Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: a Descriptive Analysis

Home , Acer grandidentatum, Canyon wren, Common poorwill, Greater pewee, Lazuli bunting, Magpie

United States Department of Agriculture Bird Communities Forest Service Rocky Mountain of Gambel Oak: A Research Station General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-48 Descriptive Analysis March 2000 Andreas Leidolf Michael L. Wolfe Rosemary L. Pendleton Abstract

Leidolf, Andreas; Wolfe, Michael L.; Pendleton, Rosemary L. 2000. Bird communities of gambel oak: a descriptive analysis. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 30 p.

Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) covers 3.75 million hectares (9.3 million acres) of the western United States. This report synthesizes current knowledge on the composition, structure, and habitat relationships of gambel oak avian communities. It lists life history attributes of 183 bird species documented from gambel oak habitats of the western United States. Structural habitat attributes important to bird-habitat relationships are identified, based on 12 independent studies. This report also highlights species of special concern, provides recommendations for monitoring, and gives suggestions for management and future research.

Keywords: Avian ecology, bird-habitat relationships, neotropical migrant, oakbrush, oak woodlands, scrub oak, Quercus gambelii, Western United States

The Authors ______Andreas Leidolf is a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Utah State University (USU). He received a B.S. degree in Forestry/Wildlife Management from Mississippi State University in 1995. He is currently completing his M.S. degree in Fisheries and Wildlife ecology at USU.

Michael L. Wolfe is a Professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at USU. He received a B.S. degree in Wildlife Management at Cornell University in 1963 and his doctorate in Forestry/Wildlife Management at the University of Göttingen, Germany, in 1967. He conducted post-doctoral studies on moose and wolves at Isle Royale National Park from 1967 to 1970, while affiliated with Purdue University. He has been a faculty member at USU since 1970.

Rosemary L. Pendleton is a Research Ecologist for the Shrubland Biology and Restora- tion Work Unit at the Rocky Mountain Research Station’s Shrub Sciences Laboratory in Provo, Utah. Her degrees are from Brigham Young University (B.S. in Botany, 1978; M.S. in Range Science, 1980) and Wayne State University (Ph.D. in Biological Science, 1986). She has worked as a scientist at the Shrub Sciences Laboratory since 1986 and has held appointments as Adjunct Assistant Research Professor at Brigham Young University since that time.

Acknowledgments ______This work was made possible, in part, by financial support from the Utah Army National Guard and the Ecology Center at Utah State University. Dr. Jimmie R. Parrish of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources provided Partners in Flight (PIF) concern scores for species discussed in this report. Dan Godec of the Arizona Game and Fish Department provided a draft of “Wildlife of Special Concern in Arizona.” Carol Beardmore, PIF Western Regional Coordinator, provided valuable assistance and helpful comments. We thank Timothy J. Nuttle and Drs. John A. Bissonette, Thomas C. Edwards, James N. Long, and Victoria A. Saab for their comments on earlier versions of the manuscript.

Cover art of Virginia’s warbler in gambel oak by Joyce VanDeWater. Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

Andreas Leidolf Michael L. Wolfe Rosemary L. Pendleton

Contents

Introduction ...... 1

Ecology of Gambel Oak: An Overview ...... 1 Avian Communities of Gambel Oak ...... 2 Community Composition ...... 2

Community Structure ...... 2 Bird-Habitat Relationships ...... 4 Bird Species of Concern ...... 6

Implications for Management and Future Research ...... 7 References ...... 11 Appendix A ...... 13

Appendix B ...... 20 Appendix C...... 25

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Fort Collins Service Center Telephone (970) 498-1392 FAX (970) 498-1396 E-mail [email protected] Web site http://www.fs.fed.us/rm Mailing Address Publications Distribution Rocky Mountain Research Station 240 W. Prospect Road Fort Collins, CO 80526-2098

Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

Introduction Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) covers 3.75 million hectares (9.3 million acres) of the western United States (Harper and others 1985). In the past, range and wildlife managers considered the abundant gambel oak to be a nuisance species occupying valuable rangeland (Engle and others 1983). Managers often targeted this plant species for eradication. Investigations of gambel oak-wildlife relationships to date have been largely limited forage and cover value for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and elk (Cervus elaphus; Harper and others 1985). Recent declines in bird populations (Robbins and others 1989) have prompted renewed research interest in bird communities. Declines are most pronounced for forest-interior species but are also prominent among grassland and shrubland birds (Askins 1993; Robbins and others 1993). Avian communities of gambel oak have received little attention by researchers and, as a result, are still poorly understood. Gambel oak avifaunas, like those of the sagebrush (Artemisia) and pinyon (Pinus)- juniper (Juniperus) vegetation types, occupy a habitat Figure 1—Biogeographic distribution of gambel oak (Quercus largely comprised of a single plant species (Marti 1977). gambelii Nutt.) (redrawn from Little 1971). This review synthesizes current knowledge of bird communities of the gambel oak vegetation type. We hope this with conifers such as white fir (Abies concolor [Gordon review will be useful to natural resource professionals in & Glend.] Lindl.), Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus making more informed decisions. At the same time, we scopulorum Sarg.), Utah juniper (J. osteosperma [Torr.] hope that by identifying relationships between gambel Little), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Lawson and C. oak and birds for which our knowledge is yet incom- Lawson), two-needle pinyon (P. edulis Engelm. in Wisl.), plete, others may be encouraged to conduct further and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco; research. Clary and Tiedemann 1986; Harper and others 1985; West 1989). In both mixed and pure stands, gambel oak can Ecology of Gambel Oak: An Overview also be associated with a variety of shrubs, forbs, and Gambel oak woodlands and shrublands usually occur graminoids (that is, grasses, sedges, and rushes). Herba- at elevations ranging from 1500 to 2800 m (4900 to 9200 ceous vegetation is sparse under gambel oak but com- ft; Brown 1958; McKell 1950) in Arizona, Colorado, New monly occurs in open areas between individual oak Mexico, and Utah (figure 1; Clary and Tiedemann 1986; clumps (Allman 1953; Brown 1958). Although over 250 Little 1971). Extremes of 1000 and 3100 m (3300 to plant taxa have been reported from different gambel oak 10200 ft) have been recorded in Utah, the central part of habitats (Allman 1953; Arnow 1971; Berrett 1958; Brown its range (Christensen 1949). The growth form of gambel 1958; Christensen 1949; Forsling and Storm 1929; Hay- oak is exceedingly variable. It grows as a tall shrub or ward 1948; Kunzler and others 1981; McKell 1950; small tree over much of its range. However, it may also Shultz and Hysell 1996), it should be noted that any given occur in dense shrub patches to 1 m (3.3 ft) high or as gambel oak stand is likely to contain considerably fewer widely dispersed trees to 23 m (75 ft) tall and 90 cm species. Kunzler and others (1981) found that gambel (35 inches) in diameter at breast height (d.b.h.=1.4 m oak stands in central Utah supported only 25 plant spe- [4.5 ft]; Clary and Tiedemann 1986; Reynolds and oth- cies on average. ers 1970). Gambel oak reproduces both by seed and veg- Gambel oak provides for a variety of uses and values. etatively. However, reproduction by seed is less evident Because of its good heat-yielding qualities and prolific (Christensen 1955; Reynolds and others 1970), especially sprouting habit, it is of particular interest as fuelwood in the northern part of its range (Clary and Tiedemann (Clary and Tiedemann 1992; Wagstaff 1984). Gambel oak 1992; but see Neilson 1981; Rogers 1982). also plays an important role in watershed protection by Gambel oak may occur in either mixed or pure stands. stabilizing soil, controlling erosion, and retarding snow Where it occurs in mixed stands, it is usually associated melt (Brown 1958; Clary and Tiedemann 1992; Wright

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 1 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

and Bailey 1982). Numerous animal species use gambel conifer forest in southeastern Arizona, where gambel oak to satisfy one or more of their habitat requirements, oak comprised the understory component. LaRue including food, food storage, refuge, and nesting (Hay- (1994), in his investigation of a similar vegetation type ward 1948; Marti 1977; Reynolds and others 1970). in northern Arizona, found 64 species, as opposed to Gambel oak provides ample browse and hard mast for only six in submontane shrub dominated by gambel oak many game species, such as mule deer, white-tailed deer (appendix A). (Odocoileus virginianus), elk, peccary (Pecari The most common bird species of gambel oak (table 1) angulatus), tassel-eared squirrel (Sciurus aberti), vary by geographic (northern vs. southern distribution limit Merriam’s wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami), of gambel oak) and habitat range (gambel oak woodland band-tailed Pigeon (Columba fasciata), and montezuma vs. mixed conifer-gambel oak forest). Species most char- quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae; Brown 1958; Clary and acteristic of gambel oak woodlands in the northern part of Tiedemann 1986; Reynolds and others 1970; Wright and the range include spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus), Bailey 1982). In addition, it is used by many non-game Virginia’s warbler (Vermivora virginiae), mourning dove species such as Lewis’ woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis; (Zenaida macroura), and lazuli bunting (Passerina Hayward 1948; Marti 1977). amoena). Species commonly found in the southern part of the range are hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus), red-faced warbler (Cardellina rubrifrons), Grace’s warbler Avian Communities of Gambel Oak (Dendroica graciae), painted redstart (Myioborus pictus), and plumbeous vireo (Vireo plumbeus). Species common Community Composition across the range include black-headed grosbeak The earliest, although somewhat anecdotal, account of (Pheucticus melanocephalus) and broad-tailed humming- gambel oak bird communities was given by Tanner and bird (Selasphorus platycerus; table 1). Hayward (1934), who cite 13 species as occurring in this Although some species are extremely abundant in habitat. Since then, several authors have investigated bird gambel oak, it should be noted that none of the species community composition and structure in different gambel listed in appendix A and table 1 are confined to this veg- oak habitats in varying degrees of detail (Behle and Perry etation type. Rather, gambel oak is the most characteris- 1975; Berrett 1958; Block and others 1992; Frost 1947; tic habitat for many of these species. Hayward 1948; LaRue 1994; Marti 1977; Perry 1973; Steinhoff 1978; Tatschl 1967; Walters 1981; Woodbury Community Structure and Cottam 1962). Although most of these studies are Despite numerous accounts of avian community com- not quantitative in nature, they do provide descriptive position in gambel oak habitat, investigations of residency information on bird-habitat relationships in this vegeta- and guild structure are few. Several studies, however, tion type. suggest that gambel oak avian communities are charac- Compilation of results from these studies reveals 183 terized by a high proportion of breeding birds, a marked bird species that use gambel oak for at least part of the seasonality of use, and a guild structure dominated by year (appendix A). Authors of Utah studies reported that shrub/tree nesting, ground feeding, and insectivorous between 49 and 140 (13 to 38 percent) of the 367 bird birds. Breeding birds, the majority of which are migrants, species known to occur in Utah could be found in gambel constitute 79-95% of the gambel oak avian community; oak woodland and submontane shrub habitats (Behle and non-breeding birds, i.e., winter migrants, comprise 5- Perry 1975; Berrett 1958; Frost 1947; Hayward 1948; 21%. From 53 to 87% of birds use gambel oak season- Marti 1977; Perry 1973; Walters 1981; Woodbury and ally as either breeding (67-89%) or winter migrants (11- Cottam 1962). The large variation in total number of spe- 33%); 13-47% are residents, i.e., they occupy gambel cies observed is likely a function of sampling area and oak year-round (Behle and Perry 1975; Berrett 1958; effort. Reporting on bird communities of different gambel Hayward 1948; LaRue 1994; Marti 1977; Perry 1973; oak vegetation types in western Colorado, Steinhoff Walters 1981; table 2). Thus, large numbers of species (1978) documented 62 species in gambel oak woodlands, use gambel oak throughout the year, although the num- 40 species in ponderosa pine/gambel oak forests, and 37 ber of species present within one season is low. Bird spe- species in mixed conifer/gambel oak forests. Tatschl cies richness is highest during summer, with a maximum (1967), reporting only on residents and breeding migrants, of 63 different species having been reported from a particular site (Hayward 1948; appendix A). documented a total of 50 bird species in a ponderosa pine/ We applied life history information from Ehrlich and gambel oak forest in north-central New Mexico, as op- others (1988) to bird species using gambel oak (appen- posed to 20 species in woodland dominated by gambel dix B), and subsequently grouped them into categories oak. Block and others (1992), in an investigation of based on similarities in use of three resources: nesting neotropical migrants, documented 45 species in a mixed

2 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

Table 1ÐList of most frequent/abundant bird species in three gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) community studies.

