Birds with Silviculture in Mind

Focal Birds Pocket Guide for Massachusetts Foresters Identification tips, ecological information, and management options for 17 priority forest bird species Recreated by Mass Audubon from Birds with Authors/Editors/Contributors Tab le of Conte nts Silviculture in Mind: Birder’s Dozen Pocket Guide Wendy Sweetser Ferris Massachusetts Woodlands Institute wferris@ 2 Introduction for Massachusetts Foresters ©2014. franklandlandtrust.org 3 Focal Birds Jennifer Fish Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation 4 How to Use this Guide [email protected] 10 American Woodcock Peter Grima Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation 12 Black-and-white Warbler [email protected] 14 Black-throated Blue Warbler Jeffrey Ritterson Mass Audubon [email protected] 16 Black-throated Green Warbler Margo Servison Mass Audubon [email protected] 18 Brown Thrasher Joan Walsh Mass Audubon [email protected] 20 Canada Warbler Alison Wright-Hunter Massachusetts Department of Conservation and 22 Chestnut-sided Warbler 24 Eastern Towhee Recreation [email protected] 26 Eastern Wood-pewee 28 Mourning Warbler 30 Northern Bobwhite 32 Northern Flicker 34 Ruffed Grouse 36 Veery 38 White-throated Sparrow 40 Wood Thrush 42 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 44 Focal Species Disturbance Associations 46 Table of Massachusetts Nesting Dates Copyright © 2016 by Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. 48 Key to Symbols b Introduction Focal Birds

This guide is designed to assist foresters who are of Conservation and Recreation, and the Massachusetts The Focal Birds are a great starting place for novice birders. Are a conservation priority in the region, or statewide. interested in silviculture that integrates timber and Woodlands Institute for use in Massachusetts. They are also an excellent entry point for those who are bird habitat management in Massachusetts. Information interested in managing forests in Massachusetts with birds Are relatively simple to identify by sight In this guide, we provide considerations and tips for provided here is intended to support the creation of a in mind, and help to connect silvicultural practices with and/or sound. silvicultural options that have the potential to benefit bird habitat plan that adds to and enhances a Stewardship important components of forest bird habitat. The 17 species Collectively use a wide range of forest types the Focal Bird species, along with information on bird plan. Following the bird habitat plan will result in featured in this guide were selected because they: and conditions. identification and habitat requirements. This guide is the implementation of on-the-ground, stand-level, intended to be used in conjunction with its companion Are likely to respond positively to some management practices that can benefit breeding bird document: Managing Forests for Trees and Birds in common silviculture practices. populations while producing timber products. Massachusetts: A Guide to Habitat Assessments and This guide has been adapted from the Vermont Silvicultural Practices. Foresters for the Birds project in consultation with We assume users of these documents have experience in Audubon Vermont. The original Vermont Foresters for silviculture for timber production and an interest in the Birds Toolkit was a collaborative project between the managing for bird habitat as well. Our purpose is to Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation provide relevant bird information, and guidance on and Audubon Vermont. This document was created by integrating bird habitat management concepts with staff at Mass Audubon, the Massachusetts Department accepted and widely applied silvicultural treatments. 2 3 How to use this guide

Small enough to fit in your pocket, this guide is designed ID Tips Habitat Territory to be a quick field reference that can be used during for- Describes the most distinctive and identifying field marks Describes the preferred, highest quality breeding habitat Refers to the area a male defends during the breeding est inventory, timber harvest, and operations. It is not a for males of the species during breeding season. Note that of the species where it is likely to have the greatest season. Territory size is often dependent on the quality comprehensive field guide or a complete guide to the life coloration and patterning can vary between males and reproductive success. Birds often use lower quality habitat of the habitat, with smaller territories being possible in history of these 17 species. This is also not a silvicultural females, juveniles and adults, and breeding and non- when high-quality habitat is not available. Species may higher quality habitat. During the breeding season, some guide. Instead, it is intended to provide a concentrated breeding adults. also change their habitat preferences during different life species may restrict their movements to stay entirely dose of bird-by-bird information that is of interest and stages and seasons, such as after fledging, before and after within their territories. However, most species require value to those who manage forests in Massachusetts and Song breeding, and during migration. a larger area than their territory for foraging. Although want to do so with birds in mind. Describes the most common male song that is used during potentially very useful for making management decisions, breeding season to attract a mate and/or defend a Drawings of habitat features important to each species are these area requirements are often difficult to calculate territory. Birds often sing more than one song, and provided, along with a simple breeding habitat schematic since they are dependent on so many variables. individuals may have their own variations or regional that highlights important attributes for a quick visual dialects. Males and females also often have other reference. A key to these habitat icons can be found at the vocalizations or calls that can be recognized with end of the guide on pages 50-51. additional practice.

