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PRIORITY BIRD SPECIES: INFORMATION, ISSUES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Level I (Conservation Action)

Species that clearly need conservation action (CA). Declining population trend and/or habitat loss may be significant. Includes species of which Wyoming has a high percentage of and responsibility for the breeding population (R), monitoring (M), and the need for additional knowledge (K) through research into basic natural history, distribution, etc.

American Bittern

Primary Habitat Type: Wetlands

SPECIES & STATUS	VEGETATION COMPOSITION	VEGETATION STRUCTURE	ABIOTIC FACTORS	LANDSCAPE FACTORS	SPECIAL FACTORS
American Bittern (AMBI) Botaurus lentiginosus Level I CA, M, K	~Cattails, bulrushes, reeds, sedges	~Tall, dense emergent vegetation ~May also nest in idle, dense, tall grasslands ~Prefers wetlands with open water in the center, gradual slopes, a band of emergent vegetation around the periphery, and idle grassland in the adjacent uplands	~Prefers wetlands >7 acres ~Nests above shallow water (1 to 24 inches)	~Dependent on marsh habitats	~Solitary nester, but may form loose colonies in favorable habitat ~Winters south to southern Mexico, Greater Antilles

Scattered throughout Wyoming in marsh habitat. Is totally dependent on wetland habitats; usually inhabits marshes with open water in the center, gradual slopes, a band of emergent vegetation around the periphery, and idle grassland in the adjacent uplands. Prefers large wetlands, at least 7 acres (3 ha), with tall, dense emergent vegetation such as cattails, bulrushes, and reeds. Builds a well-hidden platform nest of sticks and vegetation a few inches above shallow water or mud. Occasionally nests in dense, idle grassland habitat. Nest may be partially covered by an arch of vegetation. Eggs (2 to 7, 49 mm) are buff-brown to olive-buff. Usually a solitary nester, but may form loose colonies in favorable habitat. Uses separate entrance and exit paths to the nest. Diet is varied and includes any small animal that it can catch, primarily frogs, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. Young are fed regurgitant. Winters south to southern Mexico and the Greater Antilles. Declining population is likely caused by loss of marsh habitat. A decline in frog populations may contribute to the decline in American Bitterns. Breeding habitat in Wyoming is disjunct, secure breeding sites are limited in distribution, and the suitability and availability of breeding sites can be unstable between years due to fluctuations in water levels and changes in land use practices. Other species that may benefit from habitat management for this species include the Western Grebe, Clark’s Grebe, Wilson’s Phalarope, Forster’s Tern, Black Tern, and Marsh Wren.

Population Objectives

1) Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data from 1968 through 2002 are inadequate to determine population trends for the American Bittern in Wyoming. Determine population trend data by implementing “Monitoring Wyoming’s Birds: The Plan for Count-based Monitoring”.

2) Maintain a minimum of three American Bittern breeding locations in Wyoming.

Habitat Objectives

1) Maintain wetland complexes in a variety of stages and conditions, including tall, dense emergent vegetation and idle adjacent uplands where American Bitterns occur.

2) Maintain water quality to sustain substantial populations of fish, amphibians, and invertebrates as a food source for American Bitterns.

Recommendations

1) Maintain a complex of wetlands of sufficient size [50 to 450 acres (20 to 180 ha)] to provide habitats at various stages of succession.

2) Implement wetland management techniques that provide marshes with tall, dense, emergent vegetation and shallow water.

3) Maintain water levels at less than 24 inches (61 cm) and keep water level fluctuations to within a few inches throughout the breeding season (April through August). Avoid complete drawdowns before mid-August. Because American Bitterns build nests just above the water’s surface, water level increases can flood nests, while decreases can leave nests and young exposed to predators. Also, during molting, bitterns need relatively deep, stable waters to provide adequate food and protection from predators. Use slow drawdowns to mimic natural wetland succession.

4) Protect wetlands from drainage.

5) Protect wetlands from siltation, eutrophication, chemical contamination, and other forms of pollution. Maintain vegetation buffer zones to block siltation, pesticide, and fertilizer runoff into wetlands. This is particularly important where American Bitterns nest adjacent to agricultural land, and are vulnerable to contamination from agricultural runoff.

6) Manage stock ponds to allow a wide strip of emergent vegetation to grow.

