DOCSLIB.ORG

Common Raven (Corvus Corax) Max A

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Common Raven (Corvus corax) Max A. Henschell Ketchikan, AK 5/20/2009 © Doug Leffler (Click to view a comparison of Atlas I to II) Jet black with a shaggy throat, highly varied extensive forest cover. Migration has been recorded at Whitefish Point and Brockway hoarse utterances and an affinity for carrion, the Mountain, though it is most evident only in the Common Raven is often associated with war spring (Binford 2006). The destination of these and death and thus, has earned a less than migrating birds is unclear. endearing place in the avian community. But its ability to problem-solve, count, and even play Historically, the Common Raven was found should earn the Common Raven the title of throughout southern Michigan, into Ohio, Most Intelligent Bird in Michigan. Not the black Indiana and Illinois. Forest clearing and bird you often see in towns of the Upper widespread shooting of Common Ravens led to Peninsula, that position is typically reserved for their extirpation in the three states directly south the smaller American Crow, the wedge-tailed of Michigan, as well as the withdrawal of the Common Raven patrols the treetops of unbroken species into the UP (McPeek and Adams 1994). forests, rolling in the wind and soaring with the eagles. With a Holarctic range, the Common During MBBA II, Common Ravens were found Raven, largest of all songbirds, is a familiar in just over 42% of townships in the state. sight throughout the northern hemisphere. However, due to habitat requirements, it was not evenly distributed throughout the state. The Distribution species was found in more than 80% of the The Common Raven is found throughout North townships in the UP, just over 50% of the America, but is absent in the Great Plains, the blocks in the NLP and in less than 1% of the southeast states and westwards into east Texas. blocks in the SLP. All three regions of the state It can be found in a variety of remote habitats witnessed increases in Common Raven records including deserts, mountains, and tundra as well between the first and second atlas. The NLP as boreal and deciduous forests (Boarman and recorded the largest change in occurrence, up Heinrich 1999). In the Great Lakes, it prefers 25% from MBBA I; the SLP had no records extensive tracts of the latter two habitats for during MBBA I. The MBBA II map shows an breeding. This species is a year-round resident, overall southward extension of Common is far more common in the UP than in the NLP, Raven’s breeding range. and is rarely found in the SLP, which lacks © 2011 Kalamazoo Nature Center Common Raven (Corvus corax) Max A. Henschell Common Ravens occurred most frequently in data show that the number of Common Ravens the northern third of Wisconsin (Matteson 2006) reported per route in 2007 was five times greater and Ontario north of the Precambrian shield than at the beginning of MBBA I (Sauer et al. (Peck 2007). A comparison of the Atlas maps 2008). This increase in the state is paralleled by from Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario shows a regional increases in Common Ravens. The trend that breeding records are rare south of a expansion in range is also evident when line along the southern boundaries of Manistee, comparing MBBA I and MBBA II occurrence Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Ogemaw maps. Eight counties in the NLP had confirmed and Iosco Counties, extended into Wisconsin breeding reports of Common Raven that did not and Ontario. have confirmations in the first Atlas. Breeding Biology Conservation The breeding season for Common Ravens in In the early twentieth century, forest clearing for Michigan begins in February or March, with the agricultural lands and cities throughout New construction of a stick nest of up to four feet in England and the Great Lakes areas removed diameter. These are typically located high in a vast expanses of Common Raven breeding tree, up to 50 ft off the ground, quite often in habitat. Ravens were also persecuted by coniferous trees (McPeek and Adams 1994). poisoning, trapping and shooting during this Nests have also been found on cliff faces. One time period. This change in the landscape was nest found during MBBA II in Marquette accompanied by increased American Crow County was located in the Little Garlic River populations, a species closely associated with Canyon. The habitat was mixed conifer-upland, anthropogenic change (Boarman and Heinrich dominated by hemlock. The nest was above the 1999). Common Ravens were pushed north; river on a ledge of a granitic cliff face. The nest they disappeared from the LP during this time. was similar in size, three to four ft, and height By the middle of the century, reforestation off the ground, 40-50 ft, of those found in trees efforts had reestablished habitat for Common (S. Haas, pers. comm.). Nests are typically lined Ravens. The first successful nest in the LP in with soft material such as hair, shredded bark or decades was in 1976 (Boarman and Heinrich moss (Boarman and Heinrich 1999). 1999). Three to seven eggs are laid less than a week Though protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty after the completion of nest construction. The Act, their similarity to American Crow probably eggs are incubated for 20-25 days, after which results in the accidental shooting of a few the young emerge blind and sparsely covered Common Ravens annually during lawful crow with down. The parents care for the young for harvest activities and under "Depredation order about six weeks, after which the young fledge for blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles, crows and and leave the family area within one week magpies" (50 CFR 21.43 [2008]) which allows (Boarman and Heinrich 1999). for the shooting of American Crows and other blackbirds causing conflicts to humans, crops or Abundance and Population Trends creating health hazards. If this is occurring, this (Click to view trends from the BBS) does not appear to be affecting the population of The Michigan population of Common Raven is Common Ravens, as BBS records are on the estimated at 12,000 birds (PIF 2007), though rise. It appears that the reforestation of the NLP estimates of Common Raven populations are and the Common Raven’s increased tolerance difficult due to their irregular and unpredictable for humans are allowing this species to distribution (Boarman and Heinrich 1999). BBS recolonize areas from which it was extirpated. © 2011 Kalamazoo Nature Center Common Raven (Corvus corax) Max A. Henschell Literature Cited results and analysis 1966-2007. Version 5.15.2008. USGS Patuxent Wildlife Brewer, R., G.A. McPeek, and R.J. Adams Jr. Research Center. Laurel, MD. (eds.). 1991. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Michigan. Michigan State University Press. Suggested Citation East Lansing, MI. Binford, L.C. 2006. Birds of the Keweenaw Henschell, M.A. 2011. Common Raven (Corvus Peninsula, Michigan. MP 195. University of corax). In Chartier, A.T., J.J. Baldy, and Michigan Muzeum of Zoology. Ann Arbor, J.M. Brenneman (eds.). 2010-2011. The MI. Second Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas. Boarman, W.I., and B. Heinrich. 1999. Kalamazoo Nature Center. Kalamazoo, MI. Common Raven (Corvus corax). In The Accessed online at: <www.mibirdatlas.org Birds of North America, No. 476. (A. Poole /Portals/12/MBA2010/CORAaccount.pdf >. and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA Chartier, A.T., and J. Ziarno. 2004. A Birder’s Guide to Michigan. American Birding Association. Colorado Springs, CO. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Title 50, Section 21.43 (2008). Depredation order for blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles, crows and magpies. Matteson, S.W. 2006. Common Raven (Corvus corax). In Cutright, N.J., B.R. Harriman, and R.W. Howe. 2006. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. Waukesha, WI. McPeek, G.A., and R.J. Adams (eds.). 1994. The Birds of Michigan. Indiana University Press. Indianapolis, IN. Partners in Flight (PIF). 2007. PIF Landbird Population Estimates Database [web application]. Version 2004. Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. <http://www. rmbo.org/pif_db/laped/default.aspx>. Peck, G.R. 2007. Common Raven. In Cadman, M.D., D.A. Sutherland, G.G. Beck, D. Lepage, and A.R. Couturier (eds.). 2007. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005. Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Nature. Toronto, Ontario. Sauer, J.R., J.E. Hines, and J. Fallon. 2008. The North American Breeding Bird Survey, © 2011 Kalamazoo Nature Center .
Recommended publications
  • Winged Undertakers Digest the Deceased STORY and PHOTOS by LOWELL WASHBURN