4 5 How to use this guide

Food Silvicultural Considerations Non-Native Invasive Plant Species Notes on Massachusetts editions Refers to the main diet and foraging habits and habitats of The Desired Condition describes the forest habitat Non-native, invasive plants, such as bush honeysuckles, In 2014 the Massachusetts team adapted the Vermont the species during the breeding season. Diets and foraging condition that is most desirable for each species and is buckthorn, autumn olive, and Japanese barberry, present Foresters for the Birds documents to address the habits can vary during different life stages and seasons, followed by a table of tips and considerations for a variety of threats to forest health in Massachusetts. conservation needs in forests of Massachusetts west of such as after fledging, before and after breeding, and silvicultural options that have the potential to create or Although some species of native forest birds successfully the Connecticut River. In 2016 the program expanded during migration. enhance habitat for the species. This section is meant to use these shrubby, woody plant species as nesting sites and statewide, and this edition includes a few additional Focal be used as a quick reference for foresters in the field who eat their fruits, the fruits generally have low nutritional Birds to better represent the conservation needs of each would like ideas for how to protect or enhance habitat for value and the invasive plants reduce the diversity of other region. Also, silvicultural options have been simplified particular species or are wondering how a particular nesting and foraging options. In some cases, nest success and grouped into three levels of harvest intensity, giving treatment may impact a species. has been shown to be lower in non-natives than in native foresters more flexibility to achieve timber and habitat vegetation. Overall, non-native, invasive plant species management goals as they see fit. Suggestions within each degrade the quality of native forest bird habitat in our category of harvest intensity are listed under Compatible region. Consideration and control of non-native, invasive Silvicultural Treatments. plant species should be a management objective for every forester practicing in Massachusetts, and may affect opportunities for implementing silvicultural treatments discussed in this publication and its companion document. 6 7 How to use this guide

References Acknowledgements Photo Credits Fish, J., W. Sweetser Ferris, P. Grima, J. Morse, S. The bird identification and habitat information in this Funding for adapting this publication to Massachusetts was Rodney Campbell: Northern Flicker (32) / CC BY 2.0; Sylvester, F. Clark, M. Downey, D. Hutcheson, A. guide was taken primarily from The Birds of North provided through the DCR Working Forest Initiative. Sheila Carroll: Wood Thrush (40); Gerard Dewaghe: Wright-Hunter, M. Servison, J. Walsh, and W. Petersen. America, a web resource managed by the Cornell Lab Fyn Kynd Photography: The original project on which this publication was based Mourning Warbler (28); Eastern 2014. “Birds with Silviculture in Mind: Birder’s Dozen of Ornithology. The information in the Silvicultural John Harrison: was supported by the Northeastern Area State and Private Wood-pewee (26) / CC BY 2.0; Black- Pocket Guide for Massachusetts Foresters.” Considerations section reflects our own application of the Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, and TogetherGreen, a National throated Blue Warbler (14), Black-throated Green Mass Audubon, Massachusetts Department of research in bird habitat requirements and their responses Audubon program with funding from Toyota. Warbler (16), Eastern Towhee (24), Yellow-bellied Conservation and Recreation. to silviculture, along with our personal knowledge Sapsucker (42); Richard Johnson: Ruffed Grouse (34), developed from field experience. By nature, research of Thanks to all of the foresters participating in the Foresters Northern Flicker (32); David Larson: American Hagenbuch, S., K. Manaras, J. Shallow, K. Sharpless, J. these topics is ongoing, and there are still many for the Birds program, who provided feedback on the original Woodcock (10), Black-and-white Warbler (12), Canada Shallow, and M. Snyder. 2011. “Birds with Silviculture in unanswered questions. This information represents our document. Warbler (20), Chestnut-sided Warbler (22); White-throat- Mind: Birder’s Dozen Pocket Guide for Vermont best estimate of how silvicultural treatments will influence ed Sparrow (38); Paul McCarthy: Northern Bobwhite (30); Foresters.” Audubon Vermont and the Vermont and benefit the Focal Birds. We anticipate that Patricia Pierce: Brown Thrasher (18) / CC BY 2.0; Mark Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. recommendations will evolve as our understanding of Thorne: Veery (36). how birds respond to silvicultural treatments advances. Drawings were done by Margaret Fowle with inspiration Please contact Mass Audubon for a complete list of from Laura French. references used in the creation of this guide. 8 9 American Woodcock AMWOAMWO ID Tips A plump bird with a long bill, Silvicultural Considerations Due to the complexity of the habitat requirements and no neck, and short legs; mottled cryptic Desired Condition Maintain or create hardwood or options for management, for silvicultural guidelines coloration. mixedwood forest matrix with a mix of openings and please refer to the Woodcock Conservation Plan prepared

+ SE C W young forest in early stages of regeneration, preferably by the Wildlife Management Institute available at Song A nasal beeping peent heard mostly ScolopaxScolopax minor minor near an alder swale or other shrub wetland. www.timberdoodle.org. at dusk; also twittering wing sound when in flight. Management decisions will be based on existing conditions Habitat Hardwood or mixedwood forest matrix with a mix of openings and young Habitat forest in early stages of regeneration. Uses habitats in the following categories Singing grounds Forest openings, fields, and regenerating fields that are at least 0.5 acres in size and less than 300 feet from diurnal cover. Here males perform display and courtship depending on activity, time of day, and activities in the spring. season: see opposite page. Territory Males defend peenting areas in Diurnal Cover Hardwood or mixedwood forest with moderately open canopy (about 60% cover) singing grounds with spacing between and dense shrub layer (about 80% cover). Prefers sites with alder, birch, and aspen species near singing ground with moist soil and an abundance of earthworms. birds ≥ 150 feet. Birds form small clusters in other habitats and are not territorial. Nocturnal Cover Regenerating fields and pastures at least 3-5 acres in size with shrubby, dense cover Nest Scrape on ground in dead leaves. for roosting.