7) In areas where American Bitterns nest in upland vegetation, avoid mowing, burning, or grazing more often than every two to five years.

Trumpeter Swan

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) would appear here based on priority, but this species will not be addressed in the Wyoming Bird Conservation Plan because issues, management strategies, and population goals are already addressed in the Trumpeter Swan Recovery Plans (Pacific Flyway Study Committee 2002, Patla 2001, Subcommittee on Rocky Mountain Trumpeter Swans 1998).

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) would appear here based on priority, but this species will not be addressed in the Wyoming Bird Conservation Plan because issues, management strategies, and population goals are already addressed in the Bald Eagle Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1986).

Northern Goshawk

Primary Habitat Types: High Elevation Conifer, Mid Elevation Conifer, and Aspen

SPECIES & STATUS	VEGETATION COMPOSITION	VEGETATION STRUCTURE	ABIOTIC FACTORS	LANDSCAPE FACTORS	SPECIAL FACTORS
Northern Goshawk (NOGO) Accipiter gentilis Level I CA, M	~Nest sites associated with pure and/or mixed stands of ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and Douglas-fir intermingled with mature stands of aspen; in proximity to shrub/grass openings for foraging	~Mature stands of >50 acres and >70% canopy closure for successful breeding ~Dense canopy with interspersed small openings ~Snags, downed logs, and woody debris ~Open understory with a grass/ forb/shrub component	~Elevation 4,000 to 10,000 feet where habitat requirements are present ~Nests are often located near water and in areas with sufficient prey base	~High density of trees with >8 inches dbh ~Near water ~Prefers NE aspect for nest site on bench or gradual slope ~Within 400 yards of 1 acre clearings ~Aspen stands near running water or pine stands within 500 yards of running water	~Aspen regeneration via forest management techniques (e.g. fire, thinning) is needed ~Sensitive to disturbance at nest site from nest construction through 20 days post-hatch ~Prey availability may primarily dictate the portions of populations that migrate and selection of wintering areas ~Year-round resident in Wyoming

Found across most of Wyoming in mixed coniferous forest habitat. Prefers to nest in Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine forests and aspen stands, particularly dense old growth conifers, but forages in a variety of habitats. Prefers blocks of nesting habitat 200 acres (80 ha) in size that contain small openings. Nest stands are often either on slopes with northerly exposures or in drainages or canyon bottoms protected by such slopes. Requires water within ¼ mile (0.4 km) of the nest site. Builds a platform nest of sticks, lined with bark and fresh sprigs of evergreen, in a large conifer or aspen, 20 to 60 feet (6 to 18 m) above ground. Eggs (3 to 4, 59 mm) are bluish-white to off-white. May reuse nest site in successive years. Chases and catches its prey in midair or seeks prey in a low searching flight. Feeds mainly on birds and also small mammals. Is a year-round resident in Wyoming. Generally remains on its breeding territory throughout the year, but those at higher elevations may shift to lower elevations in the fall. Habitat loss and conversion due to timber harvesting and urbanization can affect populations. Human disturbances may cause nest abandonment. Other species that may benefit from habitat management for this species include the Black-backed Woodpecker, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Blue Grouse, Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Chickadee, Western Tanager, and Cassin’s Finch.

Population Objectives

1) Determine statewide population trend data by implementing “Monitoring Wyoming’s Birds: The Plan for Count-based Monitoring”.

2) Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data from 1968 through 2002 indicate Northern Goshawks have been detected on 19 BBS routes in Wyoming, including 5 routes on which they were observed a minimum of 3 years.

a) Maintain Northern Goshawks on the 19 BBS routes on which they were observed (Figure 11).

b) Maintain the average number of individuals observed per route over the past 5 years at a level equal to or above the average number of individuals observed during all years the route was run.

3) Develop a cooperative, statewide, interagency/non-governmental organization database on Northern Goshawk nest sites, with data sensitivity built in.

Figure 11. Bold lines indicate Breeding Bird Survey routes on which Northern Goshawks have been observed from 1968 through 2002.

Habitat Objectives

1) Reintroduce disturbance into forest stands to provide nesting habitat through long-term management for aspen regeneration, stands of mature aspen, and mature conifer forests with large trees.