Gambel oak woodland Mixed conifer-Gambel oak forest (North-central Utah) (Southeast Arizona) Hayward (1948) Wolfe and Reynolds (1996) Block and others (1992) Speciesa % Frequencyb Species % Abundance Species % Frequencyc Spotted towhee 93.3 Spotted towhee 34.8 Hermit thrush 70.9 Virginia’s warbler 80.0 Blue-gray gnatcatcher 10.2 Red-faced warbler 70.9 Black-headed grosbeak 73.3 Virginia’s warbler 8.6 Black-headed grosbeak 65.8 Black-billed magpie 73.3 Lazuli bunting 4.9 Grace’s warbler 63.3 Broad-tailed hummingbird 56.6 Warbling vireo 4.3 Painted redstart 60.8 Green-tailed towhee 53.3 Lark sparrow 3.1 Plumbeous vireo 60.8 Mourning dove 50.0 Brown-headed cowbird 3.1 Western tanager 57.0 Red-tailed hawk 50.0 Gray flycatcher 2.5 American robin 54.4 Western scrub-jay 50.0 Mourning dove 2.2 Yellow-rumped warbler 46.8 Lazuli bunting 36.6 Rock wren 2.2 Broad-tailed hummingbird 45.6 Dark-eyed junco 2.2

a Common names follow American Ornithologists’ Union (1998). b Expressed as percent of times a species was observed (n=30). c Expressed as percent of census stations where a species was observed (n=79).

substrate, foraging substrate, and food type. For selected on herbaceous vegetation or in the water are extremely studies (Behle and Perry 1975; Hayward 1948; Marti rare (3% and 1%, respectively; figure 2B). Most birds 1977; Perry 1973), we then summarized life history traits are insectivores (58%), followed by granivores (16%), of all species to describe nesting and feeding guild struc- carnivores (13%), and omnivores (5%; figure 2C). In- ture for this community (figure 2). Nesting guild is domi- sectivores are especially prominent among summer resi- nated by species nesting in shrubs and trees (56%), fol- dents and less pronounced among permanent residents. lowed by ground (23%) and snag nesters (9%; figure 2A). Granivores are most prominent during winter, whereas The feeding guild consists of primarily ground feeders carnivores are most pronounced among permanent resi- (56%), followed by birds feeding in shrubs and trees dents. Omnivores, which account for only a small por- (23%) and aerial feeders (18%; figure 2B). Ground-feed- tion of the overall bird community, assume a more promi- ing birds are especially prominent among permanent resi- nent role among permanent residents (15%; figure 2C). dents and less pronounced among summer residents. The pronounced seasonal variation of food habits is sup- Aerial feeders are restricted almost exclusively to summer ported by Frost (1947), who examined 278 stomachs of residents and are absent during winter. Species feeding 56 bird species in gambel oak (figure 3).

Table 2ÐProportion of breeding/non-breeding and resident/migrant birds in different gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) communities.

Gambel oak woodland Submontane shrub Mixed conifer Hayward Berrett Perry Marti Behle and Walters LaRue LaRue (1948) (1958) (1973) (1977) Perry (1975) (1981) (1994) (1994) Breeding birds 0.83 0.79 0.88 0.83 0.93 0.80 0.80 0.95 Residents 0.43 0.35 0.39 0.25 0.51 0.17 0.50 0.55 Migrants 0.57 0.65 0.61 0.75 0.49 0.83 0.50 0.45 Non-breeding birds (winter migrants) 0.17 0.21 0.12 0.17 0.07 0.20 0.20 0.05 Residents 0.36 0.28 0.35 0.21 0.47 0.13 0.40 0.52 Migrants 0.64 0.72 0.65 0.79 0.53 0.87 0.60 0.48 Breeding migrant 0.73 0.71 0.82 0.78 0.88 0.77 0.67 0.89 Winter migrants 0.27 0.29 0.18 0.22 0.12 0.23 0.33 0.11

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 3 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

band-tailed pigeon closely coincides with the range of gambel oak. Ligon (1946) noted that gambel oak is the 0.8 most dependable and preferred acorn producer within 0.6 Merriam’s wild turkey range. 0.4 Shrubs associated with gambel oak (for example, ser- species 0.2 viceberry, Amelanchier alnifolia [Nutt.] Nutt. ex Proportion of 0 Ground Shrub/tree Snag Cliff Other M.Roem.; chokecherry, Prunus virginiana L.; and netleaf A. Primary nesting substrate hackberry, Celtis laevigata Willd. var. reticulata [Torr.] L.D.Benson) provide fruits that are used by northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), American robin (Turdus migratorius), Townsend’s solitaire (Myadestes 0.8 townsendi), waxwings (Bombycilla spp.), and spotted 0.6 towhee throughout fall and winter. The winter buds of 0.4 many shrubs are eaten by blue grouse (Dendragapus

species 0.2 obscurus), ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus), evening Proportion of 0 Ground Herb Shrub/tree Air Water grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus), and pine gros- B. Primary foraging substrate beak (Pinicola enucleator). Ground-feeding birds, such as California quail (Callipepla californica), ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), western meadowlark (Sturnella 0.8 neglecta), house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), rosy 0.6 finch (Leucosticte arctoa), pine siskin (Carduelis pinus), 0.4 American goldfinch (C. tristis), spotted towhee, dark- species 0.2

Proportion of eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), and white-crowned spar- 0 row (Zonotrichia leucophrys) glean a variety of seeds from the herbaceous plant layer and the well-developed Folivore Piscivore Frugivore Omnivore Carnivore Granivore litter layer found under gambel oak during late summer, Scavenger Insectivore Insectivore Nectarivore C. Primary food source fall, and winter (Frost 1947; Hayward 1948). Invertebrates from vegetation, ground, and air repre- sent the primary food source for many birds during spring Figure 2—Proportion of overall (white, S = 135), resident (gray, S = 33), breeding migrant (black, S = 75), and winter migrant and summer, including black-capped chickadee (Poecile (hatched, S = 27) bird species in different nesting (A) and feed- atricapillus), rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus), warbling ing (B, C) guilds for gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) woodlands/shrublands in north-central Utah (life history information from Ehrlich and others 1988; occurrence data from Hayward 1948, Perry 1973, Behle and Perry 1975, and Marti 1977). Where authors differed on residency status, personal knowledge of gambel oak avian communities in north-central Utah was used to determine residency status.

Bird-Habitat Relationships Feeding relationships–Gambel oak provides birds with a variety of food resources on a year-round basis, including acorns, fruits, buds, seeds, insects, and mammalian and avian prey (Woodbury and Cottam 1962). In fall and winter, acorns are used by several species, including montezuma quail, Merriam’s wild turkey, band- tailed pigeon, Lewis’ woodpecker, Steller’s jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), western scrub-jay (Aphelocoma californica), pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), black-billed magpie (Pica pica), and spotted towhee Figure 3—Proportion of animal matter, plant matter, and gravel (Christensen 1949; Frost 1947; Harper and others 1978; by month in 278 stomachs of 56 bird species collected from Hayward 1948; Hoffman 1962; Reynolds and others gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) woodland in north-central 1970). Neff (1947) found that the inland range of the Utah (Frost 1947).

4 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

vireo (Vireo gilvus), orange-crowned warbler (Vermivora Table 3ÐInvertebrate densities in different layers of gambel oak celata), Virginia’s warbler, yellow-rumped warbler (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) woodland in north-central (Dendroica coronata), and lazuli bunting (Frost 1947). Utah, 1940-1945 (Hayward 1948). Hayward (1948) compared invertebrate densities among Layer Average no. of invertebrates/m2 different layers of gambel oak vegetation. He found six times fewer invertebrates on the ground in open areas Ground, open 255.9 than under oak, where invertebrates were protected and Ground, under oak 1641.4 able to move more freely, and 30 times as many inverte- Herb/low shrub 54.3 Tall shrub 48.4 brates on the ground under oak than in either the herb/ low shrub or the tall shrub layer (table 3). In winter, dor- mant invertebrates found on twig surfaces are used by black-capped chickadee and mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli), whereas insect larvae found in twig and leaf galls of gambel oak and netleaf hackberry (Brewster The dense branches and foliage of gambel oak are well- 1951; Hayward 1948) are used by western scrub-jay, suited as escape cover for many bird species (Woodbury Steller’s jay, and northern flicker. and Cottam 1962). Hayward (1948) noted that rather than The gambel oak vegetation type also provides a vari- fleeing from shrub to shrub, birds in gambel oak habitat ety of mammalian and avian prey for carnivorous birds. often rely on the protection offered by the interior of in- Raptors such as red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), dividual oak clumps, from which they are difficult to dis- golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and long-eared owl lodge. Birds that exemplify this behavior include (Asio otus) take advantage of high rodent and lagomorph Virginia’s warbler, western scrub-jay, and spotted towhee densities associated with gambel oak (Hayward 1948), (Hayward 1948). Ground-feeding birds, such as dark- whereas sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter eyed junco or chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina), of- striatus, A. cooperii) are able to prey on an abundance ten use exposed branches to watch for predators between of avian species. feeding bouts, and when disturbed, also seek refuge in Nesting relationships–The lack in structural diversity clumps of gambel oak (Hayward 1948). of gambel oak reported by some authors (Marti 1977; Gambel oak also provides birds with perch sites for Woodbury and Cottam 1962) suggests limited opportu- singing and displaying. Although some species, such as nities for bird diversity. Nonetheless, this habitat offers a black-headed grosbeak, sing from well within the pro- variety of nesting opportunities for breeding birds. tection of dense foliage, many birds, including the spot- Ground-nesting birds, such as Virginia’s warbler and spotted towhee and lazuli bunting, prefer exposed positions. ted towhee, are known to take advantage of the dense These snags and dead branches (Hayward 1948) can make litter layer and abundant roots under oak thickets to con- up 18.9-23.4% of aboveground standing biomass in ceal their nests. The herbaceous layer, which is too sparse gambel oak stands (Clary and Tiedemann 1986, 1987). and fragile to support any nests itself, affords additional Spatial distribution of bird-habitat relationships– protection to ground nests (Hayward 1948). The dense Using mostly anecdotal evidence, Hayward (1948) in- branching habit of gambel oak also provides ample sub- vestigated relationships between birds and gambel oak strate for shrub-nesting birds, such as gray flycatcher habitat by recognizing three layers used by birds: ground (Empidonax wrightii), western scrub-jay, black-billed layer, shrub layer, and aerial layer. He found that many magpie, MacGillivray’s warbler (Oporornis tolmiei), bird species used different layers for different activities, green-tailed towhee (Pipilo chlorurus), black-headed such as nesting and feeding (table 4). The spotted to- grosbeak, and lazuli bunting (Hayward 1941, 1948). whee uses the ground layer for nesting, feeding, and es- These bird species rely exclusively on dense foliage for cape cover, but perches and sings from exposed branches protection. Clary and Tiedemann (1986, 1987) found that in the shrub layer. The Virginia’s warbler nests on the snags comprised 12.3% and 7.6% of aboveground stand- ground, but uses the shrub layer for feeding and cover. ing biomass in shrub/small tree and large tree gambel Lazuli bunting and black-headed grosbeak are entirely oak stands, respectively. This apparent abundance of confined to the shrub layer. Both western scrub-jay and snags provides opportunities for cavity-nesting birds, such black-billed magpie nest in the shrub layer; however, as Lewis’ woodpecker, northern flicker, black-capped the western scrub-jay feeds in the shrub layer and seeks chickadee, and mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides). cover on the ground, whereas the black-billed mag- The rocky substrate often associated with this vegetation pie feeds on the ground and escapes into the shrub layer type also features an abundance of crevices, which are when disturbed. The common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus used for nesting by canyon wren (Catherpes mexicanus) nuttallii) nests and hides on the ground but feeds exclu- and rock wren (Ehrlich and others 1988). sively in the aerial layer.

