Courtney J. Conway

Standardized North American Marsh Bird Monitoring Protocol

Abstract. Little is known about the population status of many marsh-dependent birds in North America but recent efforts have focused on collecting more reliable information and estimates of population trends. As part of that effort, a standardized survey protocol was developed in 1999 that provided guidance for conducting marsh bird surveys throughout North America such that data would be consistent among locations. The original survey protocol has been revised to provide greater clarification on many issues as the number of individuals using the protocol has grown. The Standardized North American Marsh Bird Monitoring Protocol instructs surveyors to conduct an initial 5-minute passive point-count survey followed by a series of 1-minute segments during which marsh bird calls are broadcast into the marsh following a standardized approach. Surveyors are instructed to record each individual bird from the suite of 26 focal species that are present in their local area on separate lines of a datasheet and estimate the distance to each bird. Also, surveyors are required to record whether each individual bird was detected within each 1-minute subsegment of the survey. These data allow analysts to use several different approaches for estimating detection probability. The Standardized North American Marsh Bird Monitoring Protocol provides detailed instructions that explain the field methods used to monitor marsh birds in North America.

EFFECTIVENESS OF CALL-BROADCAST SURVEYS FOR MONITORING MARSH BIRDS

Abstract Many species of marsh birds (e.g. rails and bitterns) are believed to be declining in North America, yet we lack an effective monitoring program to estimate their population trends. Broadcast of prerecorded calls to elicit vocalizations is a commonly used method in surveys of marsh birds, but whether gains in detection and index precision outweigh the drawbacks of call-broadcast is unclear. To evaluate the effectiveness of call-broadcast surveys, we pooled marsh-bird survey data from 8,047 point-count surveys contributed by 11 cooperators and compared numbers of birds detected and variation in numbers detected between call-broadcast and passive surveys. For most rails (particularly Virginia Rails [Rallus limicola]), call-broadcast surveys were effective at increasing the detection probability (e.g. average number of Virginia Rails detected per occupied point was 1.25 for call-broadcast surveys and 0.17 for passive surveys). The proportion of points at which no birds were detected was high for all species (range 74–99%) and was slightly lower on call-broadcast surveys as compared with passive surveys. Coefficient of variation (CV) among replicate surveys was higher for passive surveys, particularly for rails (average CV in number of birds detected per point was 209% for passive surveys and 189% for call-broadcast surveys). On the basis of those results, we recommend a marsh-bird monitoring protocol that includes an initial passive period followed by a period of call-broadcast to provide survey data that incorporate the benefits while avoiding the drawbacks of call-broadcast. We also recommend separating both the passive and the call-broadcast periods into 1-min subsegments that will allow estimates of components of detection probability within the monitoring effort. Efectividad de Censos que Reproducen Vocalizaciones Pregrabadas para Monitorear Aves de Pantano

Comparison of Detection Probability Associated with Burrowing Owl Survey Methods

Populations of western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) appear to have declined in many portions of their range. A standardized survey and monitoring program is not available to quantify changes in abundance or distribution. Before a standardized survey method is selected for long-term, continent-wide burrowing owl monitoring, potential survey protocols should be rigorously tested. We evaluated 3 potential burrowing owl survey methods: line transect, roadside point-count, and driving surveys. We also examined the effectiveness of using call-broadcasts on point-count surveys to increase detection probability. We conducted 3 replicate borrowing owl surveys (either point-count or driving surveys) along 1,350 km of roads (114 survey routes) in eastern Wyoming, USA, between June and August 2000. Detection probability varied among observers for both point-count and driving surveys. Detection probability was higher on point-count, surveys (x = 64.3%) compared to driving surveys (x = 37.5%), and point-count surveys sampled a larger effective area away from the road. Walking line-transect surveys proved ineffective and inefficient for monitoring burrowing owls at large (statewide) scales. Nest-site detection probability was 47% during driving detection trials and 79% during point-count detection trials. We detected over twice as manly owls per unit distance on our point-count routes (0.038 owls/km) compared to our driving routes (0.016 owls/km), but detected more owls per unit time on our driving routes (0.339 owls/hr vs. 0.229 owls/hr on point-count routes). We detected 22% more owls using call-broadcast even though all of our detections on pointcount surveys were visual rather that aural. Estimates of breeding density were fairly similar based on our driving and point-count surveys (0.110 and 0.074 nest sites/km 2 , respectively). Standardized point-counts using call-broadcast along roadsides offer the best approach for monitoring population trends of burrowing owls at large (statewide) spatial scales. Based on our results, we developed a standardized survey protocol for monitoring burrowing owls at large spatial scales. Implementation of these monitoring protocols would provide more precise estimates of population trends of burrowing owls in North America.