2) Maintain adjacent shrub/grass communities to ensure high densities of prey species are available.

3) Maintain forest stands of at least 50 acres (20 ha) with at least 70% canopy closure and trees with greater than 8 inches (20 cm) dbh in areas where Northern Goshawks occur.

Recommendations

1) Avoid disturbing nest sites from April 1^st through August 15^th (nest construction through 20 days after the young hatch). Establish a spatial buffer for nest sites at ¼ to 1/3 mile (400 to 500 m).

2) Implement forest management techniques in areas managed for Northern Goshawks that favor mature aspen stands and aspen regeneration in ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and Douglas-fir forests.

3) Provide an interspersed mosaic of structural stages—young to old forests—to increase the diversity of habitat for goshawks and their many prey species.

4) Provide small, scattered openings [less than 4 acres (1.6 ha)] in dense, mid-aged forests to benefit Northern Goshawks.

5) Provide at least 3 large snags per acre [at least 18 inches (45 cm) dbh, at least 30 feet (9 m) tall], and at least 5 large downed logs per acre [at least 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter and greater than 8 feet (2.4 m) long] to maintain habitat for goshawk prey species.

6) Protect areas traditionally used by Northern Goshawks, as nest areas are often used more than one year, and some are used intermittently for decades.

Swainson’s Hawk

Primary Habitat Type: Plains/Basin Riparian

SPECIES & STATUS	VEGETATION COMPOSITION	VEGETATION STRUCTURE	ABIOTIC FACTORS	LANDSCAPE FACTORS	SPECIAL FACTORS
Swainson’s Hawk (SWHA) Buteo swainsoni Level I CA, M	~Cottonwood ~Rocky Mountain juniper ~Trees of any species where trees are present, or shrubs if trees are absent, or cliffs if both are absent	~Trees and shrubs for nests and roosts ~Open understory	~Elevation <9,000 feet ~Flat to gently rolling terrain	~Open areas for foraging ~<30% cultivated croplands	~Nest fidelity ~Winters in South America

Found throughout most of Wyoming. Inhabits prairies, plains, deserts, large mountain valleys, savannahs, open pine-oak woodlands, and cultivated lands with scattered trees. Builds a large, platform stick nest about 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 m) across and 1 foot (0.3 m) high in an isolated tree; occasionally nests on the ground, a low cliff, rocky pinnacle, or cutbank. May build its nest 100 feet (30 m) above ground in a large cottonwood, or lower in a willow or shrub. Often reuses the same nest each year, or uses an old nest of another bird, especially magpie, as the base for its nest. Eggs (2 to 3, 57 mm) are white and sparsely marked with dark brown blotches. Soars at high altitudes in search of prey. May also hunt from a perch, such as a fence post or low tree, or from a vantage point on the ground. Feeds mostly on small mammals, but will also take small birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and large insects. Winters in southern South America. Populations have declined due to loss of native grasslands and nest trees, conversion of suitable agricultural land to urbanization, pesticide use (especially on the wintering grounds), and shooting during migration. Other species that may benefit from habitat management for this species include the Red-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Golden Eagle, American Kestrel, Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl, Western Kingbird, Eastern Kingbird, and Loggerhead Shrike.

Population Objectives

1) Determine statewide population trend data by implementing “Monitoring Wyoming’s Birds: The Plan for Count-based Monitoring”.

2) Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data from 1968 through 2002 indicate Swainson’s Hawks have been detected on 85 BBS routes in Wyoming, including 45 routes on which they were observed a minimum of 3 years.

a) Maintain Swainson’s Hawks on the 85 BBS routes on which they were observed (Figure 12).

b) Maintain the average number of individuals observed per route over the past 5 years at a level equal to or above the average number of individuals observed during all years the route was run.

3) Implement long-term (minimum 5 to 10 years) population trend monitoring in plains/basin riparian habitat using aerial surveys that determine nest occupancy and productivity in years with normal or high prey availability, and presence/absence (total number) monitoring in years with low prey availability. (This is especially important following the demise of over 5% of the world’s population of Swainson’s Hawks in 1995 on their wintering grounds due to accidental poisoning from the pesticide monocrotophos.)

4) Develop a cooperative, statewide, interagency/non-governmental organization database on Swainson’s Hawk nest sites, with data sensitivity built in.

