This document revises the 1987 list of migratory nongame birds that are thought to be of management concern. These species are of concern because of (1) documented or apparent population declines, (2) small or restricted populations, or (3) dependence on restricted or vulnerable habitats. The document partially fulfills the requirements of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980, as amended. The 1988 amendments to the Act direct the Secretary of the Interior to "identify species, subspecies, and populations of all migratory nongame birds that, without additional conservation action, are likely to become candidates for listing under the Endangered Species Act of 1973."
A five-step process was used to identify species of concern: (1) a modified group decision-making exercise (Delphi), (2) a review of Breeding Bird Survey data, (3) a review of Audubon Christmas Bird Count data, (4) a review of Partners in Flight prioritized regional lists of neotropical migrant landbirds, and (5) a review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) "candidate" species list. To qualify for national listing, a species had to meet at least one of the following selection criteria: (1) A Delphi score of Moderate or High concern by more than 50% of all respondents, (2) a long-term (1966-1993) population decline documented by the Breeding Bird Survey that equals or exceeds 2.5%/year, (3) a long-term (1959-1988) population decline documented by the Audubon Christmas Bird Count that equals or exceeds 2.5%/year, (4) a composite Partners in Flight rank score of at least 24 in (a) 2 or more USFWS regions or (b) the USFWS region that contains at least 50% of the U.S. breeding range or population, or (5) a Category 1 or Category 2 "candidate" species in a geographical area covering at least 10% of the U.S. breeding range.
One hundred and twenty-two (122) species were determined to be of management concern at a National level. Of 30 species on the 1987 list, 24 are retained and 6 are deleted (because of Endangered or Threatened species listing or lack of concern). Ninety-eight species are added to the list. Some, but by no means all, of the increase in the number of listed species can be attributed to a change in the listing criteria, with the 1995 criteria being much more comprehensive. Thirty-seven percent of the listed species are also high priority on one or more Partners in Flight regional lists and 34% are listed as "candidates" in one or more regions.
This list is intended to stimulate a coordinated effort by Federal, State, and private agencies to develop and implement comprehensive and integrated approaches for the management of selected species of nongame birds deemed to be in the most need of additional conservation actions. Since species are the major building blocks of the communities of which they are a part, we also hope that the list will promote greater study and protection of the habitats and ecological communities upon which these species depend.
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