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BIRDCONSERVATION The Magazine of American Conservancy Summer 2016 BIRD’S EYE VIEW In Praise of the ' Effect'

“You wouldn’t have thought that the evolution of would alter the design of a hummingbird’s wing. But that is the way change happens.” —Steven Johnson How We Got to Now: Six Innovations that Made the Modern World

n his popular book, Steven of energy output to size, and its hummingbird than anyplace Johnson coins the term nimble, colorful, and fearless else in the . I“hummingbird effect” to make nature. Just like the Nazca people of the point that innovation in one , who marked their landscape We’re proud to state that no other realm can trigger unpredictable 2,000 years ago with a gigantic organization comes close to ABC’s and unexpected advancement in hummingbird visible from space, record of success for these beautiful others. For example, the accidental we just love these sparkling, speedy . This issue of Bird Conservation discovery (probably in the Libyan spectacles. is a testament to that success, desert) that silica dioxide, when whirring into the hummingbird melted, cooled to form glass, led to ABC’s record in protecting world with articles covering the full an extraordinary series of scientific is similarly range of hummingbirds’ life history, advances: spectacles, microscopes remarkable. We help to conserve some valuable ways that we humans and telescopes, and ultimately endangered hummingbirds across engage with them, the threats they computer chips and fiber optic the Western Hemisphere, such face—and the actions we need to capable of carrying extraordinary as the Juan Fernández Firecrown, conserve these mighty miniatures of volumes of digital data across great found on a small island chain the bird world. distances. hundreds of miles offshore from Chile; the Marvelous Spatuletail, So, please enjoy! As you read, Johnson named this phenomenon which lives only in the of keep in mind that although after hummingbirds because he ob- northern Peru; and the glittering, hummingbirds are often the served that the availability of sugar rare Honduran Emerald. In fact, protagonist of our story, they in inspired hummingbirds’ our reserves—now numbering more are hardly the only characters. ability to extract it while remaining than 70 across the Americas and We’ve discovered that saving a motionless in flight. the Caribbean—provide hummingbird sets off a succession for nearly 200 hummingbird of positive changes for birds, other In nature, we call this evolution. species. That’s more than half of all wildlife, and ultimately people. Those attuned to it see it hummingbird species in the world. That’s ABC’s own version of the everywhere and constantly, but we “hummingbird effect.” are glad for the recognition given Closer to home, we’ve helped to to one of our most distinctive preserve a legacy for hummingbird families of birds. ABC members lovers at the former Paton’s Birder and friends cannot have escaped Haven in . Purchased by noticing our hummingbird logo. ABC with help from Victor Emanuel We chose it more than 20 years Nature Tours and Tucson Audubon ago to symbolize the hummingbird Society, which now manages the George H. Fenwick family’s Americas-wide distribution, site, the newly named Paton Center President, ABC the hummingbird’s amazing ratio for Hummingbirds draws more

Cover photo: Green by Glass and Nature, Shutterstock TOP: Juan Fernández Firecrown by Tom Shreve ABC is the Western Hemisphere’s bird conservation specialist—the only organization with a single and steadfast commitment to achieving conservation results for native Summer 2016 wild birds and their throughout the Americas. BIRDCONSERVATION

A copy of the current financial statement and registration filed by the organization Dynamos of the Bird World may be obtained by contacting: ABC, P.O. Box 249, The Plains, VA 20198. 540-253- 5780, or by contacting the following state agencies: Why Are Hummingbirds Special? Florida: Division of Consumer Services, 10 toll-free number within the state: 800-435-7352. Maryland: For the cost of copies and 13 Latin American Communities postage: Office of the Secretary of State, Statehouse, Annapolis, MD 21401. Help Rare Hummingbirds New Jersey: Attorney General, State of New Jersey: 201-504-6259. New York: Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 16 Meet the Hummingbirds of 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. Pennsylvania: Department of State, ABC’s Bird Reserve Network toll-free number within the state: 800-732-0999. Virginia: State Division of Consumer Affairs, Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer 20 Hummingbirds 101 Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23209. West Virginia: Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. 22 In ’s Klamath Mountains, Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by any state. Rufous Hummingbirds Tell All