    Winged Undertakers Digest the Deceased STORY and PHOTOS by LOWELL WASHBURN

    nderrated and nappreciated Winged Undertakers Digest the Deceased STORY AND PHOTOS BY LOWELL WASHBURN 28 Iowa outdoors • JULY / AUGUST 2008 Although no one can for sure say why, turkey vultures have become increasingly common during the past two decades. Often referred to as “TVs” by birding enthusiasts, turkey vultures derive their name from the featherless, red heads of adults. And there’s no denying that, at least from a distance, a roosted vulture does somewhat resemble a male wild turkey. There’s good reason for the vulture’s distinctive, though ugly, bare head. As an avid consumer of carrion, TVs routinely forage in some pretty nasty places. The complete lack of head and neck feathers aids in maintaining cleanliness. Contrary to popular belief, vultures are among the cleanest of birds, spending up to four hours per day bathing and preening—more time than is documented for any other Iowa bird. WWW.IOWADNR.GOV 29 “It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.” t’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.” than a bit disgusting. But for hungry vultures, the opportunity We’ve all heard that line a thousand times. represented nothing less than a four-star banquet—an asphalt But for me, the well-worn phrase gained new version of a carrion eater’s 21 Club of New York fame. “ meaning as I paused to watch members of a local After slowing and pulling aside to observe, it quickly Ihighway cleanup crew doing their dirty job. became apparent this bird show was not designed The crew was a gathering of turkey vultures, and for anyone with a queasy stomach.
  • Bird Studies Overview