Food Primarily earthworms; also eats Nesting and Young, dense hardwood sapling stands near singing grounds and diurnal cover various insects and larvae, snails, brood-rearing habitat with moist soil and an abundance of earthworms. millipedes, centipedes, spiders, and seeds.

10 11 Black-and-White Warbler BAWW ID Tips Body streaked with bold black Silvicultural Considerations ! Forest fragmentation should be avoided. and white stripes; black wings highlighted Desired Condition Maintain or create hardwood or ! As a breeding species, typically absent from woodlots by two wide, white wing-bars. mixedwood forest matrix with a mix of openings and under 18.5 acres.

+ SE C W young forest in early stages of regeneration (<20 years Mniotilta varia Song Males sing a high, thin, mechanical, repetitive song of weesa old), preferably near an alder swale or other shrub weesa weesa weesa weesa. Typically lasts wetland. 3 seconds. Habitat Partially open mature or second- Management decisions will be based on existing conditions growth hardwood and mixedwood forests Compatible with 70% canopy cover; also uses swampy Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations forests. Requires high density of large (>12.6” DBH) trees and a dense under- Option 0 • Increase dead woody material story (0’-5’ layer). Likes a high density Do nothing • Control invasive plants of hardwood saplings and is negatively associated with pine saplings. Uses early Option 1 • Crop Tree Release – Increase number of large-diameter trees in the stand, successional habitat during post-fledging Low intensity canopy gap formation create small patches of regeneration. period. • Variable Retention Thinning

Nest Open cup on ground against shrub, Option 2 • Shelterwood with Reserves Results in dense regeneration that may be used during the tree, rock, or stump; well-hidden. Com- Moderate intensity post-fledging period. Best used to regenerate hardwoods posed of dry leaves, coarse grass, strips or mixedwoods. of inner bark, pine needles, and rootlets; lined with finer grasses, mosses. Option 3 • Clearcut with Retention Results in dense regeneration that may be used during the High intensity • Clearcut with Reserves post-fledging period. Retain legacy trees. Food Like a nuthatch, forages mainly for insects and caterpillars along the trunks 12 and limbs of trees. 13 Black-throated Blue Warbler BTBW ID Tips Deep blue on top with black Silvicultural Considerations mask and throat; white wing-patch Desired Condition Maintain or create hardwood and “handkerchief.” mixedwood stands with 50%-80% canopy cover and a C W dense understory (0’-5’ layer). Setophaga caerulescens Song A thick and buzzy I’m-so-la-zeee with endnote rising. Habitat Large, continuous tracts (250+ Management decisions will be based on existing conditions acres) of hardwood or mixedwood with Compatible 50%-80% canopy cover and a dense Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations understory (0’-5’ layer) of hobblebush and/or small saplings of sugar maple, Option 0 • Increase dead woody material • Control invasive plants American beech, striped maple, and Do nothing softwoods. Option 1 • Crop Tree Release with Keep group width <2x the canopy height, Nest Open cup of bark strips held Low intensity Gap Formation protect advanced regeneration. together with spider web and saliva • Small Group and Single Tree Selection placed in the fork of a sapling or shrub • Variable Retention Thinning in 0’-5’ layer. Food Insectivorous, feeding largely on Option 2 • Small Group Selection Greatest increase in understory density occurs between moth and butterfly larvae and adults. Moderate intensity • Shelterwood with Reserves seed and removal cuttings. Maintain >50% canopy cover. • Expanding Gap Shelterwood