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 5 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

Table 4ÐPrincipal nesting and feeding layers of 30 bird species Table 5ÐBird species occurring in the gambel oak (Quercus found in gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) wood- gambelii Nutt.) vegetation type listed as endangered land in north-central Utah (Hayward 1948). (E), threatened (T), or of special concern (SC) by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Fed) under the Endan- Principal Principal gered Species Act (16 U.S.C.A. ¤¤ 1531-1543), or by nesting feeding a the responsible state agency in the four principal states Species layer layer of gambel oak range. Turkey vulture Ground Ground Speciesa Category Listing Agencyb Sharp-shinned hawk Shrub Shrub Red-tailed hawk Ground Ground Bald eagle T Fed, CO, NM, UT American kestrel Ground Ground SC AZ Prairie falcon Ground Ground American peregrine falcon E UT Ring-necked pheasant Ground Ground TNM Ruffed grouse Ground Ground *cSouthwestern willow flycatcher E Fed, NM, UT Mourning dove Shrub Ground SC AZ Common poorwill Ground Aerial *Northern goshawk SC AZ, UT White-throated swift Ground Aerial *Swainson’s hawk SC AZ, UT Broad-tailed hummingbird Shrub Ground *Ferruginous hawk T UT Northern flicker Shrub Ground SC AZ, CO Warbling vireo Shrub Shrub *Northern sage grouse SC CO, UT Steller’s jay Shrub Shrub *Gunnison’s sage grouse SC CO Western scrub-jay Shrub Shrub *Burrowing owl T CO Black-billed magpie Shrub Ground SC UT Black-capped chickadee Shrub Shrub *Short-eared owl SC UT Rock wren Ground Ground *Lewis’s woodpecker SC UT Canyon wren Ground Ground *Williamson’s sapsucker SC UT American robin Shrub Ground *Bell’s vireo T NM Orange-crowned warbler Ground Shrub SC UT Virginia’s warbler Ground Shrub *Blue grosbeak SC UT Yellow-rumped warbler Shrub Shrub *Veery SC AZ MacGillivray’s warbler Shrub Shrub *Gray catbird SC AZ Green-tailed towhee Ground Ground a Nomenclature for common and scientific names, as well as Spotted towhee Ground Ground order in which species are presented, follow American Ornithologists’ Chipping sparrow Shrub Shrub Union (1998). Dark-eyed junco Ground Ground b Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Database; Arizona Black-headed grosbeak Shrub Shrub Game and Fish Department (In prep.); Colorado Division of Wildlife Lazuli bunting Shrub Shrub Database; New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Database; Messmer and others (1998). Arizona does not list threatened or a Common names and order in which species are presented follow endangered species; New Mexico does not list species of special American Ornithologists’ Union (1998). concern. c Asterisks denote species for which oak is a primary nesting habitat.

Bird Species of Concern eagle and American peregrine falcon forage in a wide variety of vegetation types, including gambel oak. The A number of species occurring in gambel oak habitat southwestern willow flycatcher is found in riparian ar- require special management consideration, either because eas, including those within the gambel oak vegetation they are listed as endangered or threatened under the fed- type. In addition to these species, 12 others are listed as eral Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C.A. §§ 1531- endangered, threatened, or of special concern by indi- 1543), or because they are listed as endangered, threat- vidual states. These listings are usually the responsibil- ened, or of special concern by a state wildlife agency ity of the state wildlife agency and may afford legal pro- (table 5). Currently, only two species likely to be found tection to the species in question. Species may also be in gambel oak are listed under ESA by the United States listed to characterize their conservation status only, with Fish and Wildlife Service: bald eagle (Haliaeetus no special protection afforded, such as in Utah (Messmer leucocephalus), and southwestern willow flycatcher and others 1998). (Empidonax traillii extimus; table 5). A third, the Ameri- Conservation concerns have also been identified for can peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum), was re- species experiencing population declines, as determined cently delisted (effective date August 25, 1999). The bald

6 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

by Breeding Bird Survey data (DeGraaf and Rappole green-tailed towhee, lark sparrow (Chondestes 1995; appendix C). Twelve species known to nest and grammacus), black-headed grosbeak, and lazuli bunting. feed in the gambel oak vegetation type experienced sig- Ten of the 76 species are listed by Steinhoff (1978) as nificant (P < 0.05) declines within the physiographic being dependent on (dusky flycatcher [Empidonax provinces of gambel oak range. Five species (western oberholseri] and pinyon jay) or influenced by (pygmy wood-pewee [Contopus sordidulus], horned lark nuthatch [Sitta pygmaea]) mixed oak/conifer woodlands, [Eremophila alpestris], MacGillivray’s warbler, chipping or as strongly influenced by all gambel oak vegetation sparrow, and savannah sparrow [Passerculus types (blue grouse, band-tailed pigeon, common night- sandwichensis]) show significant, long-term declines hawk, common poorwill, violet-green swallow, between 1966 and 1994. Of these, western wood-pewee, Townsend’s solitaire, and MacGillivray’s warbler). horned lark, and chipping sparrow also declined throughout Western North America. Four additional species (American kestrel [Falco sparverius], common night- Implications for Management and Future hawk [Chordeiles minor], yellow-rumped warbler, and Research vesper sparrow [Pooecetes gramineus]) show a more recent, short-term decline over the period of 1980 to 1994. Oak woodlands provide a variety of resources includ- Of these, American kestrel declined across Western North ing watershed protection, grazing, and recreation (Harper America during the same time period. Three species (log- and others 1985; Thomas 1997). Recent publications in- gerhead shrike [Lanius ludovicianus], violet-green swal- dicate an increasing concern over loss of oak habitat in low [Tachycineta thalassina], and Brewer’s blackbird states bordering the Pacific coast, as a burgeoning popu- [Euphagus cyanocephalus]) declined over both periods, lation puts increasing pressure on oak vegetation through with Brewer’s blackbird showing a similar decrease recreation and urban expansion (Pillsbury and others throughout Western North America. An additional 18 1997; Saab and Rich 1997). The gambel oak vegetation species known to use gambel oak that do not show a sig- type, with its foothill location and proximity to many nificant trend within gambel oak range show a signifi- urban centers, is likely to suffer a similar fate. Residen- cant decline across Western North America (appendix C). tial and commercial development and a concomitant in- Eleven species within the physiographic provinces or crease in recreation from expanding populations may states comprising the Gambel oak vegetation zone are result in substantial habitat loss, fragmentation, and suc- accorded a very high conservation priority by Partners cessional changes over the next decade. Issues of land in Flight (PIF; tables 6 and 7; figure 4), based on cumu- ownership and public perceptions regarding management lative concern scores ranging from 7 to 35 (appendix C). options may further exacerbate these changes. Three of these, the Virginia’s warbler, Grace’s warbler, Gambel oak vegetation is particularly vulnerable to and red-faced warbler, are common species of gambel damage and loss. For example, Utah Gap analysis oak vegetation (table 1). All three are neotropical migra- (Edwards and others 1997) reveals that fully one-third tory birds that use gambel oak extensively for both nest- (36%) of the 800,000 ha (2 million acres) dominated by ing and feeding. An additional two species, the Lewis’ oak are privately owned and designated as category 4 woodpecker, which is also considered to be of special management status; that is, they have little or no govern- concern in Utah (table 5), and the ferruginous hawk (Bu- ment protection from development. Much of this land teo regalis), are considered characteristic of gambel oak may thus be lost to urbanization and commercial devel- and mixed gambel oak woodlands (Steinhoff 1978). The opment in the near future. Another 58% of oak wood- Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii), which is listed as threatened in lands in Utah are accorded limited protection as public New Mexico (table 5), is a breeding migrant in the south- lands with unrestricted access (category 3). These lands ern portion of gambel oak range (tables 6 and 7). will be subject to increased fragmentation due to recre- An additional 76 species are given high conservation ational activities, trail building, and campground devel- priority by PIF (tables 6 and 7). Of these, the most com- opment. Currently, only 0.01% of oak woodlands in Utah mon or characteristic of gambel oak and mixed gambel are strictly protected (category 1). oak/conifer woodlands include California quail, broad- Traditional management practices are aimed at in- tailed hummingbird, western wood-pewee, gray fly- creasing understory vegetation to provide for grazing catcher, cordilleran flycatcher (Empidonax occidentalis), of domestic livestock and big game species. Gambel ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens), oak can provide up to 75% of the forage available to plumbeous vireo, warbling vireo, western scrub-jay, rock overwintering deer populations (Harper and others wren, western bluebird (Sialia mexicana), mountain blue- 1985). Grazing and the suppression of natural fire cycles bird, black-throated gray warbler (Dendroica nigrescens), have resulted in a decrease in herbaceous undergrowth painted redstart, western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana), and an increase in less fire-tolerant woody species such

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 7 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

Table 6ÐSpecies occurring in the gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) vegetation type that are of conservation concern, based on Partners in Flight (PIF) state scoresa.

Range in PIF concern score and definition (Hunter and Speciesb and PIF concern score, in decreasing order of concern, by state others 1993) Arizonac Coloradoc New Mexicoc Utahd

30-35 none none none none Extremely high conservation priority 24-29 Red-faced warbler - 28 Sage grouse - 25 Red-faced warbler - 26 Lewis’ woodpecker - 28 Very high Virginia’s warbler - 26 Ferruginous hawk - 24 Virginia’s warbler - 25 Virginia’s warbler -26 conservation Cassin’s kingbird - 25 Virginia’s warbler - 24 Sage grouse - 24 Sage grouse -25 priority Bell’s vireo - 25 Bell’s vireo -25 Lewis’ woodpecker - 24 Black rosy-finch -25 19-23 Willow flycatcher - 23 Black-chinned hummingbird - 23 Prairie falcon - 23 Ferruginous hawk -23 High Gray flycatcher - 23 Bell’s vireo - 23 Lewis’s woodpecker - 23 Broad-tailed hummingbird - 23 conservation Western bluebird - 23 Burrowing owl - 22 Greater pewee - 23 Gray flycatcher -23 priority Painted redstart - 23 Lewis’ woodpecker - 22 Cassin’s kingbird - 23 Cordilleran flycatcher - 23 Swainson’s hawk - 22 Williamson’s sapsucker - 22 Bell’s vireo - 23 Black-throated gray warbler -23 Ferruginous hawk - 22 Grace’s warbler - 22 Olive warbler - 23 Brewer’s sparrow -23 Prairie falcon - 22 Flammulated owl - 21 Ferruginous hawk - 22 Franklin’s gull -22 Flammulated owl - 22 Red-naped sapsucker - 21 Flammulated owl - 22 Western screech-owl - 22 Greater pewee - 22 Cordilleran flycatcher - 21 Black-chinned hummingbird - 22 Calliope hummingbird - 22 Olive warbler - 22 Black-throated gray warbler - 21 Williamson’s sapsucker - 22 Williamson’s sapsucker - 22 Black-throated gray warbler - 22 Northern harrier - 20 Loggerhead shrike - 22 Olive-sided flycatcher - 22 Grace’s warbler - 22 Swainson’s hawk - 20 Black-throated gray warbler - 22 Hammond’s flycatcher - 22 Rufous-crowned sparrow - 22 Prairie falcon - 20 Grace’s warbler - 22 Northern goshawk - 21 Scott’s oriole - 22 Blue grouse - 20 Painted redstart - 22 Peregrine falcon - 21 Blue grouse - 21 Short-eared owl - 20 Swainson’s hawk - 21 Prairie falcon - 21 Common poorwill - 21 Common poorwill - 20 Blue grouse - 21 Ruffed grouse - 21 Black-chinned hummingbird - 21 Broad-tailed hummingbird - 21 Broad-tailed hummingbird - 20 Blue grouse - 21 Williamson’s sapsucker - 21 Gray flycatcher - 20 Red-naped sapsucker - 21 Northern pygmy-owl - 21 Red-naped sapsucker - 21 Dusky flycatcher - 20 Hammond’s flycatcher - 21 Red-naped sapsucker - 21 Dusky flycatcher - 21 Cassin’s kingbird - 20 Gray flycatcher - 21 Dusky flycatcher - 21 Cordilleran flycatcher - 21 Plumbeous vireo - 20 Violet-green swallow - 21 Cassin’s kingbird - 21 Pygmy nuthatch - 21 Juniper titmouse - 20 Juniper titmouse - 21 Plumbeous vireo - 21 Mountain bluebird - 21 MacGillivray’s warbler - 20 Mountain bluebird - 21 Pinyon jay - 21 Sage sparrow - 21 Western tanager - 20 Rufous-crowned sparrow - 21 Juniper titmouse - 21 Band-tailed pigeon - 20 Sage sparrow - 20 Sage sparrow - 21 Pygmy nuthatch - 21 Broad-tailed hummingbird - 20 Scott’s oriole - 20 Scott’s oriole - 21 Townsend’s solitaire - 21 Hammond’s flycatcher - 20 Peregrine falcon - 19 Common poorwill - 20 Veery - 21 Hutton’s vireo - 20 Band-tailed pigeon - 19 Dusky flycatcher - 20 Grace’s warbler - 21 Pinyon jay - 20 Olive-sided flycatcher - 19 Cordilleran flycatcher - 20 Rufous-crowned sparrow - 21 Juniper titmouse - 20 Hammond’s flycatcher - 19 Plumbeous vireo - 20 Blue grosbeak - 21 Bald eagle - 19 Western scrub-jay - 19 Hutton’s vireo - 20 Scott’s oriole - 21 Northern goshawk - 19 Violet-green swallow - 19 Warbling vireo - 20 Bald eagle - 20 Peregrine falcon - 19 Pygmy nuthatch - 19 Pygmy nuthatch - 20 Common poorwill - 20 Olive-sided flycatcher - 19 Western bluebird - 19 Green-tailed towhee - 20 Black-chinned hummingbird - 20 Western wood-pewee - 19 Green-tailed towhee - 19 Northern goshawk - 19 Willow flycatcher - 20 Sulphur-bellied flycatcher - 19 Rufous-crowned sparrow - 19 Peregrine falcon - 19 Loggerhead shrike - 20 Plumbeous vireo - 19 Brewer’s sparrow - 19 Band-tailed pigeon - 19 Mountain chickadee - 20 Rock wren - 19 Lazuli bunting - 19 Burrowing owl - 19 Mountain bluebird - 20 Canyon wren - 19 Common nighthawk - 19 Gray catbird - 20 MacGillivray’s warbler - 19 Western wood-pewee - 19 Sage thrasher - 20 Green-tailed towhee - 19 Pinyon jay - 19 Green-tailed towhee - 20 Black-throated sparrow - 19 Western bluebird - 19 Black-throated sparrow - 20 Black-headed grosbeak - 19 MacGillivray’s warbler - 19 Sage sparrow - 20 Black-headed grosbeak - 19 White-throated swift - 19 Bullock’s oriole - 19 Flammulated owl - 19 Burrowing owl - 19 Short-eared owl - 19 Western wood-pewee - 19 Clark’s nutcracker - 19 Canyon wren - 19 Golden-crowned kinglet - 19 Western bluebird - 19 Lark sparrow - 19 Black-headed grosbeak - 19 Lazuli bunting - 19 Bullock’s oriole - 19