    Bird Studies Overview

    Chapter 7. Bird Studies Overview teigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge provides a variety of habitats for many species of birds. Thousands of breeding birds rely on the resources of the refuge to Srest, eat, and raise their young. In addition, the refuge supports wetlands that are vital to the survival of migratory birds. The activities that follow offer an excellent opportunity for students to learn about and to observe the different species of birds — their behaviors and adaptations to the habitats on the refuge. Background The actively managed refuge wetlands and grasslands, when combined with the natural floodplain vegetative communities, provide habitat that supports over 200 species of birds. Hundreds of thousands of birds migrate along the lower Columbia River every year. The refuge hosts thousands of migratory birds that fly thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in Arctic Canada and Alaska to their wintering grounds in Baja California or South America, a route known as the Pacific Flyway. The few remaining areas of wetland habitat along the lower Columbia River are vital to the flyway. Some birds spend their winter on refuge wetlands, returning north to nest; some nest here but migrate to milder climates in the south for the winter; and some do not migrate at all but remain in the area as permanent residents. Several of the songbirds found in the summer spend our winters in Central and South America, migrating thousands of miles annually between their summer and winter habitats. Birds using the refuge are specifically adapted to the type of food they eat and the type of habitat they occupy (open water, freshwater wetland, field, riparian woodland, or upland woodland).
  • Cougar-Squak Corridor Park Eastside Audubon Society Bird Survey

    Cougar-Squak Corridor Park Eastside Audubon Society Bird Survey

    Cougar-Squak Corridor Park Eastside Audubon Society Bird Survey Date Range Oct 1, 2015 - Sep 30, 2016 Total Number of Species 57 Total Number of Locations Cougar-Sqauk Corridor Park, Issaquah, WA Checklists 15 Oct-15 Nov-15 Dec-15 Jan-16 Feb-16 Mar-16 Apr-16 May-16 Jun-16 Jul-16 Aug-16 Sep-16 Number of Species 11 11 -- 14 11 25 30 35 36 35 22 16 Number of Individuals 43 48 -- 200 72 221 210 189 372 241 113 63 Number of Checklists 1 1 -- 1 1 1 2 1 3 2 1 1 Oct-15 Nov-15 Dec-15 Jan-16 Feb-16 Mar-16 Apr-16 May-16 Jun-16 Jul-16 Aug-16 Sep-16 Species Name High Count High Count High Count High Count High Count High Count High Count High Count High Count High Count High Count High Count Canada Goose -- -- -- 2 -- 2 1 -- -- -- -- -- Trumpeter/Tundra Swan -- -- -- -- -- 10 -- -- -- -- -- -- Mallard -- -- -- -- -- 4 -- 2 -- -- -- -- Great Blue Heron -- -- -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- -- 1 -- Osprey -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- -- Bald Eagle -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 -- 1 -- -- -- Red-tailed Hawk -- -- -- -- -- -- 2 -- 1 -- -- -- Rock Pigeon -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- -- -- Band-tailed Pigeon -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 3 3 6 -- Northern Pygmy-Owl -- -- -- -- -- 1 1 -- -- -- -- -- Barred Owl -- -- -- -- -- 1 -- 1 1 -- 1 -- Vaux's Swift -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 2 -- Anna's Hummingbird -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 1 1 -- Rufous Hummingbird -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 2 -- -- -- -- Belted Kingfisher -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 -- -- Red-breasted Sapsucker -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 1 1 -- -- -- Downy Woodpecker -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 2 1 -- 6 Hairy Woodpecker 1 2 -- -- --
  • Crows and Ravens Wildlife Notes