Figure 12. Bold lines indicate Breeding Bird Survey routes on which Swainson’s Hawks have been observed from 1968 through 2002.

Habitat Objectives

1) Maintain and restore a dynamic plains/basin cottonwood gallery with a higher emphasis on mid and late seral stages of deciduous trees and shrubs.

2) Minimize loss of existing plains/basin cottonwood habitat, and strive to increase the amount of this habitat type in appropriate sites statewide.

3) Preserve trees that already contain Swainson’s Hawk nests, since breeding pairs often use the same nest year after year.

4) Ensure cottonwood regeneration for multi-storied canopy in riparian habitat and suitable upland sites (e.g. old homesteads and shelterbelts).

5) Link existing and restored plains/basin riparian habitat where feasible. (This will help reduce the potential of sink habitats.)

6) Work cooperatively with other agencies, organizations, and individuals to determine Swainson’s Hawk habitat status and management strategies on the non-breeding grounds.

Recommendations

1) Implement riparian Best Management Practices that emphasize protection and establishment of woody species, especially cottonwood riparian habitats.

2) Avoid disturbing nest sites from May 1^st through August 31^st.

3) Protect nest trees from livestock rubbing with fencing or other barriers.

4) Minimize control programs that reduce populations of Swainson’s Hawk prey, especially rodents and grasshoppers.

Ferruginous Hawk

Primary Habitat Types: Shrub-steppe and Shortgrass Prairie

SPECIES & STATUS	VEGETATION COMPOSITION	VEGETATION STRUCTURE	ABIOTIC FACTORS	LANDSCAPE FACTORS	SPECIAL FACTORS
Ferruginous Hawk (FEHA) Buteo regalis Level I CA, M	~Vegetation that supports rabbit, ground squirrel, prairie dog, and pocket gopher populations	~Vegetation height of 6 to 24 inches	~Elevation 4,500 to 7,500 feet	~Open landscape ~Level or rolling terrain ~Rock outcrops, hills, buttes, cliff tops, or isolated trees (if available) for nest site placement ~Tree nests are 6 to 40 feet above ground ~Prefer 250 acres or more for nesting	~Very susceptible to human disturbance during nesting (lower reproductive success with increased disturbance) ~Will use artificial nest structures ~Recommend a 1-mile buffer around the nest from 1 April through 31 July ~Frequent nest site fidelity ~Moderate livestock grazing may be beneficial for prey abundance ~Fire can be beneficial (leave 15% in undisturbed condition on a landscape scale) ~Winters in Mexico

Found across Wyoming in open basin and grassland habitats. Inhabits prairies, plains, deserts, and grasslands. Requires large tracts of relatively undisturbed habitat, areas normally associated with low levels of grazing. Builds a bulky platform stick nest 3 feet (1 m) across and 2 feet (0.6 m) tall on the ground, usually on a knoll, rock outcrop, or streambank, adjacent to open areas such as grasslands or shrublands. May use the same nest year after year, adding more sticks each year—some Ferruginous Hawk nests are over 10 feet (3 m) tall. Will also nest up to 40 feet (12 m) above ground in trees that provide a commanding view. Eggs (2 to 4, 61 mm) are white or off-white and marked with brown blotches. Swoops down and pounces on prey from the air. Feeds mostly on small mammals, especially ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and jackrabbits, but will also eat small birds, snakes, lizards, and large insects. Winters south to central Mexico. Population declines are due to conversion of native prairie to cropland or other uses, conversion of native prairie to nonnative vegetation, urbanization, and disturbance of nesting birds. Severe overgrazing could affect site selection by causing a decline in the regeneration of willow. Other species that may benefit from habitat management for this species include the Swainson’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Golden Eagle, American Kestrel, Mountain Plover, Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl, Burrowing Owl, Western Kingbird, Eastern Kingbird, and Loggerhead Shrike.

Population Objectives

1) Determine statewide population trend data by implementing “Monitoring Wyoming’s Birds: The Plan for Count-based Monitoring”.

2) Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data from 1968 through 2002 indicate Ferruginous Hawks have been detected on 74 BBS routes in Wyoming, including 48 routes on which they were observed a minimum of 3 years.

a) Maintain Ferruginous Hawks on the 74 BBS routes on which they were observed (Figure 13).

b) Maintain the average number of individuals observed per route over the past 5 years at a level equal to or above the average number of individuals observed during all years the route was run.