14 15 Black-throated Green Warbler BTNW ID Tips Bright yellow face, olive head and Silvicultural Considerations ! BTNW avoids road edges and forested openings up to back; black throat drips down sides onto Desired Condition Maintain or create well-stocked, ~650 feet from edge or opening. white belly; two white wing-bars. uneven-aged mixedwood and softwood sawtimber stands ! Consider attempting to regenerate softwoods on sites C W with >80% canopy cover. dominated by red maple that may be present as a result Setophaga virens Song To attract females, males sing zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee (also known as of heavy softwood cutting in the past. I’m-black-throated-green); to defend ! Retain softwood inclusions in hardwood stands; favor territorial boundaries zoo-zee-zoo- red spruce and eastern hemlock. zoo-zee (also known as trees-trees- murmuring-trees). Management decisions will be based on existing conditions Habitat Prefers large, continuous tracts (250+ acres) of closed-canopy (>80% Compatible Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations cover) softwood or mixedwood forests. Often strongly associated with red spruce Option 0 • Increase dead woody material in boreal forests and with eastern hemlock Do nothing • Control invasive plants in non-boreal forests. Option 1 • Crop Tree Release with Gap Enhance weak softwood component or regenerate Territory Average of 1.6 acres in hemlock- Low intensity Formation new softwood. Enhance uneven-aged structure. beech forest in New York. Smaller in • Single Tree Selection dense, softwood stands than in mixed- • Variable Retention Thinning wood stands. Nest Open cup placed in crotch of shrub or within a group of thin vertical stems, typically 3-10 feet off ground. Food Insectivorous; gleans from small 16 branches and needles on conifers. 17 Brown Thrasher BRTH ID Tips Approximately robin-sized, but Silvicultural Considerations more slender with a long tail and short Desired Condition Maintain or create areas with 10%- bill. Rufous brown above, and thick dark 30% canopy cover, and high density of woody stems in the SE + streaks below. Note the two white wing- understory. Area should be ≥2.5 acres. Toxostoma rufum bars. Song In the same family as mockingbirds Management decisions will be based on existing conditions and catbirds, the song is similar. The large repertoire of short phrases are sung Compatible Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations back-to-back and repeated twice. Plant a seed, plant a seed, bury it, bury it, cover it Option 0 • Increase dead woody material up, cover it up. Do nothing • Control invasive plants Habitat Dense thickets, hedgerows, Option 2 • Shelterwood Ideal habitat will occur when 10%-30% overgrown clearings within large areas Moderate intensity • Shelterwood with Reserves canopy cover occurs. of mixedwood. Dry scrub understory as found in the pine forests in the southeast Option 3 • Clearcut with Retention Retain native shrubs for nesting structure. region of the state. Requires leaf litter to High intensity • Clearcut with Reserves forage in. Nest A bulky cup placed on the ground at the base of a shrub or tree, or low in a fork or tangle of vegetation, usually below 7 feet. Food Primarily beetles and other insects; also fruits and nuts. Forages on ground in 18 leaf litter. 19 Canada Warbler CAWA ID Tips Necklace of black stripes on Silvicultural Considerations ! Leave as much woody debris on-site as possible, and bright yellow throat and belly; complete Desired Condition Maintain or create mixedwood stands do not disturb tip-ups or logs in or near wet areas white eye-ring. with 50%-70% canopy cover, a dense understory (0’-5’) during harvest. SE C W + and midstory (6’-30’), and an uneven forest floor. ! Avoid operating in forested wetlands and riparian Song Cardellina canadensis Often has soft introductory chips, areas. then I’m-IN-here, but-you-CAN’T-SEE- ! Retain softwood inclusions in hardwood stands. ME. Habitat Most abundant in moist, Management decisions will be based on existing conditions mixedwood forests with a 50%-70% canopy cover and dense understory (0’-5’) Compatible and midstory (6’-30’). Often found in Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations swamps, riparian areas, and upland Option 0 • Increase dead woody material forests with mossy hummocks, root Do nothing • Control invasive plants masses, and downed logs. Nest Open cup on or near ground on Option 1 • Crop Tree Release with Gap Openings of at least 1 acre in size are more likely to Low intensity Formation attract a nesting pair. mossy hummock, stump or log, or • Group and Single Trees upturned tree roots. Selection Most appropriate in hardwood or mixedwood stands. Food Flying insects and spiders. Desired condition may persist for several years post- removal cuttings.

Option 2 • Expanding Gap Shelterwood Retain native shrubs for nesting structure, and small Moderate intensity • Shelterwood with Reserves scattered trees for singing perches.

20 21 Chestnut-sided Warbler CSWA ID Tips Yellow crown, black moustache Silvicultural Considerations ! Areas that will be maintained as open-canopy, early stripe, and chestnut sides following Desired Condition Maintain or create well-stocked successional habitat should be cut on a 7-10 year cycle. contour of wings; tail held cocked above hardwood seedling/sapling stands ≥ 1 acre in size with + SE C W wingtips. <30% canopy cover. Setophaga pensylvanica Song Fast Please-please-pleased-to-meet-cha with emphatic ending. Management decisions will be based on existing conditions Habitat Young (5-15 years old) Compatible hardwood forest with <30% canopy cover Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations and dense shrubs and saplings 3-10 feet Option 0 • Increase dead woody material high for nesting and foraging. Some Do nothing • Control invasive plants larger saplings used as singing perches and to obscure nests. Option 2 • Small Group Selection Openings of at least 1 acre in size are more likely to attract Territory 2-2.5 acres. Moderate intensity • Shelterwood with Reserves a nesting pair. • Shelterwood Nest Open cup placed in crotch of small Most appropriate in hardwood or mixedwood stands. shrub or within a group of small-diame- Desired condition may persist for several years post- ter, vertical stems less than 6.5 feet off the removal cuttings. ground. Option 3 • Clearcut Retain native shrubs for nesting structure, and small Food Insectivorous; prefers caterpillars High intensity • Clearcut with Reserves scattered trees for singing perches. and fly larvae.

22 23 Eastern Towhee EATO ID Tips Bold, sooty black above and on Silvicultural Considerations ! Areas that will be maintained as open-canopy, early throat; warm rufous sides and white belly. Desired Condition Maintain young forest habitat with successional habitat should be cut on a 7-10 year cycle. Shows white in the tail in flight. few standing trees and dense brushy understory. SE C W + This species will benefit from larger (>5 acres), more Song Song is a loud drink-your-teeea! Pipilo erythrophthalmus complete cuts. lasting about 1 second. Call is a bold che-wink. Habitat Occupies early successional open Management decisions will be based on existing conditions or edge habitats; requires dense brushy Compatible understory (0’-5’ layer) and well- Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations developed litter layer. Open-canopy Option 0 • Increase dead woody material (~20% cover) woodlands required. Do nothing • Control invasive plants Territory 0.65 acres in pine barrens in southeastern Massachusetts; 4 acres in Option 2 • Shelterwood with Reserves Gaps and/or open midstory create foraging opportunities moist oak forests and 3 acres in dry pine- Moderate intensity oak forests in New Jersey. Option 3 • Expanding Gap Shelterwood Nest On or near ground in brushy cover High intensity • Shelterwood with Reserves or low in a shrub. Open cup made of bark strips, grapevine bark, twigs, dead leaves, and leaf stems. Lined with fine grasses, rootlets, or animal hair. Food Omnivorous; seeds, fruits, and invertebrates. Often scratches noisily 24 through leaf litter. 25 Eastern Wood-pewee EAWP ID Tips A flycatcher; slender, small Silvicultural Considerations headed, and grayish-olive above with dull, Desired Condition Maintain or create hardwood white wing-bars; “sallies” for insects pole/sawtimber stands with >80% canopy cover, gaps, SE C W (flying out from perch and then back and open midstory (6’-30’ layer) near forest openings Contopus virens again). and edges. Song Plaintive pee-ahh-weee. Habitat Hardwood forests with closed Management decisions will be based on existing conditions (>80%) canopy cover and open midstory Compatible (6’-30’ layer) near openings and edges. Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations

Territory Variable: 1.4-3.1 acres in Option 0 • Increase dead woody material lowland forest in Illinois and average of Do nothing • Control invasive plants 19.3 acres in forest stands in Wisconsin. Option 1 • Crop Tree Release with Gaps and/or open midstory create foraging opportunities Nest Shallow cup of woven grass covered Low intensity Gap Formation on outside with lichens placed on the • Variable Retention Thinning horizontal limb of a tree. Option 2 • Expanding Gap Shelterwood Food Insectivorous; primarily catches Moderate intensity • Group and Single Tree flying insects taken in the air on forays Selection from a prominent perch.

26 27 Mourning Warbler MOWA ID Tips Olive green on the back and Silvicultural Considerations ! Management in forests with a spruce or fir component wings, rich yellow below. Both sexes have Desired Condition Maintain or create conditions with is especially desirable. a gray hood covering the head, and the <50% canopy cover and a dense understory of brambles, ! Areas maintained as habitat should be treated on a 7-10 W + males have a black breast. ferns, and mixedwood tree regeneration. If possible, year cycle. Geothlypis philadelphia treatment areas should be 10 acres or greater, but will Song A rhythmic and rolling chirry chirry respond positively to smaller treatments. chirry, chorry chorry. A series of chirry phrases always come before the chorry phrases, and are higher pitched. Management decisions will be based on existing conditions Habitat Colonizes sites 1-3 years post- Compatible disturbance, declining after 10 years, with Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations a dense undergrowth of mixed trees, Option 0 • Increase dead woody material fern and Rubus. Most nesting sites are Do nothing • Control invasive plants in higher elevations (>1,000 ft), and on a slight slope. Canopy cover <50%. Option 2 • Shelterwood, Shelterwood Good habitat can exist in many stages of shelterwood Territory 1-2 acres. Moderate intensity with Reserves when canopy cover is <50% • Patch Selection Nest Open cup with fine roots, grasses, and hair lining an outer shell of bark, Option 3 • Clearcut leaves, grasses, and weed stalks. Generally High intensity • Clearcut with Reserves placed on or near ground. • Clearcut with Retention Food Insectivorous; forages while hopping among branches, usually less than 10 feet high. 28 29 Northern Bobwhite NOBO ID Tips A small (10 inches), ground- Silvicultural Considerations ! Allow the corners and edges of fields to grow into dwelling, round chicken-like bird with Desired Condition Create open conditions with <50% natural brushy cover. short legs and a short tail. Body intricately canopy cover in upland pine and mixedwood stands ! Some woody cover is essential to keep the ground + SE marked with browns and rusty reds, and in close proximity to fields and brushy areas. Frequent in some areas snow free for foraging. a striking, bold pattern on the head. Colinus virginianus disturbances (1-5 years) to small patches of the understory ! Prescribed burns can be particularly important to Song An emphatically whistled bob white, from mechanical treatments or prescribed fire is desirable. rejuvenate herbaceous vegetation. with the second phrase often ascending in pitch. Management decisions will be based on existing conditions Habitat A mosaic of small (2-12 acres) patches of various early successional Compatible habitats including small fields with brushy Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations edges and hedgerows, open pine oak Option 0 • Increase dead woody material forests with shrubs and herbaceous cover, Do nothing • Control invasive plants all within the same 30 acres or so. Territory Social. Family groups form Option 2 • Small Group Selection flocks during the breeding season, and Moderate intensity • Shelterwood, Shelterwood larger coveys of usually 10-15 individuals with Reserves during the rest of the year. • Expanding Gap Shelterwood