a PIF assigns species concern scores using a geographically based prioritization scheme that can be defined either ecologically (by physiographic province) or politically (by state). Species are assigned a rank score from 1 (low concern) to 5 (high concern) in seven criteria that reflect a species’ potential to become extirpated: global abundance, global breeding distribution, global wintering distribution, threats to breeding within state or physiographic province, threats to non-breeding within state or physiographic province, state or physiographic province population trend, and area importance (abundance and distribution relative to global range). The cumulative concern score thus ranges from 7 to 35 (Hunter and others 1993). b Common names follow American Ornithologists’ Union (1998). c Source: Colorado Bird Observatory Database. d Source: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Database.

8 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

Table 7–Species occurring in the gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) vegetation type that are of conservation concern, based on Partners in Flight (PIF) physiographic province scoresa.

Range in PIF concern score and definition Speciesb and PIF concern scorec, in decreasing order of concern, by physiographic province number and name (Hunter and others 62 69 80 84 87 1993) Southern Rocky Mountains Utah Mountains Basin and Range Mogollon Rim Colorado Plateau

30-35 Extremely high none none none none none conservation priority

24-29 Very high none Lewis’ woodpecker - 24 Sage grouse - 25 Red-faced warbler - 27 Red-faced warbler - 25 conservation Virginia’s warbler - 24 Prairie falcon - 24 Virginia’s warbler - 26 priority Franklin’s gull - 24 Cassin’s kingbird - 24 Grace’s warbler - 24

19-23 Lewis’ woodpecker - 23 Gray flycatcher - 22 Ferruginous hawk - 23 Flammulated owl - 23 Black-chinned hummingbird - 23 High conservation Williamson’s sapsucker - 23 Dusky flycatcher - 22 Virginia’s warbler - 23 Lewis’ woodpecker - 23 Gray flycatcher - 23 priority Virginia’s warbler - 23 Black-throated gray warbler - 22 Sage sparrow - 23 Gray flycatcher - 23 Ferruginous hawk - 22 Grace’s warbler - 23 Prairie falcon - 21 Black rosy-finch - 23 Bell’s vireo - 23 Lewis’ woodpecker - 22 Flammulated owl - 22 Calliope hummingbird - 21 Flammulated owl - 22 Western bluebird - 23 Cassin’s kingbird - 22 Swainson’s hawk - 21 Pinyon jay - 21 Short-eared owl - 22 Black-throated gray warbler - 23 Bell’s vireo - 22 Ferruginous hawk - 21 Lazuli bunting - 21 Calliope hummingbird - 22 Painted redstart - 23 Juniper titmouse - 22 Red-naped sapsucker - 21 Swainson’s hawk - 20 Lewis’ woodpecker - 22 Black-chinned hummingbird - 22 Virginia’s warbler - 22 Cordilleran flycatcher - 21 Scott’s oriole - 20 Williamson’s sapsucker - 22 Broad-tailed hummingbird - 22 Grace’s warbler - 22 Prairie falcon - 20 Golden eagle - 19 Gray flycatcher - 22 Williamson’s sapsucker - 22 Swainson’s hawk - 21 Blue grouse - 20 Common poorwill - 19 Pinyon jay - 22 Red-naped sapsucker - 22 Flammulated owl - 21 Broad-tailed hummingbird - 20 Clark’s nutcracker - 19 California quail - 21 Greater pewee - 22 Common poorwill - 21 Hammond’s flycatcher - 20 Juniper titmouse - 19 Black-chinned hummingbird - 21 Rufous-crowned sparrow - 22 Williamson’s sapsucker - 21 Plumbeous vireo - 20 Canyon wren - 19 Red-naped sapsucker - 21 Scott’s oriole - 22 Red-naped sapsucker - 21 Black-throated gray warbler - 20 Western bluebird - 19 Hammond’s flycatcher - 21 Swainson’s hawk - 21 Dusky flycatcher - 21 Sage sparrow - 20 Townsend’s solitaire - 19 Black-throated gray warbler - 21 Ferruginous hawk - 21 Cordilleran flycatcher - 21 Lazuli bunting - 20 Green-tailed towhee - 19 Scott’s oriole - 21 Willow flycatcher - 21 Pinyon jay - 21 Peregrine falcon - 19 Blue grouse - 20 Dusky flycatcher - 21 Black-throated gray warbler - 21 Band-tailed pigeon - 19 Broad-tailed hummingbird - 20 Cordilleran flycatcher - 21 Scott’s oriole - 21 Common poorwill - 19 Rufous hummingbird - 20 Juniper titmouse - 21 Prairie falcon - 20 Dusky flycatcher - 19 Cordilleran flycatcher - 20 Pygmy nuthatch - 21 Blue grouse - 20 Cassin’s kingbird - 19 Loggerhead shrike - 20 Black-headed grosbeak - 21 Band-tailed pigeon - 20 Pinyon jay - 19 Sage thrasher - 20 Northern goshawk - 20 White-throated swift - 20 Violet-green swallow - 19 Brewer’s sparrow - 20 Blue grouse - 20 Willow flycatcher - 20 Pygmy nuthatch - 19 Northern harrier - 19 Band-tailed pigeon - 20 Hammond’s flycatcher - 20 Wilson’s warbler - 19 Northern goshawk - 19 Hutton’s vireo - 20 Western bluebird - 20 Green-tailed towhee - 19 Swainson’s hawk - 19 Pinyon jay - 20 Green-tailed towhee - 20 Brewer’s sparrow - 19 Peregrine falcon - 19 Violet-green swallow - 20 Sage sparrow - 20 California gull - 19 Prairie falcon - 19 Black-headed grosbeak - 20 Northern pygmy-owl - 19 Common poorwill - 19 Burrowing owl - 19 Common poorwill - 19 Olive-sided flycatcher - 19 Short-eared owl - 19 Dusky flycatcher - 19 Say’s phoebe - 19 Broad-tailed hummingbird - 19 Plumbeous vireo - 19 Ash-throated flycatcher - 19 Western wood-pewee - 19 Juniper titmouse - 19 Plumbeous vireo - 20 Western kingbird - 19 Veery - 19 Bewick’s wren - 19 Loggerhead shrike - 19 Black-headed grosbeak - 19 Mountain bluebird - 19 Western scrub-jay - 19 Lazuli bunting - 19 MacGillivray’s warbler - 19 Pygmy nuthatch - 19 Bullock’s oriole - 19 Green-tailed towhee - 19 Red-naped sapsucker - 21 Mountain bluebird - 19 MacGillivray’s warbler - 19 Rufous-crowned sparrow - 19

as bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum Nutt.) and More recently, increased emphasis has been placed white fir (Harper and others 1985). Fire, herbicides, and on recreation management issues, both in gambel oak mechanical treatments coupled with seeding programs and other vegetation types. Managers and recreationists have been used to reduce the dominance of oak and in- are recognizing the importance of non-game species, crease palatable grasses and forbs (Harper and others including birds, both in inherent value and as part of the 1985, and references therein). total “outdoor experience” sought by an urban populace.

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 9 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

Other research needs include more basic questions about individual species’ life histories and resource and habitat requirements. This includes species for which life history information in general is still sparse (for example, green-tailed towhee), as well as species that have not been studied in the gambel oak vegetation type, even though their life history may be very well known in other vegetation types. This understanding of individual species’ relationships with different vegetation types may prove crucial in understanding and managing the dynamics of individual populations. Increasing anthropogenic pressure predicted for gambel oak associations suggests that managers will need to use active management strategies to mitigate the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation. In the absence of needed definitive studies and until such studies can be completed, a few common-sense suggestions can be made. The protection of riparian areas within the oak zone is of critical importance. Riparian areas are disproportion- ately valuable to birds and other wildlife species, particularly in the arid west (Saab and Rich 1997). In addition, some areas of contiguous habitat should be maintained. Where possible, management practices Figure 4—Physiographic provinces in gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) range used by Partners in Flight for purpose of should mimic natural disturbance regimes such that a species prioritization: 62 = Southern Rocky Mountains, 69 = Utah variety of successional stages, including the mature plant Mountains, 80 = Basin and Range, 84 = Mogollon Rim, 87 = Colo- community, are available (Anderson 1980; Saab and Rich rado Plateau. 1997). To ensure that this goal is being accomplished, monitoring of population trends of individual bird species may be desirable. Unfortunately, the current state of With over half of gambel oak woodlands occurring on our knowledge about gambel oak woodlands does not public lands, it will become increasingly important for allow us to easily identify species that may serve as indi- federal and state managers to consider non-game bird cators of the relative health of this community. populations in their overall management plan. The ef- Until such knowledge becomes available, natural re- fects of management practices on non-game birds must source professionals involved in gambel oak management be considered if viable bird populations are to be main- are referred to the list of frequent and abundant species tained. Currently, little information exists on the effects provided in table 1. Because all species listed in this table of specific management actions on avian communities. are common, monitoring of population trends should be Steinhoff (1978) provides some information on individual an easy task (for a review of methods, refer to Hamel species’ responses to fire, grazing, and cutting for Colo- and others 1996; Ralph and others 1993, 1995). In se- rado oak associations; however, this information is not lecting species from this list, care should be taken to readily available because it is an unpublished report. choose a representative sample of the community. A Future research of avian ecology in gambel oak should sample might include the following, for example: ground- focus on closing apparent gaps in our knowledge of this nesting species requiring an extensive litter layer, such community. A question that warrants further investiga- as Virginia’s warbler or spotted towhee; shrub-nesting tion is the response of gambel oak bird communities to species requiring dense, thicket-like gambel oak stands, wildfire, browsing by native ungulates, fuelwood har- such as western scrub-jay, black-billed magpie, or lazuli vesting, and management practices commonly associated bunting; and tree-nesting species, requiring tall tree stands with oakbrush control such as prescribed burning, herbi- of gambel oak characteristic of wetter sites, such as cide application, or browsing by domestic livestock. In plumbeous vireo, warbling vireo, or chipping sparrow. particular, it would be useful to investigate how type, With this kind of sample, it may be possible to assess the intensity, and frequency of disturbance affects structural status of individual successional stages/growth forms of characteristics of gambel oak stands. gambel oak.