3) Continue gathering population trend and productivity data from ongoing inventory and monitoring studies in the Rawlins area and in northeast and east-central Wyoming.

Figure 13. Bold lines indicate Breeding Bird Survey routes on which Ferruginous Hawks have been observed from 1968 through 2002.

Habitat Objectives

1) Minimize loss of shortgrass prairie habitat by reducing urban and suburban sprawl, habitat fragmentation, and habitat conversion.

Recommendations

1) Avoid converting existing tracts of shortgrass prairie habitat to cropland; this is considered a main factor in Ferruginous Hawk population declines.

2) Limit the amount of oil and gas development, mining, and habitat fragmentation in areas where Ferruginous Hawks occur.

3) Limit control of small mammals in areas where Ferruginous Hawks occur, especially ground squirrel, prairie dog, and rabbit populations.

4) Avoid disturbing nest sites from April 1^st through July 31^st. (This species is sensitive to human disturbance during nesting.)

5) Limit fire within Ferruginous Hawk nesting areas.

6) Protect nesting areas traditionally used by Ferruginous Hawks, as some individuals return to the same territories year after year.

Peregrine Falcon

Primary Habitat Type: Specialized (cliffs)

SPECIES & STATUS	VEGETATION COMPOSITION	VEGETATION STRUCTURE	ABIOTIC FACTORS	LANDSCAPE FACTORS	SPECIAL FACTORS
Peregrine Falcon (PEFA) Falco peregrinus Level I CA, M	~Variety of open habitats near nesting cliffs and mountains		~Nests on ledges of cliffs, usually from 50 to >200 feet high ~Prefers ledge with a wide view of the area ~Usually nests within 1 or 2 miles of water	~Elevation 4,500 to 9,000 feet	~Extirpated from much of its range as a result of habitat destruction and pesticide contamination ~Reestablished as a breeding bird through reintroductions and legal restrictions on pesticides ~Nest site fidelity ~Requires an abundance of small birds as prey ~Some are year-round residents in Wyoming; others winter in Mexico or Central America

Found scattered throughout the state, but breeds mostly in northwestern and northeastern Wyoming. Forages in a variety of open habitats from open woodlands and forests to shrub-steppe, grasslands, marshes, and riparian habitats. Requires cliffs within 1 or 2 miles (1.6 or 3 km) of water for nesting. Nest is a shallow depression scraped in gravel and debris on a cliff ledge, pothole, or small cave 50 to over 200 feet (15 to >60 m) high. Eggs (2 to 6, 53 mm) are white/pinkish-cream, occasionally marked with brown/red. Nest sites are often used perennially. Feeds primarily on birds ranging in size from warblers to mallards, which it usually stuns or kills in flight. Some are year-round residents in Wyoming; others winter south to Mexico or Central America. Extirpated from much of its range as a result of habitat destruction and pesticide contamination, but is now recovering through reintroductions and legal restrictions on pesticides. Continues to be exposed to pesticides in countries where it or its prey winters. Other species that may benefit from habitat management for this species include the Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Great Horned Owl, White-throated Swift, Common Raven, Rock Wren, and Canyon Wren.

Population Objectives

1) Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data from 1968 through 2002 are inadequate to determine population trends for the Peregrine Falcon in Wyoming. Determine population trend data by implementing “Monitoring Wyoming’s Birds: The Plan for Count-based Monitoring”.

2) Maintain more than 30 nesting pairs of Peregrine Falcons in Wyoming, and fledge 50 juveniles annually in the state.

Habitat Objectives

1) Maintain cliffs and open habitats for Peregrine Falcons to use for nesting and foraging.

Recommendations

1) Avoid converting cliff sites to other landforms.

2) Use prescribed burning to create a mosaic of habitats and maintain abundant prey for Peregrine Falcons. Because peregrines require open areas for hunting, fires that create these open areas would probably be beneficial, provided burning led to an increase in prey.

3) Establish buffer zones of ½ mile (0.8 km) to minimize direct human conflicts around nesting sites during the peak breeding season (March 15 through August 15), especially if the cliff is a popular destination for hikers or rock climbers. Close or reroute some hiking trails, or temporarily close some roads, trails, or cliff faces during the breeding season.

