; T:4-13. East: T:9-13.
Sign: PAC-7. Ssp. borealis - PAC-7. Also occurs sparingly in
Rocky Mts. Because the species is uncommon or rare and irregularly distributed
throughout its range, the Sierra population is of considerable importance
to the species.
Hab: R: 3-MHC,MCN,DFR,JPN,RFR,LPN,MRI,BAR.
F: 3-MHC,MCN,DFR,JPN,RFR,LPN,MRI,MCP,BAR; 2-RSP.
F: Requires sheer, well-shaded cliffs, often beside or behind waterfalls, for nesting. The species is probably a "cloud swift" that requires complex moving airmasses for foraging.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: I believe
that this species, although always local and uncommon, may be declining.
A reduction in wind-borne insects from lower elevations due to agricultural
development and pesticide use may be a problem, especially because it is
apparently a "cloud swift" that specializes in such prey. Similar considerations
in the tropics may also exist. Disturbance at certain more accessible nests
may also be a risk. Needs study.
Stat: NTM West: rS,rT. East: xS*,rT.
Dist: T West: N:4-7; T:F-4. East: N:7?; T:B-8.
Sign: PAC-7. Ssp. vauxi - PAC-7. Sierra population small and relatively unimportant to the species.
Hab: R: 3-DFR.
F: 3-DFR,RSP; 2-MHW,MHC,PPN,MCN,RFR,WTM,MRI.
F: Prefers mid-elevation old-growth forests, probably at the edges of wet meadows. Requires large hollow snags and trees for nesting.
Abundance: BBS: 3 routes; 0.10 birds/route. MAPS:
Trends: BBS: UN; -10.7% per year
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: The same
factors regarding food supply that apply to Black Swift may apply to this
species, although it may not be such a "cloud swift". Perhaps more important
is the loss of large snags at the edges of mid-elevation wet meadows for
nest sites. The grazing of these meadows may speed their drying and disappearance
and may be a risk.
WHITE-THROATED SWIFT - Aeronautes saxatalis
Stat: SD-NTM West: cS,rT,uW. East: luS,uT.
Dist: T West: N:F-8; T:F-13; W:F-3. East: N:B-9; T:B-13.
Sign: WUS-5. Ssp. saxatalis - WUS-5.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,MCN,LPN,EPN,MRI,MCP,BAR.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,LPN,EPN,MRI,BAR,RSP; 2-JPN,RFR,ASP,PJN,JUN,
WTM,MCP.
F: Requires sheer cliffs (usually granite) for nesting. Undergoes winter torpor.
Abundance: BBS: 5 routes; 0.63 birds/route. MAPS:
Trends: BBS: DT; -26.4% per year
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: The fact
that BBS data suggest both Vaux's and White-throated swifts, which have
very disparate nesting habits, may be declining (though the small sample
size for Vaux’s Swift prevents classification of its trend) suggests that
the problem lies with the reduction of the prey base. Since most White-throateds
winter in the temperate zone while Vaux's winter in the tropics, the problem
may be right here.
BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD - Archilochus alexandri
Stat: NTM West: rS,xT. East: rS,xT.
Dist: T West: N:F-4?; T:F-8. East: N:B-7?; T:B-10.
Sign: WUS-5. A species of lowland valleys and foothills in California. Sierran breeding population is miniscule and of virtually no significance to the species.
Hab: R: 3-RSP.
F: 3-RSP.
F: Prefers arborescent riparian habitat, at least for nesting.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Who knows
anything about this bird in the Sierra? Peak of abundance is probably in
the arborescent riparian habitat at the very base of the West slope. Thus,
loss of riparian habitat is the major threat. I believe this species has
declined substantially since Grinnell and Miller's (1944) days, probably
due loss of riparian forests in the floor and along the edges of the Central
Valley. Is competition with the larger, increasing Anna's Hummingbird a
risk?
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD - Calypte anna
Stat: SDM West: lfS,ifT,lfW. East: rT.
Dist: T West: N:F-4; T:F-10; W:F-2. East: T:B-10.
Sign: PAC-6. Breeding population in Sierra small is and is of less
importance than many other PAC-6 species. However, substantial numbers disperse up-mountain into the Sierra during the summer when flowers mostly disappear from lowland California.
Hab: R: 3-RSP; 2-MHW,MHC,PPN,MCN,MRI,MCP.
F: 3-RSP; 2-MHW,MHC,PPN,MCN,MRI,MCP.
F: Prefers dry slopes with broken chaparral or open woodland, and, of course, abundant flowers. Attracted to human habitations and gardens.
Abundance: BBS: 9 routes; 0.19 birds/route. MAPS:
Trends: BBS: PI; 62.3% per year *
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: This species
has probably increased since 1944 and is probably still increasing, due
to its association with human gardens and feeders. I don't see many potential
risks.
CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD - Stellula calliope
Stat: NTM West: lfS,ifT. East: lfS,ifT.
Dist: T West: N:4-10; T:F-10. East: N:6-10; T:B-10.
Sign: WMT-6. Absent as a breeder in most of southwest mountains and scarce in Canada, so Sierran importance is greater than for many WMT-6 species.
Hab: R: 3-MHC,DFR,MCN,JPN,LPN,ASP,EPN,MRI,RSP; 2-MHW,PPN,RFR,SCN.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,DFR,MCN,JPN,LPN,ASP,EPN,WTM,MRI,MCP,RSP; 2-PPN,RFR,SCN.
F: Prefers open habitats with scattered trees and shrubs but nesting sites may be in fairly dense forest. Male territories can be in moist or dry habitats on the west slope but usually limited to moist sites on East slope, perhaps because of the necessity for abundant flowers.
Abundance: BBS: 8 routes; 0.24 birds/route. MAPS:
Trends: BBS: UN; 1.3% per year
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Invasion
of its habitat by the larger, increasing Anna's is a risk; however, its
habitat gets invaded every year by swarms of even more aggressive migrant
Rufous Hummingbirds. Yet, Rufous Hummingbirds seem to be declining in the
West. Perch hypothermia is a risk (feeders with perches that are left out
at night when the temperature drops to near freezing -- the hummer tanks
up on great quantities of very cold liquid first thing in the morning while
resting on a perch and its body temperature drops to torpor and it falls
of the perch only to be killed by cats and dogs -- sounds incredible? --
its a common phenomenon in Montana in the summer -- solution -- remove
the perches and the heat generated by flight keeps the body temperature
sufficiently high to avoid torpor -- does this happen at feeders at high
elevations in the Sierra too?).
BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD - Selasphorus platycercus
Stat: NTM West: xT. East: lrS,rT.
Dist: C West: T:8. East: N:8-9; T:6-12.
Sign: RM/GB-8. Ssp. platycercus - RM/GB-86. Sierra population very small and insignificant to the species. However, this species is of very limited range in California, so the Sierra population is of considerable significance to the overall California population.
Hab: R: 3-MRI,MCP; 2-MCN,PJN.
F: 3-MRI,MCP; 2-MCN,PJN,WTM.
SP: Rare, local summer resident and presumed breeder on east slope of Sierra where they prefer open canyonsides usually near streams or other water.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: This species
is apparently currently attempting to colonize the central east slope of
the Sierra. As with other hummers (except Black-chinned) I don't see any
obvious risks except perch hypothermia at high altitudes.
BELTED KINGFISHER - Ceryle alcyon
Stat: SDM West: uS,rT,uW. East: rS,rT,rW.
Dist: TW,NCE West: N:F-6; T:F-10; W:F-5. East: N:B-8; T:B-10; W:B-8.
Sign: CONT-1. Ssp. caurina - WEST-4. Kingfishers are relatively uncommon in the Sierra so the area is of relatively little importance to the species as a whole.
Hab: R: 3-MRI,BAR.
F: 3-MRI.
F: Requires streams, rivers, or lakes with fish; dirt banks for nesting.
Abundance: BBS: 4 routes; 0.15 birds/route. MAPS: 0.02 ad/600 nh
Trends: BBS: PD; -19.2% per year ***
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Why are kingfishers
declining so fast in the Sierra? Are introduced trout eating the kingfisher-sized
fish? Is there too much human disturbance along stream banks where they
nest? Is stream channelization destroying nesting locations? Or is there
just a general decline in fish populations? Being at the top of an aquatic
food chain, they face the risk of pesticide accumulation up the food chain.
This could well occur on wintering grounds in the Central Valley and is,
perhaps, the most likely explanation.
LEWIS' WOODPECKER - Melanerpes lewis
Stat: SDM West: irS,irT,ifW. East: luS,irT.
Dist: TW,NCE West: N:F-5; T:F-10; W:F-2. East: N:7-8; T:B-10.
Sign: WEST-4. This species is primarily a denizen of lowland foothill oak woodland on the West slope and of Jeffery Pine forest East of the Sierra escarpment and is quite uncommon in the Sierra proper. Thus, the Sierra is of less importance to this species than most WEST-4 species. The species, however, is very local, irregular, and uncommon virtually everywhere in California, so all Sierran populations, even small ones, are of great importance to the overall California population.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,MCN,JPN,EPN,PJN,MRI.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,MCN,JPN,EPN,PJN,WTM,MRI; 2-JUN.
