Kirtland's Warbler Recovery

Follow this small warbler's journey from discovery to near extinction to recovery, with some historic firsts along the way.

Timeline

The Kirtland’s warbler will always depend on annual habitat management and control of parasitic cowbirds. To address those management needs, partners agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding and prepared a conservation plan. A Memorandum of Understanding signed by partner agencies and the Kirtland's Warbler Conservation Plan address the long-term management needs of Kirtland's warbler.

Conservation Agencies Commit to Long-Term Management

Memorandum of Understanding

Kirtland's Warbler Breeding Range Conservation Plan

Prescribed fire, clearcutting, replanting, and cowbird control are some of the measures taken to restore Kirtland's warblers and their habitat. We work with the U.S. Forest Service, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other partners to recover and conserve Kirtland's warblers.

Securing a Future for the Bird of Fire Dec. 2011 Endangered Species Technical Bulletin

Managing the Forest for Kirtland's Warbler a 1992 Fact Sheet explains Kirtland's warbler life history and management

The Endangered Species Act requires that recovery plans be prepared for listed species. A recovery plan identifies and prioritizes actions needed to address threats to a species, resulting in increasing numbers and a healthy population. The 5-Year Review provides an update on the current population status.

5-Year Review

Recovery Plan

A milestone in the recovery of the Kirtland’s warbler was the 2007 discovery of three active nests in Wisconsin. Volunteers and partners have worked together to monitor the Kirtland's warbler in Wisconsin.

Rare Bird Nests are Cause for Celebration

Wisconsin Nesting Season Updates