4) Protect areas traditionally used by Peregrine Falcons, as their fidelity to nesting territories is high. All known and potential nesting cliffs should be considered for conservation action.

5) Consider constructing, excavating, or blasting artificial nest sites in areas where natural sites are limiting Peregrine Falcon reproduction but other features of the cliff and the surrounding landscape, particularly the prey base, are suitable.

Greater Sage-Grouse

Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) would appear here based on priority, but this species will not be addressed in the Wyoming Bird Conservation Plan because issues, management strategies, and population goals are already addressed in the Greater Sage-Grouse Management Plan.

Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse

Primary Habitat Type: Mountain-foothills Shrub

SPECIES & STATUS	VEGETATION COMPOSITION	VEGETATION STRUCTURE	ABIOTIC FACTORS	LANDSCAPE FACTORS	SPECIAL FACTORS
Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse (STGR) Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus Level I CA, M	~Mountain-foothills shrub communities of serviceberry, snowberry, chokecherry, hawthorn, and Gambel oak; sagebrush-grassland; and willow-riparian habitats	~Moderate vegetative cover, high plant diversity, and high structural diversity ~Interspersion of sparse vegetation for leks; taller, denser shrubs for nesting; high diversity of shrubs, forbs, and grasses for brood rearing; and deciduous trees and shrubs in riparian areas and draws for winter		~Minimum total habitat necessary to support a self-sustaining population may approach 12 square miles ~Spends most of life within a home range no larger than 11.5 square miles	~Established leks may be used for many years; males show a strong fidelity to lek sites ~Is a year-round resident in Wyoming

Found in scattered pockets in northwest and southcentral Wyoming. Inhabits mountain-foothills shrub communities of serviceberry, snowberry, chokecherry, and Gambel oak; sagebrush-grassland; and willow-riparian habitats. In Wyoming, prefers mountain-foothill shrub and sagebrush-snowberry habitats in the transitional zone between sagebrush–grass and forested habitats. Leks are the hub of breeding activity and are typically located in areas with little slope and low, sparse vegetation, such as knolls, ridgetops, or benches that allow good visibility. Nests near the lek [within ½ mile (0.8 km)] in a healthy stand of bunchgrass with relatively tall, dense residual cover from the previous year. Brood-rearing areas contain a mosaic of dense shrubs and grasses with rich forb and insect foods, usually in mountain-foothills shrub or sagebrush-snowberry habitats. Nest is a scraped depression lined with grasses and leaves, with an overhead canopy of vegetation, either grasses or shrubs. Eggs (5 to 17, 43 mm) are light brown, dotted with reddish brown or lavender, occasionally unmarked. Feeds on the ground, eating leaves, buds, seeds, berries, grains, and insects. Young less than 10 weeks old feed primarily on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and ants. Is a year-round resident in Wyoming; during winter relies on riparian areas and other sites within 4 miles (6.4 km) of the breeding complex with deciduous trees and shrubs for feeding, roosting, and escape cover. Conversion of habitat to cropland and other human development, intensive livestock grazing, fire (too much in some areas, not enough in other areas), invasion of nonnative annual vegetation, and isolation are the principle threats. Other species that may benefit from habitat management for this species include the Swainson’s Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Greater Sage-Grouse, Long-billed Curlew, Short-eared Owl, Burrowing Owl, Gray Flycatcher, Loggerhead Shrike, Sage Thrasher, Virginia’s Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, Green-tailed Towhee, Sage Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, and Vesper Sparrow.

Population Objectives

1) Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data from 1968 through 2002 are inadequate to determine population trends for the Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse in Wyoming. Determine population trend data by implementing “Monitoring Wyoming’s Birds: The Plan for Count-based Monitoring”.

Habitat Objectives

1) Protect, maintain, and enhance winter, brood-rearing, and nesting habitats where Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse occur. Identify and protect leks and the surrounding breeding complex (nesting and brood-rearing areas) within at least a 1.5-mile (2.5-km) radius of leks.

Recommendations

1) Protect all lek sites from loss or degradation, as males show a strong fidelity to lek sites and established leks may be used for many years. Also protect historical but currently vacant lek sites to encourage future reestablishment. Translocated birds have been reported to establish lek