    Crows and Ravens Wildlife Notes

    12. Crows & Ravens Crows and ravens belong to the large family Corvidae, along with more than 200 other species including jays, nutcrackers and magpies. These less-than-melodious birds, you may be surprised to learn, are classified as songbirds. raven American Crow insects, grain, fruit, the eggs and young of other birds, Crows are some of the most conspicuous and best known organic garbage and just about anything that they can find of all birds. They are intelligent, wary and adapt well to or overpower. Crows also feed on the carcasses of winter – human activity. As with most other wildlife species, crows and road-killed animals. are considered to have “good” points and “bad” ones— value judgements made strictly by humans. They are found Crows have extremely keen senses of sight and hearing. in all 50 states and parts of Canada and Mexico. They are wary and usually post sentries while they feed. Sentry birds watch for danger, ready to alert the feeding birds with a sharp alarm caw. Once aloft, crows fly at 25 Biology to 30 mph. If a strong tail wind is present, they can hit 60 Also known as the common crow, an adult American mph. These skillful fliers have a large repertoire of moves crow weighs about 20 ounces. Its body length is 15 to 18 designed to throw off airborne predators. inches and its wings span up to three feet. Both males Crows are relatively gregarious. Throughout most of the and females are black from their beaks to the tips of their year, they flock in groups ranging from family units to tails.
  • Turkey Vulture AKA: Turkey Buzzard, Buzzard, Vulture, Carrion Crow, Carrion Buzzard, Etc

    Turkey Vulture AKA: Turkey Buzzard, Buzzard, Vulture, Carrion Crow, Carrion Buzzard, Etc

    Turkey Vulture AKA: Turkey Buzzard, Buzzard, Vulture, Carrion Crow, Carrion Buzzard, etc. Scientific Classification: Animalia, Chordata, Aves, Incertae sedis (disputed), Cathartidae; Cathartes; C. aura. Bird Size & Markings: Adult Turkey Vultures can be 32” long, stand 30” high and have 6 foot wingspans. Males and females have brownish-black body plum- age, silvery-gray flight feathers, bare red heads and a short yellow hooked bill. Turkey Vultures have very limited vocalization; it can only hiss or grunt. Habitat: The Turkey Vulture is the most abundant vulture in the Americas. It is commonly found in open and semi-open areas throughout the Americas from southern Canada to Cape Horn. It is a permanent resident in southern US States, though northern birds may migrate as far as South America. It prefers to roost on tall dead trees or high bare cliffs. It will roost on man-made structures such as water towers, skyscrapers, billboards and other structures of sufficient height. Nesting/Dens: There is little or no construction of a nest; eggs are laid on bare surfaces in protected locations such as a cliff, cave, burrow or inside a hollow A Turkey Vulture’s primary method of defence tree. They lay 1 or 2 eggs for each brood. Chicks fledge 9 to 10 weeks after hatch- is the projection vomiting of semi-digested car- ing. Family groups stay together until fall. rion. This deters most attackers (No doubt!). Food: Turkey Vultures prefer to feed on fresh carrion ranging in size from small mammals and dead fish to dead cattle and other grazers. They prefer fresh car- rion and avoid rotting carcasses.
  • Mount Dewey Trail Checklist

    Mount Dewey Trail Checklist

    Wrangell - Mount Dewey Trail Species Checklist For more information, see https://ak.audubon.org/. Seasons: Spring: March–May Summer: June and July Fall: August–November Winter: December–February Frequency Classification: C = Common: Occurs in essentially all suitable habitats during appropriate seasons, with certain species at times abundant; species should be easy to find. F = Fairly common: Occurs in some or most suitable habitats during appropriate seasons, but less abundant and at times few in number; species often found. U = Uncommon: Occurs in relatively small numbers; species not observed regularly even in proper habitats. R = Rare: Either found in restricted habitat, or occurs most years in small numbers; species difficult to find. V = Very Rare: A species beyond its normal range that may occur intermittently and in very small numbers. + = Accidental: Only one or two historical records to date. Guild Species Sp Su Fa Wi Swans, Geese, Ducks ☐ Canada Goose* C F C F Grouse, Ptarmigan ☐ Sooty Grouse* C C C C Grouse, Ptarmigan ☐ Spruce Grouse* R R R R Herons, Bitterns ☐ Great Blue Heron* F F F U Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Bald Eagle* C C C C Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Northern Goshawk* U U U U Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Osprey* R R R – Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Red-tailed Hawk* U U U V Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Sharp-shinned Hawk* F U F R Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Steller's Sea-Eagle + + + + Falcons ☐ American Kestrel* U V U V Falcons ☐ Merlin* U R U R Alcids ☐ Marbled Murrelet* C C C C Alcids ☐ Rhinoceros Auklet* F F F V Pigeons, Doves ☐ Band-tailed Pigeon*
  • Species Almanac • Nature Activities At