Why Migrate? A Test of the Evolutionary Precursor Hypothesis

The question of why birds migrate is still poorly understood despite decades of debate. Previous studies have suggested that use of edge habitats and a frugivorous diet are precursors to the evolution of migration in Neotropical birds. However, these studies did not explore other ecological correlates of migration and did not control for phylogeny at the species level. We tested the evolutionary precursor hypothesis by examining the extent to which habitat and diet are associated with migratory behavior, using a species‐level comparative analysis of the Tyranni. We used both migratory distance and sedentary versus migratory behavior as response variables. We also examined the influences of foraging group size, membership in mixed‐species flocks, elevational range, and body mass on migratory behavior. Raw species analyses corroborated some results from studies that put forth the evolutionary precursor hypothesis, but phylogenetically independent contrast analyses highlighted an important interaction between habitat and diet and their roles as precursors to migration. Foraging group size was consistently associated with migratory behavior in both raw species and independent contrast analyses. Our results lead to a resource variability hypothesis that refines the evolutionary precursor hypothesis and reconciles the results of several studies examining precursors to migration in birds.

Seasonal changes in Yuma clapper rail vocalization rate and habitat use

Yuma clapper rails (Rallus longirostris yumanensis) are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and 90% of the U.S. population occurs within 2 wetland complexes. Assessment of impacts on, and mitigation measures for, Yuma clapper rails are required by law, yet managers lack quantitative information on habitat requirements. Seasonal habitat requirements provide resource managers with the information necessary to assess effects of development and water use practices on Yuma clapper rails in the Southwest. Playback recordings are commonly used to survey rail populations, yet their accuracy has not been evaluated. Consequently, we examined survey techniques and seasonal habitat requirements of Yuma clapper rails during 1985-87 on the lower Colorado River in southwestern Arizona to provide the recovery team and resource managers with reliable population estimates and habitat requirements

Evaluation of lipid indices of the wood thrush

Many techniques for assessing lipid reserves have been used, but techniques are seldom evaluated. We evaluated five common methods (fat scoring, regression residuals of body mass vs. morphological measurements, quotients of body mass divided by morphological measurements, total body electrical conductivity, and water content) for assessing lipid reserves in the Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) in Rhode Island. Lipid content ranged from 3 to 1 l%, water content ranged from 64 to 72%, and fat score ranged from 0 to 4. Mean total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) was moderately correlated with lean body mass. Percentage water and fat score were highly correlated with extracted lipid mass and percentage lipid content. Body mass, tail x mass regression residuals, and quotient of body mass/tail length were highly correlated with lean body mass. Morphological measurements were correlated with lean mass only when in association with body mass, but not considered alone. Combining TOBEC readings with body mass and morphological measurements produced regression models with similar predictive abilities as previous studies using TOBEC, but TOBEC provided little or no additional predictive ability. TOBEC did not significantly improve body fat predictive models and does not appear accurate in predicting lipid mass of individual small birds. Fat score and percentage water are useful indices of body fat in Wood Thrush.