Bird Conservation is the magazine of ABC and is published four times yearly for members. 26 Streamertail’s Jamaican Home Senior Editor: Libby Sander Benefits from a New Partnership VP of Communications: Clare Nielsen Graphic Design: Gemma Radko Contributors: Bob Altman, Steve Holmer, Jennifer Howard, Michael Hutchins, Daniel Lebbin, Jack Morrison, Merrie Morrison, Mike Parr, Grant Sizemore, John Tschirky, George Wallace, David Wiedenfeld, EJ Williams DEPARTMENTS For more information contact: American Bird Conservancy 2 Bird’s Eye View 4249 Loudoun Avenue, P.O. Box 249 The Plains, VA 20198 540-253-5780 • [email protected] 4 On the Wire

Join us online! 30 Final Glimpse

Anna’s Hummingbird chicks by Bill Holsten

TOP: Long-tailed Sylph by Martin Mecnarowski, abcbirds.org Shutterstock BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 3

ON the WIRE

Sustainable Bird Tourism Scales Up to Support Tropical Conservation

and our partners are are often at the leading edge of the ABC's Conservation Birding website ABC celebrating the 10th tourism curve.” helps birders find destinations with- anniversary of the Latin American in the reserve network, with routes Bird Reserve Network, a successful The Latin American Bird Reserve and information on specific lodges, model for sustainable bird tourism Network protects habitat for more bird lists, and information on how designed to prevent the than 2,000 bird species, more than to make reservations at destinations of some of the Americas' rarest bird 50 of which are listed as critically from Costa Rica and the Dominican species. The network, which includes endangered or endangered under Republic to and Peru. more than 70 tropical reserves span- global IUCN Red List criteria. Several ning close to 1 million acres, has reserves also protect Alliance for Zero Birdwatching has become a major attracted well over 25,000 visitors Extinction sites—locations that con- economic driver, bringing in bil- whose entrance and accommodation tain the entire global population of lions in annual revenues from bird- fees have helped to finance reserve a species that would face extinction feeding and wildlife watching in the management and protection. if the habitat were lost. In addition, U.S. alone. “Our notion has been more than 200 of the species record- to capture some of those dollars for The reserves were created and ed at the reserves are migratory birds conservation,” said Mike Parr, ABC's supported by ABC and more than that winter in the tropics but nest in Chief Conservation Officer. 30 partner conservation organiza- . tions, as well as governments and Over the last decade, ABC's network local communities, in 15 countries The best places in the world to see has brought substantial benefits throughout Latin America and the spectacular birds like Lear's Macaw, not only to rare tropical birds but Caribbean. Banded , and Marvelous to other wildlife species and local Spatuletail are at lodges and reserves communities as well. The program “The presence of international visi- supported by ABC and managed has helped reserves and partners tors helps to build local pride in nat- by our partners, said ABC President slow climate change by protecting ural resources, especially for unique George Fenwick. “Many of the existing forests and planting mil- endemic or charismatic species,” species we are protecting have very lions of additional shrubs and trees said David Agro, a member of the restricted global ranges. One reserve in and around the reserves; protect board of ABC's Ecuadorian partner, financed by bird tourism can pre- watersheds to sustain agriculture Fundación Jocotoco. “Birdwatchers vent a species' extinction.” and downstream fisheries; support more than 300 conservation-related jobs; and train and engage more than 7,000 people in reforestation, production and marketing of handi- crafts, ecotourism, and renewable energy. (See page 13.)

ABC is grateful for the generous support of bird tourism in the Latin American Bird Reserve Network from numerous private foundations, individuals, conservation organiza- tions, and government agencies.