Nest A scrape or depression in the ground Option 3 • Clearcut with Reserves Retention of some trees is important to keep lined with grasses and dead vegetation. High intensity • Clearcut with Retention snow off the ground for foraging. An arch of weeds and grasses are woven above to conceal it. Food Leaves and seeds, supplemented by insects. 30 31 Northern Flicker NOFL ID Tips A large woodpecker with a gray- Silvicultural Considerations ! Generally avoids deep mature woods. brown head. Body has attractive black Desired Condition Create snags ≥13 inches DBH in open spots, bars, and scallops over an olive woodlands and forest edges. Retain any existing snags. SE C yellow background. Shows a flashy white Colaptes auratus rump in flight. Song Primary vocalizations are a loud, Management decisions will be based on existing conditions emphatic peah, and a rapid kikikikikikiki (similar to Pileated Woodpecker, but Compatible sustained for longer and not descending Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations at end). Option 0 • Increase dead woody Habitat Forest edge and open woodlands. Do nothing material, especially snags These areas include flooded or burned • Control invasive plants areas with many snags, woodlots, and settled areas in suburbs, small towns, or Option 2 • Shelterwood, Shelterwood Retain cavity trees and snags. Create snags where lacking. even cities. Included as a Focal Bird to Moderate intensity with Reserves represent cavity nesters in the central and • Patch Selection southeast ecoregions. Territory Defends a small area around Option 3 • Clearcut Retain cavity trees and snags. Create snags where lacking. nest site, but not food resources. Density High intensity • Clearcut with Reserves of breeding pairs largely related to the • Clearcut with Retention density of snags and cavity trees. Nest A bed of woodchips within a tree cavity, usually in a dead tree or dead portion of tree. Food Insects, mostly ants. Will also eat fruit and seeds, especially in the winter. 32 33 Ruffed Grouse (also known as Partridge) RUGR ID Tips Chicken-sized game bird; Silvicultural Considerations ! Requires presence of small clearings (<1 acre). intricately patterned with dark bars and Desired Condition Maintain or create hardwood or spots on either a reddish-brown or grayish mixedwood forest matrix with a mix of openings and + SE C W background; tail thinly barred with one young forest in early stages of regeneration (<20 years Bonasa umbellus thick black bar near the tip; crested head. old). Retain downed logs for drumming sites. Song In spring male produces a low, rhythmic “drumming” sound on downed timber. Management decisions will be based on existing conditions Habitat Closely associated with quaking Compatible aspen; brushy, mixed-age woodlands, Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations successional to mature hardwood and Option 0 • Increase downed woody mixed forests. Dense understory (0’-5’ Do nothing material layer) and fairly open herbaceous ground • Cut a large aspen to get root cover needed for hens with broods. sprouts Males require drumming sites in dense • Control invasive plants hardwood saplings. More mature woodlands used in winter. Option 1 • Crop Tree Release with Retain some aspen, cherry, and birch when present. Nest An excavated bowl on dry ground Low intensity Canopy Gap Formation under dense cover at the base of a tree or • Variable Retention Thinning solid object; lined with bits of vegetation; • Small-Group and Single- very often near opening and close to a Tree Selection water source. Option 2 • Expanding Gap Shelterwood Retain coarse woody material in gaps for drumming. Food Insects, fruit, leaves; buds of birch, Moderate intensity • Shelterwood with Reserves Regenerate aspen if present. aspen, hazel, hophornbeam, and cherry in winter. Option 3 • Clearcut Locate near open, mature woods. 34 High intensity • Clearcut with Reserves 35 Veery VEER ID Tips Tawny-brown above, weakly Silvicultural Considerations ! Maintain closed-canopy buffers along beaver ponds, spotted on breast; least spotted of all the Desired Condition Maintain or create hardwood stands wetlands, and riparian areas. thrushes. with 30%-80% canopy cover and a dense understory ! Leave as much slash, stumps, tip-ups, and woody debris SE C W + (0’-5’ layer) proximate to wetlands and/or riparian areas. on-site as possible to provide shelter and nest sites; Song Catharus fuscescens Flute-like and ethereal; ball spiral- delimb trees where felled. ing down a tube; call an emphatic veer! Habitat Damp, hardwood forest with Management decisions will be based on existing conditions intermediate (30%-80%) canopy cover and a dense understory (0’-5’ layer). Compatible Often associated with riparian areas, Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations regenerating forests, and beaver wetlands. Option 0 • Increase dead woody material Nest Cup of dead leaves, bark, and mud- Do nothing • Supplemental planting of like leaf mold lined with fine fibers placed soft mast on ground or in a low shrub or brush pile. • Control invasive plants Food Insects, spiders, centipedes, pill Option 1 • Crop Tree Release with Gap Take all opportunities to protect advanced regeneration. bugs, and fruits. Primarily forages on the Low intensity Formation ground, but also in the foliage. • Group and Single Tree Selection

Option 2 • Expanding Gap Shelterwood Greatest increase in understory density occurs between Moderate intensity • Shelterwood with Reserves seed and removal cuttings. Encourage coppicing if appropriate to enhance understory.

36 37 White-throated Sparrow WTSP ID Tips White throat with yellow in Silvicultural Considerations ! Leave as much slash, stumps, tip-ups, and woody front of eyes; white and black or buff and Desired Condition Maintain or create uneven-aged material along edges of openings as possible to provide brown stripes on head; gray chest. mixedwood and softwood sawtimber stands containing cover. C W + openings with <50% canopy cover and dense understory ! Maintain closed-canopy buffers along beaver ponds, Song Clear whistled, Poor Sam Peabody Zonotrichia albicollis (0’-5’ layer). wetlands, and riparian areas. Peabody Peabody. ! Retain softwood inclusions in hardwood stands. Habitat Softwood and mixedwood forests ! Areas that will be maintained as open-canopy, early containing young forest openings with successional habitat should be cut on a 7-10 year cycle. <50% canopy cover and dense understory (0’-5’ layer) for cover. Management decisions will be based on existing conditions Territory 0.5-2.5 acres in Ontario. Males Compatible are known to forage in a surrounding area Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations at least three times the size of defended Option 0 • Increase downed wood, territories Do nothing including piles of fine woody Nest Open cup placed on or just above material • Supplemental planting of ground along the edge of an opening. soft mast Food Primarily insects, greens, and fruits • Control invasive plants foraged from vegetation (low shrubs and Option 2 • Small Group Selection Locate groups to release advanced softwood regeneration lower branches of conifers) and on the Moderate intensity • Expanding Gap Shelterwood in hardwood stands. Desired shelterwood condition exists ground; also seeds. Prefers to forage along • Shelterwood, Shelterwood between seed and removal cuttings. the edges of openings near dense cover. with Reserves