10 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

Ecology and management of oak and associated woodlands: per- References spectives in the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-218. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Allman, V. P. 1953. A preliminary study of the vegetation in an Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: exclosure in the chaparral of the Wasatch Mountains, Utah. Pro- 85-95. DeGraaf, R. M; Rappole, J. H. 1995. Neotropical migra- ceedings of the Utah Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters. 30(1): tory birds: natural history, distribution, and population change. 63-73. Ithaca, NY: Comstock Publishing Associates. 676 p. American Ornithologists’ Union. 1998. Check-list of North Ameri- Edwards, T. C., Jr.; Falconer, A.; Ramsey, R. D.; Homer, C. G.; Bas- can birds: the species of birds of North America from the Arctic set, S. D.; Wight, D. W. 1997. Utah GAP analysis: an environ- through Panama, including the West Indies and Hawaiian Islands. mental information system. 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U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 14 p. plus 200 2(3): 87-90. maps. Clary, W. P.; Tiedemann, A. R. 1992. Ecology and values of Gambel Marti, C. D. 1977. Avian use of an oakbrush community in northern oak woodlands. In: Ffolliott, P. F.; Gottfried, G. J; Bennett, D. A.; Utah. Southwestern Naturalist. 22(3): 367-374. Hernandez C. V. M.; Ortega-Rubio, A.; Hamre, R. H., tech. coords.

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 11 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

McKell, C. M. 1950. A study of plant succession in the oakbrush Saab, V. A.; Rich, T. D. 1997. Large-scale conservation assessment (Quercus gambelii) zone after fire. Salt Lake City: University of for neotropical migratory land birds in the interior Columbia River Utah. 79 p. Thesis. basin. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-399. Portland, OR: U.S. Department Messmer, T. A.; Drake, R.; McElrone, A., eds. 1998. Endangered of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Sta- and threatened animals of Utah. Publ. 17. Logan, UT: Berryman tion. 56 p. Institute. 60 p. Shultz, L. M; Hysell, M. T. 1996. Camp W. G. Williams floristic Monson, G.; Phillips, A. R. 1981. Annotated checklist of the birds of survey. Unpublished report on file at: U.S. Department of Agri- Arizona. 2d ed. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Press. 240 p. culture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Shrub Neff, J. A. 1947. Habits, food, and economic status of the band-tailed Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT. 76 p. pigeon. North American Fauna. 58(1): 1-76. Steinhoff, H. W. 1978. Management of Gambel oak associations for Neilson, R. P. 1981. Biogeography of Quercus gambelii and Quercus wildlife and livestock. Unpublished report on file at: U.S. Depart- turbinella in relation to atmospheric flow structure. Salt Lake City: ment of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Sta- University of Utah. 70 p. Dissertation. tion, Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT. 119 p. Perry, M. L. 1973. Species composition and density of the birds of Tanner, V. M.; Hayward, C. L. 1934. A biological study of the La Sal Red Butte Canyon. Salt Lake City: University of Utah. 141 p. Mountains, Utah: Rep. 1 (Ecology). Proceedings of the Utah Acad- Thesis. emy of Science, Arts, and Letters. 11: 209-235. Pillsbury, N. H.; Verner, J.; Tietje, W. D., tech. coords. 1997. Pro- Tatschl, J. L. 1967. Breeding birds of the Sandia Mountains and their ceedings of a symposium on oak woodlands: ecology, manage- ecological distributions. Condor. 69(5): 479-490. ment, and urban interface issues. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-160. Al- Thomas, J. W. 1997. California’s oak woodlands: where we have bany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific been, where we are, where we need to go. In: Pillsbury, N. H.; Southwest Research Station. 738 p. Verner, J.; Tietje, W. D., tech. coords. Proceedings of a sympo- Ralph, C. J.; Geupel, G. R.; Pyle, P.; Martin, T. E.; DeSante, D. F. sium on oak woodlands: ecology, management, and urban inter- 1993. Handbook of field methods for monitoring landbirds. Gen. face issues. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-160. Albany, CA: U.S. Depart- Tech. Rep. PSW-144. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agricul- ment of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research ture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 41 p. Station: 3-9. Ralph, C. J.; Sauer, J. R.; Droege, S., eds. 1995. Monitoring bird Wagstaff, F. J. 1984. Economic considerations in use and manage- populations by point counts. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-149. Albany, ment of Gambel oak for fuelwood. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-165. CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific South- Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, In- west Research Station. 181 p. termountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 8 p. Reynolds, H. G.; Clary, W. P.; Ffolliott, P. F. 1970. Gambel oak for Walters, R. E., ed. 1981. Utah bird latilong distribution. Publ. 81-15. southwestern wildlife. Journal of Forestry. 68(9): 545-547. Salt Lake City: Utah Department of Natural Resources and En- Robbins, C. S.; Sauer, J. R.; Greenberg, R. S.; Droege, S. 1989. Popu- ergy, Division of Wildlife Resources. 84 p. lation declines in North American birds that migrate to the West, N. E. 1989. Vegetation types of Utah. In: Johnson, K. L., ed. neotropics. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of Rangeland resources of Utah. Logan, UT: Utah State University, the United States of America. 86: 7658-7662. Cooperative Extension Service: 18-56. Robbins, C. S.; Sauer, J. R.; Peterjohn, B. G. 1993. Population trends Wolfe, M. L.; Reynolds, M. C. 1996. Camp W. G. Williams faunal and management opportunities for neotropical migrants. In: Finch, survey. Unpublished report on file at: U.S. Department of Agri- D. M.; Stangel, P. W., eds. Status and management of neotropical culture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Shrub Sci- migratory birds. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-229. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. ences Laboratory, Provo, UT. 23 p. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Re- Woodbury, A. M.; Cottam, C. 1962. Ecological studies of birds in search Station: 17-23. Utah. Bulletin of the University of Utah Biological Series. 12(7): Rogers, G. F. 1982. Then and now: a photographic history of vegeta- 1-28. tion change in the central Great Basin desert. Salt Lake City: Uni- Wright, H. A.; Bailey, A. W. 1982. Fire ecology. New York: Wiley. versity of Utah Press. 152 p. 501 p.

12 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

(con.)

Mixed conifer/

FK L

estern United

Andrews and

Ponderosa pine/

------

---X R XR -

------T -

------

, N/A = species does not occur in , N/A

- -

HIJKFG

shrub forest forest

Nutt.) communities in the W

Submontane gambel oak gambel oak

Quercus gambelii

------

---

------

------B-R---X-- ---

--- BXR------

UT CO NM UT UT UT AZ CO NM CO AZ AZ

N.C. W. N.C. N.C. N. W. N.C. W. N. S.E.

-- --

--- X - X-B B -B-XB

-- --

T T

T-

BC D E F G

RT B B X - B ---- B XR -

Gambel oak woodland

-RBB - X - B -R-X - -R B --

------XT-- -- -

------W -T------

XBB B T X - B XR-X - X - -

)

)-R--MX-B

)

)-BR--X-BXB-XR-R-

)-TBTW--B-RW---W-

)-RRRTX-R-R------

)-B--

)-B

Nycticorax nycticorax )-

)

Accipiter striatus Bucephala clangula Buteo lagopus

Accipiter gentilis Buteo regalis Ardea herodias Buteo swainsoni Falco sparverius Falco peregrinus a Circus cyaneus Buteo jamaicensis Anas acuta Accipiter cooperii Cathartes aura Aquila chrysaetos Falco mexicanus

Bucephala albeola Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Species Anas platyrhynchos Falco columbarius

States. Residency status is given as R = resident, B = breeding migrant, W = winter migrant, T = local transient from Appendix AÐBird species reported from different gambel oak ( Appendix adjacent habitats or transient during spring/fall migration, X = presence/absence only respective state, as determined by Ligon (1961), Monson and Phillips (1981), Behle and others (1985), and Righter (1992).

Herons and vultures (Ciconiiformes) Great blue heron ( Turkey vulture ( Black-crowned night-heron (

Waterfowl (Anseriformes) Mallard (

Northern pintail ( Bufflehead ( Common goldeneye (

Raptors (Falconiformes) Bald eagle ( Sharp-shinned hawk ( Cooper’s hawk ( Swainson’s hawk ( Northern harrier ( Northern goshawk (

Red-tailed hawk ( Rough-legged hawk ( American kestrel ( Ferruginous hawk ( Golden eagle (

Merlin (

Prairie falcon ( Peregrine falcon (

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 13 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

(con.)

Mixed conifer/

FK L

/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A - N/A N/A

XBX-B

Ponderosa pine/

/A - - - N/A N/A

B-X - X - -

NA/ N RN/AN/A

R-X - X R -

------

-- NA ------N/A-

------

------T -

------

XRN/A-

- -

HIJKFG

shrub forest forest

Submontane gambel oak gambel oak

-N

X-

---

------R-R----R- ---

--- BXR----R-

--- R-R----R-

------RXR----B-

--- BXB--B---

-T

UT CO NM UT UT UT AZ CO NM CO AZ AZ

N.C. W. N.C. N.C. N. W. N.C. W. N. S.E.

- /NA - --- N/AN/AB

--- X - B X-B B X---

--- --

T-

BBB X - B XB-

RRR - - - - XR-- -- -

R /NA - RRR N/AN/AR

-T

BC D E F G

Gambel oak woodland

--- RB - - R - -R-- -- -

-R- R T R - N/A --- - T - - W XRN

-R- R T X - R -R------R

---

-- --

--- -

f, g

)

)X---

)XB-T

)

)-B-TTX-BX

)-R--

)

)XR-R-X-B-

)

f, g

)

)-R--

)

f, g ) Phasianus colchicus Aegolius acadicus Otus kennicottii Glaucidium gnoma Chordeiles minor Columba fasciata Actitis macularia

) Otus flammeolus Bubo virginianus Phalaenoptilus nuttallii a Asio otus Asio flammeus Callipepla californica Larus delawarensis Zenaida macroura (Con.) Perdix perdix Bonasa umbellus Athene cunicularia Larus pipixcan Larus californicus Centrocerus urophasianus Dendragapus obscurus Columba livia Tyto alba

Species Alectoris chukar

Appendix A

Ring-necked pheasant (

Sage grouse ( Franklin’s gull ( Blue grouse (

Gray partridge ( Ruffed grouse (

Pigeons and doves (Columbiformes) Rock dove ( Gallinaceous birds (Galliformes) California quail ( California gull ( Chukar ( Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Ring-billed gull ( Spotted sandpiper (

Mourning dove ( Band-tailed pigeon ( Western screech-owl (

Flammulated owl (

Owls (Strigiformes) Barn owl (

Northern pygmy-owl ( Great horned owl (

Long-eared owl ( Short-eared owl (

Burrowing owl (

Northern saw-whet owl (

Nightjars (Caprimulgiformes) Common nighthawk (

Common poorwill (

14 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

(con.)

Mixed conifer/

FK L

-----

XBXBB

Ponderosa pine/

B------

---- - XT -

---X B - T B

---X R XR -

---- - XB -

------B ---X - - - -

---- B - B B

------

B B

HIJKFG

shrub forest forest

Submontane gambel oak gambel oak

X-

--- --R-

--- B---X----

---

BXB BXB-

-T

UT CO NM UT UT UT AZ CO NM CO AZ AZ

N.C. W. N.C. N.C. N. W. N.C. W. N. S.E.

/A N/A N/A N/A - N/A N/A N/A - N/A - N/A - B

/A N/A N/A - - N/A N/A N/A - - - - - B

/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A - N/A N/A N/A - B

--- X - - T --B X---

--- X ------XR--

---

--- X ---- B -B- ---X-

------

BBB - - B B XB-- -B -

-B

-W

BB - - - B B ---- B - B B

BC D E F G

Gambel oak woodland

------T - XB-- -- -

--- -W - - B R X--X XR -

--- B - X B B B XB-- -B B

-- --

------

XBB B

)N/AN/AN

)

)-B

)

)N/AN/AN

)

)-T--TX-B

)

)XT--TX-W

)-BB-TX-B-B--B--B

)XRT-

)-B-BT--BXB----BB

)-T

)

)-T

)

)-B--T----

)N/AN/AN

)XRR-TXRB

)-B--

Archilochus alexandri )

Selasphorus platycercus Myiodynastes luteiventris Myiarchus tuberculifer Sphyrapicus thyroideus Myiarchus cinerascens Sphyrapicus nuchalis Empidonax hammondii Stellula calliope Contopus cooperi Contopus sordidulus Selasphorus rufus Empidonax occidentalis Aeronautes saxatalis Picoides pubescens Melanerpes lewis Lanius ludovicianus Picoides villosus Tyrannus vociferans Ceryle alcyon Empidonax traillii Empidonax oberholseri Tyrannus verticalis

a Tyrannus tyrannus Lanius excubitor Colaptes auratus Contopus pertinax Empidonax wrightii

(Con.)