F: Requires open woodland as described in the WHR above. Often highly
dependent upon acorns in winter. Attracted to orchards in fall
migration.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: I believe
that this species is declining. I especially believe that it has declined
enormously since Grinnell and Miller (1944). Although it ranges widely
and feeds extensively on flying insects, acorns are probably a mainstay,
and oaks are a preferred winter habitat, at least on the West slope. Thus
disappearance of oaks, especially attrition of large oaks for nest sites,
is a risk, as are decreases in acorn production (see Band-tailed Pigeon).
Usurpation of nest holes by introduced European Starlings is another very
real risk. Loss of snags for lookout perches may also be a risk.
ACORN WOODPECKER - Melanerpes formicivorus
Stat: R West: cR,xT. East: lrR,xT.
Dist: TW,NE West: N:F-5; T:F-8; W:F-5. East: N:4; T:7-10; W:4.
Sign: SW-8. Spp. bairdi - CAL-10. The only breeding population on the East slope of the Sierra of which I am aware is a small population in Janesville, just south of Susanville.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,RSP; 2-PPN,MRI.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,MRI,RSP.
F: Intimately dependent upon oaks for their winter food stores. Generally favors open woodland or forest
Abundance: BBS: 7 routes; 1.76 birds/route. MAPS: 0.02 ad/600 nh
Trends: BBS: PD; -5.3% per year
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Another acorn
specialist that is rapidly declining. See Band-tailed Pigeon, Lewis' Woodpecker,
and Scrub Jay. Usurpation of nest holes by starlings may also be a problem,
but the communal nature of nesting Acorn Woodpeckers may allow them to
defend their nests against starlings better Lewis' Woodpeckers and other
non-communal nesters.
WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER - Sphyrapicus thyroides
Stat: R-SDM West: uS,uT,uW. East: uS,uT,xW.
Dist: T West: N:7-9; T:6-10; W:4-6. East: N:7-9; T:6-10; W:7-8.
Sign: WUS-5. Ssp. thyroides - PAC-7. The whereabouts of East slope Williamson's Sapsuckers during the winter is a mystery. Apparently almost all of them migrate, presumably in a southeasterly direction.
Hab: R: 3-LPN,ASP,RSP; 2-[RFR].
F: 3-PPN,MCN,RFR,LPN,ASP,MRI,RSP; 2-JPN,EPN.
F: Occurs in a variety of habitats from dry, rocky, openly-wooded ridges to densely forested valley bottoms. Favored trees are lodgepole pines, white pines, mountain hemlocks, and jeffrey pines. Apparently does not require hardwoods for sap.
Abundance: BBS: 3 routes; 0.06 birds/route. MAPS: 0.22 ad/600 nh Trends: BBS: UN; -12.9% per year
Demographics: MAPS: Prod. index: 0.0% yg.
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: This species
occurs in relatively open forest so logging operations may not hurt it
as much as Red-breasted Sapsuckers. Loss of snags is an important threat.
It does not feed on willow sap so grazing of meadows is not a risk. It
thus seems clear that it faces fewer risks than Red-breasts; and, yet,
it seems To be decreasing at, perhaps, even a faster rate than Red-breasts.
Pesticide use on forest insect outbreaks may be a risk. The 0.0% productivity
index is undoubtedly an artifact of small sample size. Still it is surprising
that out of 12 Williamson's Sapsucker captured, we have never captured
a young bird. Much needs to be learned about this species' winter whereabouts.
RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER - Sphyrapicus nuchalis
Stat: SDM West: xS*,rW. East: xS,rT,xW.
Dist: T West: N:7; W:F-4. East: N:9; T:B-9, W:B-7.
Sign: RM/GB-8. This species is an extremely rare breeder in the Sierra with only one confirmed breeding record (plus one record of a mixed nuchalis-daggetti pair). Thus, its Sierran range is insignificant to the species overall population.
Hab: R: 3-(MHW),MHC,MCN,ASP,EPN,MRI.
F: 3-(MHW),MHC,MCN,ASP,EPN,MRI,RSP; 2-LPN,(SCN),PJN,JUN.
F: Habitat requirements probably like Red-breasted Sapsucker but possibly more dependent upon riparian, aspen, and other hardwoods during the nesting season.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: We know next
to nothing of this species in the Sierra. However, its is so much like
Red-breasted Sapsucker that what is written there may apply here.
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER - Sphyrapicus ruber
Stat: SDM West: fS,iuT,uW. East: cS,iuT,xW.
Dist: T West: N:4-8; T:F-10; W:F-4. East: N:6-10; T:B-10, W:B-6.
Sign: PAC-7. Ssp. daggetti - CAL-10. The Sierra represents the metropolis of this subspecies range and is of extreme importance to the subspecies as a whole.