    Species Almanac • Nature Activities At

    The deeriNature Almanac What is the i in deeriNature? Is it information, internet? How about identification. When you go out on the Deer Isle preserves, what species are you almost certain to encounter? Which ones might you wish to identify? Then how do you organize your experience so that learning about the nearly overwhelming richness of nature becomes wonderfully satisfying? A century ago every farmer, medicine woman, and indeed any educated man or woman felt that they should have a solid knowledge of the plants around them. The Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury, Vermont has maintained a Flower Table with labeled specimens since 1905. The Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society has an antique herbarium collection made by Ada Southworth, a Dunham’s point rusticator. Today there are lovely field guides galore but the equivalent of a local list can come to you now by digital download. Here is an almanac, a list of likely plant and animal species (and something about rocks too) for our Deer Isle preserves, arranged according to season and habitat. Enjoy this free e-Book on your desktop, tablet or smartphone. Take this e-book with you on the trails and consult the Point of Interest signs. If you have a smartphone and adequate coverage, at some preserves a QR code will tell you more at the Points of Interest. After each category on the lists you will find suggestions for books to consult or acquire. You will have to read the on line reviews for apps as that field is developing too rapidly for any other approach.
  • COYOTES Animal Damage Control Lakewood, Colorado 80228

    COYOTES Animal Damage Control Lakewood, Colorado 80228

    Jeffrey S. Green Assistant Regional Director USDA-APHIS- COYOTES Animal Damage Control Lakewood, Colorado 80228 F. Robert Henderson Extension Specialist Animal Damage Control Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas 66506-1600 Mark D. Collinge State Director USDA-APHIS- Animal Damage Control Boise, Idaho 83705 Fig. 1. Coyote, Canis latrans Damage Prevention and Shed lambing, kidding, and calving Toxicants usually reduce coyote predation. Control Methods M-44 ejector devices for use with Remove carrion to help limit coyote sodium cyanide-loaded plastic Exclusion populations. capsules. They are most effective Produce livestock in confinement. Frightening Agents and during cold weather (fall to spring). Repellents Herd livestock into pens at night. Livestock protection collars (LPC) Guarding dogs: Some dogs have containing Compound 1080 Exclusion fences (net-wire and/or (sodium monofluoroacetate) are electric), properly constructed and significantly reduced coyote predation. registered for use only in certain maintained, can aid significantly in states. reducing predation. Donkeys and llamas: Some are Fumigants Cultural Methods and aggressive toward canines and have Habitat Modification reduced coyote predation. Gas cartridges are registered as a burrow (den) fumigant. Select pastures that have a lower Sonic and visual repellents: Strobe incidence of predation to reduce lights, sirens, propane cannons, and Trapping exposure of livestock to predation. others have reduced predation on both sheep and calves. Leghold traps (Nos. 3 and 4) are Herding of livestock generally reduces effective and are the most versatile Chemical odor and taste repellents: predation due to human presence control tool. during the herding period. None have shown sufficient effectiveness to be registered for Snares are effective where coyotes pass Change lambing, kidding, and calving use.
  • Predator and Competitor Management Plan for Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

    Predator and Competitor Management Plan for Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

    Appendix J /USFWS Malcolm Grant 2011 Fencing exclosure to protect shorebirds from predators Predator and Competitor Management Plan for Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Background and Introduction Background and Introduction Throughout North America, the presence of a single mammalian predator (e.g., coyote, skunk, and raccoon) or avian predator (e.g., great horned owl, black-crowned night-heron) at a nesting site can result in adult bird mortality, decrease or prevent reproductive success of nesting birds, or cause birds to abandon a nesting site entirely (Butchko and Small 1992, Kress and Hall 2004, Hall and Kress 2008, Nisbet and Welton 1984, USDA 2011). Depredation events and competition with other species for nesting space in one year can also limit the distribution and abundance of breeding birds in following years (USDA 2011, Nisbet 1975). Predator and competitor management on Monomoy refuge is essential to promoting and protecting rare and endangered beach nesting birds at this site, and has been incorporated into annual management plans for several decades. In 2000, the Service extended the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Nesting Season Operating Procedure, Monitoring Protocols, and Competitor/Predator Management Plan, 1998-2000, which was expiring, with the intent to revise and update the plan as part of the CCP process. This appendix fulfills that intent. As presented in chapter 3, all proposed alternatives include an active and adaptive predator and competitor management program, but our preferred alternative is most inclusive and will provide the greatest level of protection and benefit for all species of conservation concern. The option to discontinue the management program was considered but eliminated due to the affirmative responsibility the Service has to protect federally listed threatened and endangered species and migratory birds.
  • California Condor (Gymnogyps Californianus) 5-Year Review