Lear's Macaws at the Canudos Reserve in Brazil, with visitor lodge visible in background. Photo by Ciro Albano

4 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 Help ABC set the “Hummingbird Effect” in Motion

Hummingbirds symbolize the fragility and evanescence of nature: a momentary flash of brilliance and verve, disappearing as suddenly as they arrive. At ABC, we are determined to not let hummingbirds—or any other species of bird—disappear forever. But many species are in decline and we need your help to bring them back!

hanks to the generosity of the Leo Model bringing back declining migratory birds, and finding Foundation and others, ABC is launching a three- solutions to birds hitting windows. T dollar-to-one-dollar challenge match through June 30, 2016. Can you please help us by donating today? Your gift will triple in value! Your extra gift will help us take on the most important More than 20 years ago we chose our hummingbird logo bird conservation issues, including ensuring endangered to symbolize hummingbirds' Americas-wide distribution, birds in the Western Hemisphere have protected habitat, amazing ratio of energy output to size, and fearless preventing the extinction of declining Hawaiian birds, nature. And though we're proud of our hummingbird conservation—including 70-plus reserves across the Americas that provide habitat for more than half of all hummingbird species—our work benefits many other species as well. We’re calling this the “hummingbird effect."

As an ABC member, you are a critical part of our work to bring back the birds. Here are two things to consider: ABC gets great results, and doing your part for birds is a lasting value.

Remember the three-to-one Hummingbird Effect challenge match lasts only through June 30, so please help us by making your extra gift today.

Donate online at abcbirds.org/support-the-hummingbird-effect or use the enclosed envelope.

Tufted Coquette by Martin Mecnarowski, Shutterstock

ON the WIRE Report Identifies 10 of the Worst-Sited Wind Energy Projects for Birds

undreds of thousands of the concept of renewable wind de- protected birds, including velopment in general or the devel- Hsome , opers of the specific projects includ- die each year when they collide ed in the list,” Parr said. “Rather, with wind turbines and associated this list is intended to demonstrate power lines. The number of turbines that, under the present voluntary is set to grow significantly as wind guidelines, there is an inadequate energy projects continue to expand system of checks and balances to across the landscape, likely causing protect American native birds from a major increase in this already seri- poorly planned wind development ous problem. on a large scale.”

Now, ABC has identified 10 of the The listed projects—five already worst-sited wind energy projects built or approved and five pro- in the United States from the posed—are located throughout the perspective of bird conservation. United States. Some of these proj- Campaign. “Our wildlife should not The projects are illustrative of a ects have a long history of causing be collateral damage in our effort much broader problem and were bird deaths. All illustrate the risks to combat climate change, nor does selected to show a range of wind of poor siting and the limitations of it have to be. Improved regulation development-related threats to birds current mitigation strategies. and science leading to proper siting, in various regions and habitats, said effective mitigation, and compensa- Mike Parr, ABC's Vice President and “Alternative energy is not ‘green' if tion would go a long way to address Chief Conservation Officer. it is killing hundreds or thousands this conflict.” or millions of birds annually,” said See the report here. “ABC supports Bird-Smart wind, and Dr. Michael Hutchins, Director it is not our intention to criticize of ABC's Bird-Smart Wind Energy

Agency Helps Birds, Urges an End to Open Pipes

he Bureau of Land Manage- 3 million mining claims use these holders are also being encouraged ment (BLM) has taken action pipes as boundary markers. to voluntarily remove PVC pipes T to reduce a serious threat to used as mine markers and to replace birds by issuing a memorandum The memorandum calls for BLM them with wildlife-safe markers. in late February to its field offices staff to identify all vertical pipes across the nation with guidance on on BLM-managed lands and to cap, In June, more than 100 groups led how to eliminate the threat of open close, remove, or screen them to by ABC sent a joint letter to the BLM pipes on public lands. prevent wildlife from becoming and the USDA Forest Service, asking trapped. In addition, all vertical the two agencies to accelerate efforts Open pipes, such as uncapped PVC pipes on future facilities must have to address this longstanding threat pipes used to mark mining claims, permanent caps or screens to pre- to birds. are death traps for hundreds of vent harm to wildlife. Mine-claim thousands of birds and other wildlife “This is a positive step in the right each year. Mountain Bluebird, Ash- direction,” said Steve Holmer, Se- throated Flycatcher and other cavity- nior Policy Advisor for ABC, which nesting birds are frequent victims. has long advocated for eliminating become trapped inside the this threat on public lands. “The pipes and, unable to escape, starve threat of open pipes can be easily or die of dehydration. More than prevented, and this action moves us closer to solving this problem.”