Hab: R: 3-MHW,MHC,DFR,MCN,JPN,RFR,LPN,ASP,EPN,MRI,RSP; 2-PPN,PJN,JUN.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,JPN,RFR,LPN,ASP,EPN,PJN,JUN,MRI,RSP.
F: Requires hardwoods for sap (and often for nesting) but occurs commonly in mixed or even pure coniferous forest provided willow thickets are available for a sap source. In such situations they become very dependent on the small willows that occur in montane meadows. On the East side they often nest in aspen or riparian woodland in the complete absence of conifers, but do not breed on the West slope in the absence of conifers.
Abundance: BBS: 16 routes; 1.61 birds/route. MAPS: 3.34 ad/600 nh
Trends: BBS: PD; -2.8% per year
Demographics: MAPS: Prod. index: 34.3% yg.
Ann. surv. rate: 0..581 (0.214);
Cap. prob.: 0.340 (0.400).
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: BBS data
suggest that this species may be in trouble in the Sierra. We capture large
numbers at MAPS stations located on the edges of wet meadows, but all meadows
where we have MAPS stations are entirely or virtually free of grazing.
The birds are attracted to sap wells that they dig in the large willow
clumps in the meadows. Grazing tends to denude willows of their lower foliage
and could adversely affect the quantity or quality of the sap produced.
This hypothesis deserves serious study. Red-breasted Sapsuckers also tend
to prefer dense forest, often rather young stands as well as more mature
growth. I don't particularly associate them with old growth, however. I
suspect that logging practices that open up the forest are detrimental
to Red-breasts. To me, the greatest evidence of declines is on wintering
grounds in central coastal lifornia where they are becoming much scarcer
than they formerly were. Could the cause of decline be on the wintering
grounds? Like all woodpeckers, loss of snags could also be a problem. Pesticide
use on forest insect outbreaks could be a risk. Perhaps sapsuckers are
suffering on both the breeding and wintering grounds. Certainly, this is
a key critical species that deserves much study in the Sierra. I believe
it can tell us much about problems that Sierran birds face, particularly
grazing of meadows and logging of forests, two of the most important threats
to Sierran landbirds.
NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER - Picoides nuttallii
Stat: R West: fS,rT,ifW. East: irT.
Dist: T West: N:F-3; T:F-8; W:F-4. East: T:B-7.
Sign: CAL-10. This species is primarily a denizen of the lower foothills and lowland valleys West of the Sierra. Thus, the Sierra proper is not as important to the overall species' range as it would be if it were more widely distributed in the Sierra.
Hab: R: 3-MRI; 2-MHW,MHC.
F: 3-MHW,MHC,MRI; 2-PPN,MCN,RSP.
F: Favors blue and live oaks and riparian forests. From late summer through winter some move into higher mixed conifer forests.
Abundance: BBS: MAPS:
Trends: BBS:
Demographics: MAPS:
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Loss of oak
woodland and tall foothill riparian habitat are the major risks. Seems
to adapt well to residential areas, at least outside the breeding season.
Usurpation of nest sites by starling is possible but Nuttall's nests may
be too small for starlings. Pesticide use on forest insect outbreaks could
be a risk when the species moves up into higher elevations.
DOWNY WOODPECKER - Picoides pubescens
Stat: R West: uR.rT. East: uR.
Dist: T West: N:F-4; T:F-9; W:F-4. East: N:B-7; W:B-7.
Sign: CONT-1. Ssp. turati - PAC-7. Because this subspecies is replaced by gairdneri in the western portions of Washington, Oregon, and northwestern California, its Sierran range is of greater importance than for most PAC-7 subspecies. However, because the species is uncommon and limited to lower elevations in the Sierra, the importance of the Sierra to the subspecies' overall range is small.
Hab: R: 3-ASP,MRI,[RSP]; 2-MHW,MHC.
F: 3-ASP,MRI,[RSP]; 2-MHW,MHC,PPN,DFR,MCN,JPN,(RFR),(LPN),EPN.
F: Prefers riparian forests and woodlands (and aspen on the East slope). Only rarely utilizes upland oak woodland, mixed oak-conifer forest, or conifer forest. Requires wood in advanced decay for nesting cavities.
Abundance: BBS: 8 routes; 0.23 birds/route. MAPS: 0.17 ad/600 nh
Trends: BBS: UN; -1.0% per year
Demographics: MAPS: Prod. index: 18.9% yg.
Potential risks and suggested causes of population trends: Loss of riparian habitat is the biggest risk. Loss of snags may be important as they require decaying wood for nest holes. Pesticide use on forest insect outbreaks could be a risk when the species moves up into higher elevations. Low MAPS productivity is probably an artifact of small sample size.