    California Condor (Gymnogyps Californianus) 5-Year Review

    California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Southwest Region June 2013 Acknowledgement: The Service gratefully acknowledges the commitment and efforts of the California Condor Recovery Program partners for their many on-going contributions towards condor recovery. Our partners were instrumental both in ensuring that we used the best available science to craft our analyses and recommendations in this 5-year review and in providing individual feedback that was used to refine this document. Photo Credit: Unless otherwise indicated, all photos, charts, and graphs are products of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Page | 2 5-YEAR REVIEW California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) I. GENERAL INFORMATION Purpose of 5-Year Reviews: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is required by section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) to conduct a status review of each listed species at least once every 5 years. The purpose of a 5-year review is to evaluate whether or not the species’ status has changed since it was listed (or since the most recent 5-year review). Based on the 5- year review, we recommend whether the species should be removed from the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, changed in status from endangered to threatened, or changed in status from threatened to endangered. Our original listing as endangered or threatened is based on the species’ status considering the five threat factors described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. These same five factors are considered in any subsequent reclassification or delisting decisions.
  • Mount Roberts Alpine Checklist

    Mount Roberts Alpine Checklist

    Juneau - Mount Roberts Alpine Species Checklist For more information, see https://ak.audubon.org/. Seasons: Spring: March–May Summer: June and July Fall: August–November Winter: December–February Frequency Classification: C = Common: Occurs in essentially all suitable habitats during appropriate seasons, with certain species at times abundant; species should be easy to find. F = Fairly common: Occurs in some or most suitable habitats during appropriate seasons, but less abundant and at times few in number; species often found. U = Uncommon: Occurs in relatively small numbers; species not observed regularly even in proper habitats. R = Rare: Either found in restricted habitat, or occurs most years in small numbers; species difficult to find. V = Very Rare: A species beyond its normal range that may occur intermittently and in very small numbers. + = Accidental: Only one or two historical records to date. Guild Species Sp Su Fa Wi Swans, Geese, Ducks ☐ Canada Goose* C F C F Grouse, Ptarmigan ☐ Rock Ptarmigan* C C C C Grouse, Ptarmigan ☐ Sooty Grouse* C C C C Grouse, Ptarmigan ☐ White-tailed Ptarmigan* U U U U Grouse, Ptarmigan ☐ Willow Ptarmigan* F F F F Grouse, Ptarmigan ☐ Spruce Grouse* R R R R Herons, Bitterns ☐ Great Blue Heron* F F F U Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Bald Eagle* C C C C Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Golden Eagle* R R R R Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Northern Harrier* U V U V Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Rough-legged Hawk R + R V Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Sharp-shinned Hawk* F U F R Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Steller's Sea-Eagle + + + + Hawks, Eagles, etc. ☐ Northern Goshawk* U U U U Hawks, Eagles, etc.
  • The Vocal Behavior of the American Crow, Corvus Brachyrhynchos

    The Vocal Behavior of the American Crow, Corvus Brachyrhynchos

    THE VOCAL BEHAVIOR OF THE AMERICAN CROW, CORVUS BRACHYRHYNCHOS THESIS Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Sciences in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Robin Tarter, B.S. ***** The Ohio State University 2008 Masters Examination Committee Approved by Dr. Douglas Nelson, Advisor Dr. Mitch Masters _________________________________ Dr. Jill Soha Advisor Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology Graduate Program ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to provide an overview of the vocal behavior of the American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos, and to thereby address questions about the evolutionary significance of crow behavior. I recorded the calls of 71 birds of known sex and age in a family context. Sorting calls by their acoustic characteristics and behavioral contexts, I identified and hypothesized functions for 7 adult and 2 juvenile call types, and in several cases found preferential use of a call type by birds of a particular sex or breeding status. My findings enrich our understanding of crow social behavior. I found that helpers and breeders played different roles in foraging and in protecting family territories from other crows and from predators. My findings may also be useful for human management of crow populations, particularly dispersal attempts using playbacks of crows’ own vocalizations. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Dr. Kevin McGowan of Cornell, Dr. Anne Clark of Binghamton University, and Binghamton graduate student Rebecca Heiss for allowing me to work with their study animals. McGowan, Clark and Heiss shared their data with me, along with huge amounts of information and insight about crow behavior.