Sayornis saya

Species

Appendix A

Swifts and hummingbirds (Apodiformes) Black-chinned hummingbird ( White-throated swift (

Rufous hummingbird ( Woodpeckers (Piciformes) Lewis’ woodpecker ( Red-naped sapsucker ( Kingfishers (Coraciiformes) Calliope hummingbird ( Belted kingfisher ( Broad-tailed hummingbird ( Williamson’s sapsucker (

Downy woodpecker (

Songbirds and passerines (Passeriformes) Olive-sided flycatcher ( Western wood-pewee ( Hairy woodpecker ( Northern flicker (

Dusky flycatcher ( Willow flycatcher ( Hammond’s flycatcher ( Greater pewee ( Gray flycatcher ( Cordilleran flycatcher ( Ash-throated flycatcher (

Dusky-capped flycatcher ( Sulphur-bellied flycatcher (

Cassin’s kingbird ( Northern shrike ( Western kingbird ( Say’s phoebe (

Loggerhead shrike ( Eastern kingbird (

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 15 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

(con.)

Mixed conifer/

FK L

X-XR-

Ponderosa pine/

B-X B - B B

------B

-- NA ------N/A-

------

------R -

---- R ------

------

---- R XW -

---- - X - -

---- R - R - ---- R - R -

---- R - R -

------W -

HIJKFG

shrub forest forest

W W

Submontane gambel oak gambel oak

-N

-R

X-

---

--- BXR----R------

--- WXR---XR-

---

-T

UT CO NM UT UT UT AZ CO NM CO AZ AZ

N.C. W. N.C. N.C. N. W. N.C. W. N. S.E.

/A N/A N/A X - N/A N/A N/A ------

---

--- X - B -R- --- X ------X-

---

------X R -R- R -R-XR

---

RRR X - B R XRR- XR -

RRR X - B - XR-X X- -

WWW - R T -W-X R -R -

-B

T-

BB ------B

BC D E F G

RT - - - - B ------R -

W-

Gambel oak woodland

---

-- --

XRWWW X R R -W-X R XR -

)-TT-TXBB-B-XBXBB

)XRWRRX-RXR-X-X--

)

)XR

)XTTBBX-BXB---XBB

)XWTWT--W-W--R-T-

)

)--T-

)-T

)--T--XBBX

)

)XBTBTX-BXB--BX-B

)

)XR

)-R

)

)-TT-

)

)N/AN/AN

)XBTBB-BBXB--B--B Stelgidopteryx serripennis Poecile atricapillus Sitta carolinensis Regulus satrapa Sitta canadensis Regulus calendula Polioptila caerulea ) Tachycineta thalassina Poecile gambeli Pica pica Aphelocoma californica Nucifraga columbiana

( Vireo plumbeus Baeolophus griseus a Sitta pygmaea Vireo olivaceus Corvus corax Corvus brachyrhynchos Certhia americana (Con.) Vireo gilvus Thryomanes bewickii

Vireo huttoni Riparia riparia Tachycineta bicolor Hirundo rustica Catherpes mexicanus Hirundo pyrrhonota Troglodytes aedon Troglodytes troglodytes Cyanocitta stelleri Eremophila alpestris Vireo bellii Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Salpinctes obsoletus

Cyanocitta cristata

Species Psaltriparus minimus

Appendix A

Plumbeous vireo (

Steller’s jay ( Bell’s vireo ( Western scrub-jay

Warbling vireo ( Clark’s nutcracker (

Hutton’s vireo ( Red-eyed vireo ( Blue jay ( Black-billed magpie (

Pinyon jay ( Common raven ( American crow ( Violet-green swallow ( Barn swallow (

Tree swallow (

Bank swallow ( N. rough-winged swallow ( Horned lark ( Cliff swallow (

Mountain chickadee (

White-breasted nuthatch ( Juniper titmouse ( Pygmy nuthatch (

Black-capped chickadee (

Canyon wren ( Red-breasted nuthatch ( Bushtit ( Brown creeper (

Bewick’s wren ( Winter wren (

House wren (

Rock wren ( Blue-gray gnatcatcher (

Golden-crowned kinglet (

Ruby-crowned kinglet (

16 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

(con.)

Mixed conifer/

FK L

N/A - - -

Ponderosa pine/

B------

B-X B X - -

------

------B---- - B B B---- - B B ------B

------B

XBBX B - B B

T T

B B

HIJKFG

shrub forest forest

W W

Submontane gambel oak gambel oak

X-

--- B-W-XRXRB

--- B---XB-BB

------

------BXBB---BB

------

---

BXB

-T

UT CO NM UT UT UT AZ CO NM CO AZ AZ

N.C. W. N.C. N.C. N. W. N.C. W. N. S.E.

/A N/A N/A N/A - N/A N/A N/A - N/A - N/A - B

/A N/A N/A/A N/A N/A - - - - N/A N/A N/A N/A - N/A N/A ------B B

--- X - R -RB B XB--

-- --

------X N/A- --

------

-- --

RRR X R B R XRR- XRB

-T

BC D E F G

W W

Gambel oak woodland

--- - T - - B - -R-- -- -

-- --

------X ------W - X--X -- -

)

)XBTBTX--XB-XB-BB

)XWT-

)XBTB

)

)XBTBTXBTXBT-B---

)N/AN/AN

)

)N/AN/AN

)

)XTTM/TTXBT-B-XB-BB

)

)XB-B-X-BXB-X-XR-

)-BTBTXBBX

)-B--B--B-B------

)-B-BB----

)

)XRBRBXRBXR-XRXRB

)

)-BB-B--BXB------

)

)N/AN/AN

)XR

)XB--

)N/AN/AN Dendroica nigrescens

Vermivora celata Aimophila ruficeps

Dendroica coronata Spizella arborea Mimus polyglottos Oporornis tolmiei Seiurus noveboracensis Icteria virens Myadestes townsendi Pipilo chlorurus Bombycilla garrulus Vermivora peregrina Cardellina rubrifrons Sialia currucoides Sturnus vulgaris Setophaga ruticilla Sialia mexicana Vermivora ruficapilla Vermivora virginiae Wilsonia pusilla Piranga ludoviciana a Dendroica graciae Myioborus pictus Piranga flava Pipilo maculatus Turdus migratorius Bombycilla cedrorum Dendroica petechia Dendroica occidentalis (Con.) Oreoscoptes montanus Catharus guttatus Peucedramus taeniatus Dumetella carolinensis

Species

Catharus fuscescens

Appendix A

Mountain bluebird (

Townsend’s solitaire ( Western bluebird (

European starling ( Sage thrasher (

Hermit thrush ( Veery (

American robin ( Northern mockingbird ( Gray catbird ( Orange-crowned warbler (

Tennessee warbler ( Bohemian waxwing (

Olive warbler ( Cedar waxwing ( Nashville warbler (

Virginia’s warbler ( Hermit warbler ( American redstart ( MacGillivray’s warbler ( Yellow warbler ( Grace’s warbler ( Yellow-rumped warbler ( Black-throated gray warbler (

Painted redstart (

Northern waterthrush ( Red-faced warbler ( Wilson’s warbler (

Yellow-breasted chat ( Western tanager (

Hepatic tanager ( Green-tailed towhee (

American tree sparrow ( Rufous-crowned sparrow ( Spotted towhee (

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 17 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

N/A

(con.)

Mixed conifer/

-N/A

FK L

/A - N/A N/A

Ponderosa pine/

NA N -N/A-

B-X B X B -

R------

------

---- - X - -

------

---- B ------

------

---X B X - B

------

------R - R -

------B

------W -

------B B

HIJKFG

shrub forest forest

W W

Submontane gambel oak gambel oak

X-

---

--- B-B------

------W--N/A-- --- TX--XRXB- ---

---

--- R-R--B---

---

-B

-T

-W

UT CO NM UT UT UT AZ CO NM CO AZ AZ

N.C. W. N.C. N.C. N. W. N.C. W. N. S.E.

-- --

- /W- --- - N/AW

BBB -BBB B - B - B XB-- -B B B - XB-- -- B

BC D E F G

W WW

Gambel oak woodland

-- ---

-- --

------

--- BB - - B - -B-X -- - --

XB XB

)

)XR-TTX-B-R------

)-T-BT--BXB----B-

)X-B-T--TXB---X--

)--B-BX-B

)

)XBTBTXBBX

)

)XRRRTX-B-R---X--

)

)XRRRTX---

)

)X-B-

)

)XRW--X-B-R------

)XRWR

)

)XBT-

)XRRWBXR-XR-XR-RB Zonotrichia atricapilla Pheucticus ludovicianus Zonotrichia leucophrys Pheucticus melanocephalus Amphispiza bilineata Zonotrichia albicollis Molothrus ater Spizella pallida Sturnella neglecta

Carduelis tristis Passerculus sandwichensis Euphagus cyanocephalus Spizella passerina Spizella breweri Melospiza lincolnii Junco hyemalis Carduelis flammea Carduelis psaltria a Pooecetes gramineus Leucosticte atrata Zonotrichia querula Icterus bullockii

(Con.) Guiraca caerulea Pinicola enucleator

Amphispiza belli Melospiza melodia Plectrophenax nivalis Passerina amoena Carpodacus cassinii Chondestes grammacus Icterus parisorum Loxia curvirostra Passerella iliaca Carpodacus mexicanus Carduelis pinus

Species

Appendix A

Chipping sparrow ( Brewer’s sparrow (

Vesper sparrow ( Fox sparrow (

Clay-colored sparrow (

Lark sparrow ( White-throated sparrow ( Black-throated sparrow (

Sage sparrow ( Golden-crowned sparrow ( Song sparrow ( Savannah sparrow ( Lincoln’s sparrow ( Rose-breasted grosbeak (

Lazuli bunting ( Harris’ sparrow ( White-crowned sparrow ( Black-headed grosbeak ( Snow bunting ( Dark-eyed junco (

Brewer’s blackbird ( Bullock’s oriole ( Blue grosbeak ( Western meadowlark ( Brown-headed cowbird (

Pine grosbeak ( Common redpoll (

Scott’s oriole ( Pine siskin ( Black rosy-finch ( Red crossbill (

Cassin’s finch (

American goldfinch ( Lesser goldfinch (

House finch (

18 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

Mixed conifer/

FK L

Ponderosa pine/

, F = Steinhoff (1978), G = Tatschl (1967), H =

------

from farther north during winter.

HIJKFG

shrub forest forest

Submontane gambel oak gambel oak

--- WXW----T-

-T

UT CO NM UT UT UT AZ CO NM CO AZ AZ

N.C. W. N.C. N.C. N. W. N.C. W. N. S.E.

BC D E F G

Gambel oak woodland

---

53 104 66 49 67 62 20 140 49 78 6 40 50 37 64 N/A

N/A 27 11 15 6 N/A 8 16 N/A 36 2 N/A 21 N/A 30 N/A N/A 36 20 23 18 N/A 12 80 N/A 35 2 N/A 29 N/A 25 45 N/A 13 8 5 5 N/A N/A 24 N/A 5 1 N/A N/A N/A 3 N/A

)XWT-

N/A 28 27 6 38 N/A N/A 20 N/A 2 1 N/A N/A N/A 6 N/A

)

Coccothraustes vespertinus

a Passer domesticus

(Con.)

Species

Common and scientific names, as well as order in which species are presented, follow American Ornithologists’ Union (1998). Column headings indicate source: A = Frost (1947), B = Hayward (1948), C = Berrett (1958), D = Perry (1973), E = Marti (1977)

Author reports summer residents only. Species is present year round, but individual birds migrate latitudinally, such that breeding birds are replaced by migrants

Species is introduced.

Author reports breeding birds only.

Species is altitudinal migrant.

a b

c d e f g

Evening grosbeak (

Total number of species: House sparrow ( Total number of residents: Total number of breeding migrants: Total number of winter migrants: Total number of local/migrational transients:

Walters (1981), I = Woodbury and Cottam (1962), J = Behle and Perry (1975), K = LaRue (1994), L = Block and others (1992).

Appendix A

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 19 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

Appendix BÐLife history traits (taken from Ehrlich and others 1988) of bird species reported from the gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) vegetation type in the western United States (occurrence data from Hayward 1948, Woodbury and Cottam 1962, Tatschl 1967, Perry 1973, Behle and Perry 1975, Marti 1977, Steinhoff 1978, Walters 1981, Block and others 1992).