Option 3 • Clearcut with Patch White-throated Sparrow is more likely to use retained High intensity Retention patches than harvested openings. Retain at least a 38 0.5-acre patch for every 10 acres harvested. 39 Wood Thrush WOTH ID Tips Brown back, heavily spotted on Silvicultural Considerations ! WOTH are area sensitive. In a heavily forested (90+%) white breast; large thrush a little smaller Desired Condition Maintain or create well-stocked, landscape, a patch of at least 70 acres is needed for than an American Robin. uneven-aged, sawtimber hardwood stands with >80% successful breeding. Larger patches are needed in less SE C W + canopy cover and moist leaf litter. forested landscapes. Song A flute-like ee-oh-layyy, ending in a Hylocichla mustelina ! Avoid disturbance and desiccation of leaf litter and soil sound like shattering glass. conditions; consider operating in winter. Habitat Interior and edges of hardwood and mixedwood forest. Prefers stands Management decisions will be based on existing conditions with canopy >50 feet in height, a diversity of hardwood tree species, Compatible moderate midstory closure and shrub Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations density, shade, fairly open forest floor, Option 0 • Increase dead woody material moist soil, and decaying leaf litter. Do nothing • Promote or plant soft mast Territory 0.2-7 acres. • Control invasive plants

Nest Open cup of leaves and grasses lined Option 1 • Crop Tree Release with Favor or retain a diversity of hardwood species. with mud, placed on lower limb of a tree Low intensity Gap Formation or shrub 10-13 feet off the ground and • Small Group and Single well-hidden among leaves in a shady area. Tree Selection • Variable Retention Thinning Food Mostly soil invertebrates; some fruits. Primarily forages on ground in leaf litter or on semi-bare ground under forest canopy.

40 41 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker YBSA ID Tips Messy barring on back; yellowish Silvicultural Considerations ! Recruit dry snags through girdling if suitable snags for wash across belly. Vertical white stripe Desired Condition Maintain or create hardwood and nesting are lacking. on side distinguishes it from other mixedwood sawtimber stands with 30%-80% canopy ! Don’t cut all large, unmerchantable trees and retain W woodpeckers. cover, and some dead and dry or live hardwood trees some large, healthy trees that are not hollow or Sphyrapicus varius with central decay for nest sites. damaged to develop into suitable nest trees in the Song Drum burst of 5 rapid taps followed future. by gradually slowing double taps; call a ! Retain as many live and dying aspen and birch ≥13 QUEEah. inches DBH as possible — particularly along forest edges. Leave snags and cavity trees in clusters or in Habitat Hardwood and mixedwoods untreated areas. with high percentage of intolerant species, especially aspen and birch. Requires hard- Management decisions will be based on existing conditions wood trees with central decay column for nest cavities. Compatible Silvicultural Options Silviculture Treatments Tips and Considerations Territory Variable. Average of 5 acres in Ontario. Option 0 • Increase downed woody material 13+ inch DBH Do nothing • Create snags through girdling Nest Cavity in dead or live tree with • Control invasive plants central decay column. Prefers quaking aspen ≥13 inches DBH infected with the Option 1 • Variable Retention Thinning Retain existing and potential future nest trees; consider heartwood decay fungus Fomes igniarius Low intensity girdling 13+ inch DBH UGS to recruit snags. var. populinus. Option 2 • Shelterwood Desired condition exists between seed and removal Food Sap from a diversity of woody plant Moderate intensity • Shelterwood with Reserves cuttings when canopy is 30%-80% closed. species, insects, inner bark and cambium Option 3 • Clearcut with Patch Retention Retain existing and potential future nest trees along layers, fruits, and seeds. Drills and High intensity edges of cut and reserves. maintains sap wells along trunk below crown and above lowest living branches. Retain existing and potential future nest trees along 42 edges of cut and retained patches. 43 Focal Species Disturbance Associations

Natural Disturbance Management Canopy Regime Objective Cover Deciduous to Mixed Forest Coniferous to Mixed Forest

Stand-replacing Maintain patches of young forest, Open Eastern Towhee Mourning Warbler disturbances 5-15 years old, >2.5 acres in size (0%-30%) Chestnut-sided Warbler Northern Bobwhite† >2.5 acres in size Mourning Warbler Ruffed Grouse American Woodcock† Brown Thrasher Northern Bobwhite† Northern Flicker Canopy gaps Create canopy gaps to encourage Intermediate Black-and-white Warbler White-throated Sparrow and pockets of dense regeneration in pockets (30%-80%) Black-throated Blue Warbler Canada Warbler regeneration 0.25-0.75 acres in size Canada Warbler 0.25-0.75 acres in size Eastern Wood-pewee Ruffed Grouse * Focal Birds are grouped according to habitat features they strongly Veery associate with. They may be found in a wider variety of conditions Wood Thrush than shown here. Northern Flicker † These species require other nearby habitat types in addition to early Small and infrequent Minimize gap size and frequency. Closed Black-and-white Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler successional forest. disturbances that Favor large, old trees and snags. (80%-100%) Black-throated Blue Warbler maintain an average of Maintain >80% average canopy Canada Warbler >80% canopy cover cover in the stand. Eastern Wood-pewee Wood Thrush Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 44 45 Table of Massachusetts Nesting Dates

