Neotropical migratory birds breed in the United States and Canada and winter south of the
United States border in Mexico, Central America and South America. Surveys have found
populations of these species to be declining and scientists believe that these declines may be
related to habitat loss (both breeding and wintering habitat), predation and nest parasitism. We
have compiled preliminary data from many completed and ongoing studies in the South Puget
Sound in order to present our current knowledge of the distribution and management of
neotropical migrant birds that are found in prairie grassland and Oregon white oak habitats. The
data used in this presentation are from studies at McChord Air Force Base, Fort Lewis Military
Reservation, the Morse Preserve and breeding bird survey routes.
Neotropical migratory birds breed in the United States and Canada and winter south of the
United States border in Mexico, Central America and South America. Surveys have found
populations of these species to be declining and scientists believe that these declines may be
related to habitat loss (both breeding and wintering habitat), predation and nest parasitism. We
have compiled preliminary data from many completed and ongoing studies in the South Puget
Sound in order to present our current knowledge of the distribution and management of
neotropical migrant birds that are found in prairie grassland and Oregon white oak habitats. The
data used in this presentation are from studies at McChord Air Force Base, Fort Lewis Military
Reservation, the Morse Preserve and breeding bird survey routes.
Several neotropical species within the prairie landscape are thought to be declining or otherwise
of management concern. Declining species include band-tailed pigeon, rufous hummingbird,
barn swallow, orange-crowned warbler, yellow warbler, Wilson’s warbler and chipping sparrow.
The MacGillivray’s warbler is a species of management concern. Predation of nests and cowbird
parasitism may be a significant factor in the decline of these birds. At McChord Air Force Base
in 1996, we followed the progress of 38 open-cupped nests and found 11 (29%) were destroyed by predators and 11 were parasitized by brown-headed cowbirds. Other factors influencing the
decline of these species include habitat loss and habitat modification. Scotch broom is a serious
pest in prairie and oak habitats and infestations can significantly alter the habitat value for
different species. The table below shows the difference in abundance of birds identified in open
oak stands on McChord Air Force Base before and after mowing of Scotch broom. Conservation
of neotropical migrant birds in the South Puget Sound should involve both the protection and
management or restoration of oak woodland and prairie habitats.
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