Nesting guild Foraging guild Nest Nest Foraging Foraging Food Speciesa Activityb locationc typed layere methodf typeg Herons and vultures (Ciconiiformes) Great blue heron D N/A N/A WAT SS PI Black-crowned night-heron D N/A N/A WAT SS PI Turkey vulture D CL - GR HS SC

Waterfowl (Anseriformes) Mallard D N/A N/A WAT DA GV Northern pintail D N/A N/A WAT DA GV Bufflehead D N/A N/A WAT SD IN Common goldeneye D N/A N/A WAT SD IN

Raptors (Falconiformes) Bald eagle D N/A N/A GR HS CA Northern harrier D GR PL GR LS CA Sharp-shinned hawk D TR PL AIR AP CA Cooper’s hawk D TR PL AIR AP CA Northern goshawk D TR PL AIR AP CA Swainson’s hawk D TR PL GR HS CA Red-tailed hawk D TR PL GR HS CA Ferruginous hawk D TR PL GR HP CA Rough-legged hawk D N/A N/A GR HP CA Golden eagle D CL PL GR HS CA American kestrel D SN CA GR HP IN/CA Merlin D N/A N/A AIR AP CA Peregrine falcon D N/A N/A AIR AP CA Prairie falcon D CL SC AIR AP CA

Gallinaceous birds (Galliformes) Chukar D GR SC GR GG GV Gray partridge D GR SC GR GG GV Ring-necked pheasant D GR SC GR GG OM Ruffed grouse D GR SC GR GG OM Sage grouse D GR SC GR/SH/TR GG/FG IN/FO Blue grouse D GR SC GR/SH/TR GG/FG IN/FO California quail D GR SC GR GG GV

Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Spotted sandpiper D GR SC GR GG IN Franklin’s gull D N/A N/A GR GG IN Ring-billed gull D GR SA GR GG OM California gull D N/A N/A WAT LD IN

Pigeons and doves (Columbiformes) Rock dove D CL SA GR GG GV Band-tailed pigeon D TR PL SH/TR FG GV/FR Mourning dove D SH/TR SA GR GG GV

(con.)

20 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

Appendix B (Con.)

Nesting guild Foraging guild Nest Nest Foraging Foraging Food Speciesa Activityb locationc typed layere methodf typeg

Owls (Strigiformes) Barn owl N SN CA GR LS CA Flammulated owl N SN CA AIR HA IN Western screech-owl N SN CA GR SW CA Great horned owl N TR - GR SW CA Northern pygmy-owl N SN CA GR SW CA Burrowing owl D/N GR BU GR SW IN/CA Long-eared owl N TR - GR LS CA Short-eared owl N GR SC GR LS CA Northern saw-whet owl N SN CA GR SW CA

Nightjars (Caprimulgiformes) Common nighthawk D/N GR - AIR AF IN Common poorwill N GR - AIR AF IN

Swifts and hummingbirds (Apodiformes) White-throated swift D CL CR AIR AF IN Black-chinned hummingbird D SH/TR CU HERB HG NE Calliope hummingbird D SH/TR CU HERB HG NE Broad-tailed hummingbird D SH/TR CU HERB HG NE Rufous hummingbird D VN/TR CU HERB HG NE

Kingfishers (Coraciiformes) Belted kingfisher D BA BU WAT HD PI

Woodpeckers (Piciformes) Lewis’ woodpecker D TR/SN CA AIR/GR HA/GG IN/GV Williamson’s sapsucker D TR CA TR BG IN Red-naped sapsucker D TR CA TR BG IN Downy woodpecker D SN CA TR BG IN Hairy woodpecker D TR CA TR BG IN Northern flicker D SN CA GR/TR GG/BG IN

Songbirds and passerines (Passeriformes) Olive-sided flycatcher D TR CU AIR HA IN Greater pewee D TR CU AIR HA IN Western wood-pewee D TR CU AIR HA IN Willow flycatcher D SH CU AIR HA IN Hammond’s flycatcher D TR CU AIR HA IN Gray flycatcher D SH CU AIR HA IN Dusky flycatcher D SH CU AIR HA IN Cordilleran flycatcher D TR CU AIR HA IN Say’s phoebe D CL CU AIR HA IN Dusky-capped flycatcher D TR CU AIR HA IN Ash-throated flycatcher D TR CA SH/TR HG IN Sulphur-bellied flycatcher D TR CA AIR HA IN Cassin’s kingbird D N/A N/A AIR HA IN Western kingbird D TR CU AIR HA IN Eastern kingbird D TR CU AIR HA IN Loggerhead shrike D TR CU GR SW IN/CA Northern shrike D N/A N/A GR SW CA

(con.)

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 21 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

Appendix B (Con.)

Nesting guild Foraging guild Nest Nest Foraging Foraging Food Speciesa Activityb locationc typed layere methodf typeg

Bell’s vireo D SH CU SH/TR FG IN Plumbeous vireo D TR CU SH/TR FG IN Hutton’s vireo D TR CU SH/TR FG IN Warbling vireo D SH/TR CU SH/TR FG IN Red-eyed vireo D N/A N/A SH/TR HG IN Steller’s jay D SH/TR CU GR GG OM Blue jay D N/A N/A GR GG OM Western scrub-jay D SH/TR CU GR GG OM Pinyon jay D N/A N/A GR GG OM Clark’s nutcracker D N/A N/A SH/TR FG OM Black-billed magpie D SH/TR SP GR GG OM American crow D TR CU GR GG OM Common raven D CL CU GR GG OM Horned lark D GR SA GR GG GV Tree swallow D N/A N/A AIR AF IN Violet-green swallow D SN CA AIR AF IN N. rough-winged swallow D BA BU AIR AF IN Bank swallow D BA BU AIR AF IN Cliff swallow D VF SP AIR AF IN Barn swallow D VF CU AIR AF IN Black-capped chickadee D TR CA SH/TR FG IN Mountain chickadee D TR CA SH/TR FG IN Juniper titmouse D TR CA SH/TR FG IN Bushtit D TR PN SH/TR FG IN Red-breasted nuthatch D TR CA SH/TR BG IN White-breasted nuthatch D TR CA TR BG IN Pygmy nuthatch D TR CA TR BG IN Brown creeper D TR CA TR BG IN Rock wren D GR CR GR GG IN Canyon wren D CL CR GR GG IN Bewick’s wren D TR CA GR GG IN House wren D TR CA GR GG IN Winter wren D N/A N/A GR GG IN Golden-crowned kinglet D N/A N/A SH/TR FG IN Ruby-crowned kinglet D TR PN SH/TR FG IN Blue-gray gnatcatcher D TR CU SH/TR FG IN Western bluebird D SN CA AIR HA IN Mountain bluebird D SN CA GR SW IN Townsend’s solitaire D GR CU AIR HA IN Veery D GR CU GR GG IN Hermit thrush D SH/TR CU GR GG IN American robin D SH/TR CU GR/SH/TR GG/FG IN/FR Gray catbird D SH CU GR/SH/TR GG/FG IN Northern mockingbird D SH CU GR/SH/TR GG/FG IN/FR Sage thrasher D N/A N/A GR GG OM European starling D TR CA GR GG IN Bohemian waxwing D N/A N/A SH/TR FG FR Cedar waxwing D N/A N/A SH/TR FG FR Olive warbler D TR CU SH/TR FG IN Tennessee warbler D GR CU SH/TR FG IN Orange-crowned warbler D GR/SH CU SH/TR FG IN

(con.)

22 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

Appendix B (Con.)

Nesting guild Foraging guild Nest Nest Foraging Foraging Food Speciesa Activityb locationc typed layere methodf typeg Nashville warbler D N/A N/A SH/TR FG IN Virginia’s warbler D GR CU SH/TR FG IN Yellow warbler D SH CU SH/TR FG IN Yellow-rumped warbler D TR CU SH/TR FG IN Yellow-rumped warbler D TR CU SH/TR FG IN Black-throated gray warbler D TR CU SH/TR FG IN Hermit warbler D TR CU SH/TR FG IN Grace’s warbler D TR CU SH/TR FG IN American redstart D TR CU SH/TR HG IN Northern waterthrush D N/A N/A WAT/GR GG IN MacGillivray’s warbler D SH CU SH/TR FG IN Wilson’s warbler D GR CU SH/TR FG IN Red-faced warbler D GR CU SH/TR FG IN Painted redstart D GR CU SH/TR FG IN Yellow-breasted chat D SH CU SH/TR FG IN Hepatic tanager D TR SA SH/TR FG IN Western tanager D TR CU SH/TR FG IN Green-tailed towhee D GR/SH CU GR GG IN/OM Spotted towhee D GR/SH CU GR GG IN/OM Rufous-crowned sparrow D GR CU GR GG IN American Tree sparrow D N/A N/A GR GG GV Chipping sparrow D SH/TR CU GR GG IN/GV Clay-colored sparrow D N/A N/A GR GG IN/GV Brewer’s sparrow D SH CU GR GG IN/GV Vesper sparrow D GR CU GR GG IN/GV Lark sparrow D GR/SH CU GR GG GV/IN Black-throated sparrow D SH CU GR GG IN/GV Sage sparrow D SH CU GR GG IN/GV Savannah sparrow D N/A N/A GR GG IN/GV Fox sparrow D GR/SH CU GR GG IN/GV Song sparrow D GR/SH CU GR GG IN/GV Lincoln’s sparrow D N/A N/A GR GG IN/GV White-throated sparrow D N/A N/A GR GG GV Harris’s sparrow D N/A N/A GR GG GV White-crowned sparrow D N/A N/A GR GG GV Golden-crowned sparrow D N/A N/A GR GG GV Dark-eyed junco D GR CU GR GG GV Snow bunting D N/A N/A GR GG IN Rose-breasted grosbeak D N/A N/A SH/TR FG IN Black-headed grosbeak D SH/TR CU SH/TR FG IN Blue grosbeak D SH CU GR GG IN Lazuli bunting D SH CU GR GG IN Western meadowlark D GR CU GR GG IN/GV Brewer’s blackbird D SH/TR CU GR GG IN Brown-headed cowbird D SH/TR CU GR GG IN Bullock’s oriole D TR PN SH/TR FG IN Scott’s oriole D TR PN SH/TR FG IN Black rosy-finch D N/A N/A GR GG GV Pine grosbeak D N/A N/A HERB/SH/TR FG GV Cassin’s finch D TR CU GR GG GV House finch D SH/TR CU GR GG GV Red crossbill D TR CU SH/TR FG GV (con.)

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 23 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

Appendix B (Con.)

Nesting guild Foraging guild Nest Nest Foraging Foraging Food Speciesa Activityb locationc typed layere methodf typeg Common redpoll D N/A N/A HERB/SH FG GV Pine siskin D TR SA HERB/SH/TR FG GV Lesser goldfinch D SH/TR CU HERB/SH/TR FG GV American goldfinch D SH CU HERB/SH/TR FG GV Evening grosbeak D N/A N/A GR/SH/TR GG/FG GV/FO House sparrow D TR CA GR GG GV

a Common and scientific names, and order in which species are presented, follow American Ornithologists’ Union (1998). b D = diurnal, N = nocturnal. c BA = bank, CL = cliff, GR = ground, SH = shrub, SN = snag, TR = tree, VF = vertical face, VN = vine, N/A = species does not nest in gambel oak habitat. d BU = burrow, CA = cavity, CR = crevice, CU = cup, PL = platform, PN = pendant, SA = saucer, SC = scrape, SP = sphere, - = species does not build nest, N/A = species does not nest in gambel oak habitat. e AIR = air, GR = ground, HERB = herbaceous vegetation, SH = shrub, TR = tree, WAT = water. f AF = aerial feed, AP = aerial pursuit, BG = bark glean, DA = dabble, FG = foliage glean, GG = ground glean, HA = hawk, HD = high dive, HG = hover and glean, HP = hover and pounce, HS = high soar, LD = low dive, LS = low soar, SD = surface dive, SS = stalk and strike, SW = swoop. g CA = carnivore (excl. fish, invertebrates), FO = folivore, FR = frugivore, GV = granivore, IN = insectivore (incl. other invertebrates), NE = nectarivore, OM = omnivore, PI = piscivore, SC = scavenger.

24 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

(con.)