Factors affecting detection probability of California black rails

Abstract Optimal survey methods for estimating population trends are those that result in high detection probability and low temporal variance in detection probability. We compared detection probability of California black rails (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus) between passive and call-broadcast surveys, and we examined factors that influenced detection probability. The number of black rails detected was 13% higher on call-broadcast surveys compared to passive surveys, but the number of other marsh birds (bitterns and other species of rails) detected was 21% lower. We detected more black rails on evening surveys compared to morning surveys, but we had to cancel 42% of evening surveys due to high wind (>25 km/hr). Detection probability increased from 0500 to 0700 hr and then declined as the morning progressed, but detection probabilities did not vary among hourly time intervals during evening surveys. We failed to detect an effect of broadcast volume on number of black rails detected during paired surveys. Observer detection probability of black rails (x̄ = 75.5%) varied among observers but did not differ between passive and call-broadcast surveys. We failed to find a consistent time of year when detection probability was highest at all of our survey locations. We heard the 3 most common black rail calls in consistent proportion from March through June. As many as 15 replicate surveys may be needed to attain >90% detection probability of black rails within potential wetland habitat. We recommend that standardized black rail surveys be repeated annually to provide more precise estimates of population trend and to better determine the distribution and status of this rare species.

Maximizing detection probability of Wetland-dependent birds during point-count surveys in northwestern Florida

Abstract We conducted 262 call-broadcast point-count surveys (1–6 replicate surveys on each of 62 points) using standardized North American Marsh Bird Monitoring Protocols between 31 May and 7 July 2006 on St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, an island off the northwest coast of Florida. We conducted double-blind multiple-observer surveys, paired morning and evening surveys, and paired morning and night surveys to examine the influence of call-broadcast and time of day on detection probability. Observer detection probability for all species pooled was 75% and was similar between passive (69%) and call-broadcast (65%) periods. Detection probability was higher on morning than evening (t = 3.0, P = 0.030) or night (t = 3.4, P = 0.042) surveys when we pooled all species. Detection probability was higher (but not significant for all species) on morning compared to evening or night surveys for all five focal species detected on surveys: Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis), Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris), Purple Gallinule (Porphyrula martinica), Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), and American Coot (Fulica americana). We detected more Least Bitterns (t = 2.4, P = 0.064) and Common Moorhens (t = 2.8, P = 0.026) on morning than evening surveys, and more Clapper Rails (t = 5.1, P = 0.014) on morning than night surveys.

Summary of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Affecting Detection Probability of Marsh Birds

Many species of marsh birds (rails, bitterns, grebes, etc.) rely exclusively on emergent marsh vegetation for all phases of their life cycle, and many organizations have become concerned about the status and persistence of this group of birds. Yet, marsh birds are notoriously difficult to monitor due to their secretive habits. We synthesized the published and unpublished literature and summarized the factors that influence detection probability of secretive marsh birds in North America. Marsh birds are more likely to respond to conspecific than heterospecific calls, and seasonal peak in vocalization probability varies among co-existing species. The effectiveness of morning versus evening surveys varies among species and locations. Vocalization probability appears to be positively correlated with density in breeding Virginia Rails (Rallus limicola), Soras (Porzana carolina), and Clapper Rails (Rallus longirostris). Movement of birds toward the broadcast source creates biases when using count data from call-broadcast surveys to estimate population density. Ambient temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, and moon phase affected detection probability in some, but not all, studies. Better estimates of detection probability are needed. We provide recommendations that would help improve future marsh bird survey efforts and a list of 14 priority information and research needs that represent gaps in our current knowledge where future resources are best directed.

Habitat Suitability for Williamson's Sapsuckers in Mixed-Conifer Forests

Williamsons sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) have narrow habitat and are sensitive indicators of change in intensively managed forest habitats of western North America. Thus, we studied habitat suitability for Williamsons sapsuckers at 99 4-ha sites (33 nest sites, 66 non-use sites) in mixedconifer forests in Arizona during 1991. Nesting success of sapsuckers was high in this habitat (93.2% nest success, 0.0014 daily mortality, n = 724 nest days), and they preferred to nest in tall (P < 0.05) aspen snags (P < 0.001) near the bottom (P = 0.012) of snow-melt drainages with 0-2O% of the canopies dominated by aspen. Sapsucker nest sites had particularly large (P < 0.05) live aspen and aspen snags in the surrounding area. Nest sites also had high (P < 0.05) snag densities (x = 7.65 snags/ha) in the surrounding area, and these snag densities exceeded those commonly used in forest management plans