Note that there are other forest songbird species that begin breeding earlier or end breeding later than those shown here. Reference: Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas 2

Bird Species Nesting Dates APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST Bird Species Nesting Dates APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST

American Woodcock 15 Apr – 15 Jul Eastern Wood-pewee 5 Jun - 1 Aug Black-and-White Warbler 25 May - 1 Aug Mourning Warbler 5 Jun - 30 Jul Black-throated Blue Warbler 25 May - 10 Aug Northern Bobwhite 15 Mar - 15 Oct Black-throated Green Warbler 25 May - 5 Aug Northern Flicker 5 May - 15 Jul Brown Thrasher 15 Apr - 15 Aug Ruffed Grouse 15 May - 30 Jul Canada Warbler 5 Jun - 1 Aug Veery 25 May - 10 Aug Chestnut-sided Warbler 25 May - 1 Aug White-throated Sparrow 20 May - 20 Aug Eastern Towhee 1 May - 10 Aug Wood Thrush 25 May – 10 Aug Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 20 May – 10 Aug

46 47 Key to Symbols

! Caution! State of the Birds Ranking + Massachusetts Conservation Species of Greatest Conservation Need Regions A consideration or tip that is especially important Using the data from the Massachusetts Breeding Bird for this species. Atlas 2, Mass Audubon assigned conservation status ranks A bird species that has been identified by the SE Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife as to the bird species that breed in Massachusetts. C Northeastern Coastal Zone being in greatest conservation need in the state of Northeastern Highlands Species is likely decreasing in Massachusetts. Massachusetts due to rarity, population decline, and/or W Continued action/monitoring needed vulnerability to habitat loss from threats such as fragmentation, forest succession, invasive species, Species is showing a strong decline in Massachusetts. and/or conversion. Conservation action urgent.

Focal Birds also Listed as Massachusetts Species of Greatest Conservation Need include:

American Woodcock Mourning Warbler Black-and-white Warbler Northern Bobwhite Brown Thrasher Ruffed Grouse Canada Warbler White-throated Sparrow Eastern Towhee Wood Thrush

48 49 Key to Habitat Feature Icons

Forest Type Associated Wood Species

hardwood mixedwood softwood early sucessional/ alder, birch quaking aspen hobblebush eastern hemlock oak young forest and aspen and red spruce

Food Other

earthworms moths and caterpillars crickets grasshoppers spiders requires multiple area sensitive; forested riparian areas beaver wetlands uneven forest 1+ acre butterflies habitat types near requires large wetlands floor opening in each other forested patches forest matrix

flying insects beetles fruits/soft mast soil sap and singing perch perch on edge opening/edge thick leaf litter snag or drumming log invertebrates cambium in opening of opening cavity tree Atlantic Flyway Eastern Forest Priority Birds Breeding in Massachusetts

This list contains forest bird species that have been determined by the Young Hardwood and Mature Hardwood and • Northern Saw-whet Owl * Focal Birds National Audubon Society to be of conservation priority in the Northern Mixedwood Forest Mixedwood Forest Dark-eyed Junco • To learn more about these Forest Biome and the Eastern Deciduous Forest Biome in the Atlantic American Woodcock* American Redstart • • • Red-shouldered Hawk species, check out the Flyway. These species are included because they have a large proportion • Canada Warbler* • Blackburnian Warbler • Tufted Titmouse Massachusetts Breeding of their global population within one of the biomes and may be declining • Chestnut-sided Warbler* • Black-throated Blue Warbler* • Red-bellied Woodpecker Bird Atlas 2, found at www.massaudubon.org/ in their breeding range. Massachusetts is part of both the Northern Forest Magnolia Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler* Pine Warbler • • • birdatlas/bba2. Biome and the Eastern Deciduous Forest Biome. • Mourning Warbler* • Blue-headed Vireo • Nashville Warbler • Chimney Swift Boreal/High Elevation Forest Colors correspond to the species Massachusetts State of the Birds ranking. • Northern Flicker* • Eastern Wood-Pewee* • Blackpoll Warbler • No Action – Strong Increase • Ruffed Grouse* • Northern Parula • Yellow-bellied Flycatcher • No Action – Likely Increase • White-throated Sparrow* • Ovenbird • Monitor to Ensure Stability • Eastern Towhee* • Purple Finch Wetlands and Watercourses • Continued Action/Monitoring Needed • Least Flycatcher • Scarlet Tanager • Alder Flycatcher • Conservation Action Urgent • White-eyed Vireo • Veery* • Swamp Sparrow • Not enough information to rank • Blue-winged Warbler • Wood Thrush* • Louisiana Waterthrush • Carolina Wren • Yellow-bellied Sapsucker* • Black-and-white Warbler* 52 54