PIF score by physiographic region

14 13 15 13 13 13 15

estern United States (occurrence data from

13 14 - 13 - 14 13 13

15 16 15 15 - 17 16 16

22 21 17 21 20 19 21 21

24 22 23 21 - 23 21 22

PIF score by state

------

Western N. America

Nutt.) vegetation type in the W

atschl 1967, Perry 1973, Behle and Perry 1975, Marti 1977, Steinhoff 1978,

Population trend

----1312141712-141413 ----1413141614-151414

----121110-11-111311 --DD12 -----17--17------

----1918-20--181818 ----1720171817-19-17 --I-17 ----1815181815-171816 ----1917192117-192018 -----13-18--16-- --I-22 ----1919192119-191718

--I-22 ------181717161619171418 ----1010111710-11-10 -D-D1517 ----N/AN/AN/A17--10------10141118--13-11 ----N/A15N/A21--17------N/A252425--25------2120212120-202020 ----N/AN/AN/A18--21--

Quercus gambelii

Gambel oak range

1966-1994 1980-1994 1966-1994 1980-1994 AZ

oodbury and Cottam 1962, T

Species

lters 1981, and Block and others 1992)

lin

Hayward 1948, W Appendix CÐPopulation trends (DeGraaf and Rappole 1995) and Partners in Flight (PIF) concern scores of bird species reported from the gambel oak (

Herons and vultures (Ciconiiformes) Great blue heron Black-crowned night-heron Turkey vulture - - - I 12 12 11 12 12 12 10 13 13

Waterfowl (Anseriformes) Mallard Northern pintail Bufflehead Common goldeneye

Raptors (Falconiformes) Bald eagle Northern harrier Sharp-shinned hawk Cooper’s hawk Northern goshawk Swainson’s hawk Peregrine falcon Red-tailed hawkPrairie falcon I - - I - I D 12 11 12 - 13 22 13 20 13 23 12 21 14 12 20 21 24 19 20 Ferruginous hawk Rough-legged hawk Gallinaceous birds (Galliformes) Golden eagle Chukar American kestrel Gray partridge M Ring-necked pheasant Ruffed grouse Sage grouse Blue grouse California quail

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 25 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

(con.)

20 22 19

18 - 22 - 19

PIF score by physiographic region

0212320-

19 19 18 19 - - 20 20

14 19 15 13 15 15 16 18

23 22 20 - - 21 22 23

PIF score by state

------20--

D-

Western N. America

Population trend

----1313121513-12-12 ------22--24--

-----17N/A15--19--

----1111111112-91010 --DD20

----18161716--181615 ----2221221922-222321 ----1817182215-181817 ----131113121313111413 ----1817172117-191717

----1616161516-161717 --D--20-19 ----1515151615-151615

-D- -17 ----212020201919191921

----1718171918-161820 -I--21 ------22-2122-- ---I202 --

----151414151515151515

----242223282324222322 ----2122222223-222221

Gambel oak range

1966-1994 1980-1994 1966-1994 1980-1994 AZ

(Con.)

Species

Appendix C

Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Spotted sandpiper Franklin’s gull Ring-billed gull - - - I - - - 15 - - 13 - - California gull

Pigeons and doves (Columbiformes) Rock dove Band-tailed pigeon Mourning dove - - D D 12 11 14 9 13 11 10 12 12

Owls (Strigiformes) Barn owl Flammulated owl Western screech-owl Great horned owl Northern pygmy-owl Burrowing owl - - I I 18 22 19 19 - - 17 17 19 Long-eared owl Short-eared owl Northern saw-whet owl

Nightjars (Caprimulgiformes) Common nighthawk Common poorwill

Swifts and hummingbirds (Apodiformes) White-throated swift Black-chinned hummingbird Calliope hummingbird Broad-tailed hummingbird Rufous hummingbird

Kingfishers (Coraciiformes) Belted kingfisher

Woodpeckers (Piciformes) Lewis’ woodpecker Williamson’s sapsucker

26 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

(con.)

---- -

----12

PIF score by physiographic region

19 19 17 16 15 18 19

622201718201819

19 17 22 17 - 18 19 18

16 17 17 15 16 15 19 17

20 20 21 20 - 19 19 18

19 21 18 19 18 16 20 18

PIF score by state

------

Western N. America

III19

Population trend

----2121212121-212221 ----1313141413-141514 ----1715151415-141716 ----2318182018-182120 ----131213131414141412 ----2019212220-21-20

----212020211922192121 --DD19 ----2121202321-202121 ----22N/A23N/A---22- ----1717181617-161918 ----14-15N/A --I-17 ----19N/AN/AN/A ----2520232119--2422 ----17161718--171819 -----141418--14--

------25232325---2322 - ----20N/A20N/A---20-

----1615171715-141617 -----1213- ----181917181817161819 ----201819211921222021 ----171618191619171817 ----15171717171617-15 ----10111011910101210 ----101012111012121112

----1515141515-161515

----171516151516171617

D-D-1917

DDD -171

DD - -18

Gambel oak range

1966-1994 1980-1994 1966-1994 1980-1994 AZ

(Con.)

Species

reo

er’

on’

Appendix C

Red-naped sapsucker Downy woodpecker Hairy woodpecker Willow flycatcher Northern flicker Hammond’s flycatcher Gray flycatcher I - I I 23 20 21 23 - 22 22 23 23 Songbirds and passerines (Passeriformes) Dusky flycatcher Olive-sided flycatcher Cordilleran flycatcher Greater pewee Say’s phoebe Western wood-pewee Dusky-capped flycatcher Ash-throated flycatcher Sulphur-bellied flycatcher Cassin’s kingbird Western kingbird Eastern kingbird Loggerhead shrike Northern shrike Bell’s vireo Plumbeous vireo Hu Warbling vireo - - I I 17 18 20 16 18 - 16 18 17 Red-eyed vireo - - - D - 13 N/A - 13 - - - - St Bl Western scrub-jay Pinyon jay Clark’s nutcracker Black-billed magpie American crow Common raven Horned lark D - D D 14 12 16 9 10 - 11 12 14 Tree swallow Violet-green swallow Northern rough-winged swallow

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 27 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

(con.)

------

PIF score by physiographic region

-N

16 17 19 16 - 15 17 16

13 14 17 12 - 14 14 14

24 25 26 23 24 23 26 22

14 12 18 14 - 12 15 14

PIF score by state

------

D-

Western N. America

Population trend

-----131417131413-14

-----121415121413-15 ----171515201618161817 ----20202121-19192122 ----15161618-15151716 ----1313141214-131414 ----1413151413-141614 ----2119202119--2119 ----1515161715-161615 ----191617181516161616 ----191717191719181718

------D-16 ----151615151616141615 ----161515171516151614 ----231919191719-2320 ----211721201818181919 ----181718211719171816 ----1617182117-191718 ----161518171615151716 ----101110101112101111 ----1615162015-161714 ----1113121311-81112 ----1817182018-20-18 ----10109101010101110 ------13-17131313------22N/A23N/A --- -I--13 ---- -II-26

-D- -13 ----222122232022212321

Gambel oak range

1966-1994 1980-1994 1966-1994 1980-1994 AZ

(Con.)

Species

Appendix C Bank swallow Cliff swallow - I I - 11 11 12 14 11 13 12 13 13 Barn swallow - - - D 12 11 10 12 12 12 13 12 12 Black-capped chickadee Mountain chickadee Juniper titmouse Bushtit Red-breasted nuthatch White-breasted nuthatch Pygmy nuthatch Brown creeper Rock wren Canyon wren Bewick’s wren I - - D 18 16 17 18 16 18 17 19 16 House wren - - I I 11 13 13 13 13 - 10 14 13 Winter wren Golden-crowned kinglet Ruby-crowned kinglet Blue-gray gnatcatcher Western bluebird Mountain bluebird Townsend’s solitaire Veery Hermit thrush American robin Gray catbird Northern mockingbird Sage thrasher European starling Bohemian waxwing Cedar waxwing Olive warbler Tennessee warbler Orange-crowned warbler Nashville warbler Virginia’s warbler Yellow warbler - I - - 14 12 12 13 14 - 13 13 14 Yellow-rumped warbler Black-throated gray warbler

28 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 Bird Communities of Gambel Oak : A Descriptive Analysis Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton

(con.)

16 17 16

17 18 16

---- -

------

PIF score by physiographic region

16 14 16 - 13 15 16

6161815-

0171617-

20 19 18 20 - 18 19 19

19 17 23 19 - 20 - 15

19 21 21 - - - 22 19

14 13 15 14 - 12 14 13

17 15 15 17 - 16 16 15

14 13 13 14 - 12 11 12

15 15 16 14 - 15 15 16

PIF score by state

------

-1

I-

D-

Western N. America

---19

Population trend

------2222222123--2422 ----1414-1814-131513 -----13--

-----17161719-17------28N/A26N/A---2725 ----23-22N/A---23- ---I171 ----181416N/A15--1815 -- ---I172 --DD18 ----191920201919181920 ----181817191717151816 --I-22 ----19161720--161618 ------2120212020-23-20 -----15-1715-15-14 ----1311121311-131312 --I-14 ------D-12 ------1213131113-121314 ----N/A------1917191918-192120

----181918192021191818 --DD14

----139810912101210

D-D-1316 D- I -13

DDDD1113121513-141313

Gambel oak range

1966-1994 1980-1994 1966-1994 1980-1994 AZ

(Con.)

Species

Appendix C

Hermit warbler Grace’s warbler American redstart Northern waterthrush MacGillivray’s warbler Wilson’s warbler Red-faced warbler Painted redstart Yellow-breasted chat Hepatic tanager Clay-colored sparrow Western tanager Brewer’s sparrow Green-tailed towhee Vesper sparrow - D - I 15 15 15 13 14 - 16 15 17 Spotted towheeLark sparrow - - - I 16 17 17 16 16 15 15 18 17 Rufous-crowned sparrow Black-throated sparrow American Tree sparrow Sage sparrow Chipping sparrow Savannah sparrow Fox sparrow Song sparrow Lincoln’s sparrow White-throated sparrow Harris’s sparrow White-crowned sparrow Golden-crowned sparrow Dark-eyed junco Snow bunting Rose-breasted grosbeak Black-headed grosbeak Blue grosbeak I - I I 15 16 15 21 - - 16 16 15 Lazuli bunting Western meadowlark Brewer’s blackbird Brown-headed cowbird Bullock’s oriole - - I - 16 18 19 19 16 - 19 18 18

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000 29 Leidolf, Wolfe, and Pendleton Bird Communities of Gambel Oak: A Descriptive Analysis

1993).

---- -

PIF score by physiographic region

(by physiographic province) or politically (by state).

ive concern score, which thus ranges from 7 to 35, is

e state, as determined by Ligon (1961), Monson and

to become extirpated: global abundance, global breeding

cal conditions (Hunter and others

high (19 to 23), moderate (13 to 18), and low (7 to 12).

g within state or physiographic province, state or

15 16 17 15 - 15 16 15

PIF score by state

Western N. America

< 0.05) change as determined by Breeding Bird Survey data; D = declining, I = increasing, - = trend not significant.

Population trend p

----22202121-20212221 ------25--23------1516161816--1516 ----1818181818-161818 ----121014109-101211 ----1516151518-161616 ----N/A-N/A-

----1215121215-111413 ----10128991010119 --D-15 ----1112131412-131213 ----1414131613-141414

Gambel oak range

1966-1994 1980-1994 1966-1994 1980-1994 AZ

(Con.)

Species

ski

PIF assigns species concern scores using a geographically based prioritization scheme that can be defined either ecologically

Species included have shown a statistically significant (

Includes the following physiographic regions: Basin and Range, Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands, and Southern Rockies. Includes U.S. and Canada, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, excluding Alaska.

62 = Southern Rocky Mountains, 69 = Utah Mountains, 80 = Basin and Range, 84 = Mogollon Rim, 87 = Colorado Plateau (figure 4) Source: Colorado Bird Observatory Database.

Common names and order in which species are presented follow American Ornithologists’ Union (1998).

- = no score reported (e.g., species is winter migrant, vagrant, or transient); N/A = species does not occur in the respectiv

Source: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Database.

b c d e f g h i

Appendix C Scott’s oriole Black rosy-finch Pine grosbeak Cassin’s finch House finch Red crossbill Common redpoll Pi

House sparrow Lesser goldfinch American goldfinch Evening grosbeak Species are assigned a rank score from 1 (low concern) to 5 (high concern) in seven criteria that reflect a species’ potential distribution, global wintering distribution, threats to breeding within state or physiographic province, threats to non-breedin physiographic province population trend, and area importance (abundance and distribution relative to global range). The cumulat then used to assign a species to one of five conservation priority categories: extremely high (30 to 35), very high (24 to 29), Scores are site-specific, that is, they can vary for a given species across different states or physiographic areas based on lo

Phillips (1981), Behle and others (1985), and Andrews and Righter (1992).

30 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. 2000

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