6 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 Mountain Bluebird by Greg Homel

New Protection for Lewis's Woodpecker Habitat in Oregon

ith help from ABC, Co- lumbia Land Trust secured Wthe final 115 acres of a key 418-acre wildlife corridor on Mill Creek Ridge in north-central Oregon. This acquisition protects a stronghold population of Lewis's Woodpecker, one of the highest- priority birds in North America and a national Watch List species.

This woodpecker is stunning and unmistakable, with its iridescent greenish-black back, head, and tail; silvery gray collar; dark-red face; and pinkish belly. The bird relies on the oak and ponderosa pine savannah found in the Mill Creek Ridge area. But habitat across its range has been greatly reduced, and some local pop- Mill Creek Ridge. Photo by Columbia Land Trust ulations have disappeared entirely.

The 8-mile-long Mill Creek Ridge shelters prime Lewis's Woodpecker habitat. It provides a critical unde- veloped wildlife corridor between national forest lands to the south and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to the north.

After learning that Mill Creek Ridge was zoned for high-end develop- ment because of its dramatic views, Columbia Land Trust conserved 303 acres of the ridge across multiple properties between 2006 and 2015. But one large intervening parcel still divided the protected areas. In late February, the Land Trust acquired that key 115-acre parcel, completing the long-term goal of connecting the ridgeline and slopes on both sides.

The acquisition was made possible with support from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, a generous donation from local landowners, as well as ABC funding through the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act.

Lewis’s Woodpecker by John D. White

BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 7

Colombian Reserve Secures More Habitat for Rare Tanager

ore than 250 bird species bird with a global population will benefit from a recent estimated to number as few as Mexpansion of the Tanagers 600 adults and known to inhabit Reserve in , a country only five locations worldwide. The that has more bird species than any reserve takes its name from two other nation. Among the species endemic tanager species found documented at the reserve are the there, the Gold-ringed and the Gold-ringed Tanager, an endangered Black-and-gold.

The expansion was made possible through a purchase of 906 acres of land located on the Pacific slope of the Andes. Several organizations— World Land Trust, ABC, Fundación ProAves (our Colombian partner that owns and manages the property), Velvet-purple Coronet by Glenn Bartley Weeden Foundation, and Quick Response Biodiversity Fund—worked region’s wet forests. In addition to together to acquire the land. The ex- the rare tanagers, other globally pansion adds to the contiguous area recorded at the under protection and will allow Pro- Tanagers Reserve are the Chocó Aves to protect additional unclaimed Vireo, Cloudforest Pygmy-owl, and forested properties nearby. Giant . Many beautiful hum- mingbirds, such as the Velvet-purple This area contains one of the highest Coronet and Empress Brilliant, also concentrations of range-restricted find shelter at the reserve. It’s also species in the world. No fewer than important for migratory birds such Gold-ringed Tanager by Fundación ProAves 60 endemic species depend on the as Golden-winged Warbler.

New Grant to Bring Back the Forest Birds

he Sustainable Forestry Initia- birds; develop recommendations to North American Birds and Habitats. tive (SFI) has provided ABC increase value of habitats for specific The goal of the project is to better T with a grant to work with SFI species; and guide other private understand bird habitats resulting program participants—landowners, forest managers and landowners on from sustainable management and land managers, and forest prod- the conservation value of manag- identify opportunities for additional ucts companies, to name a few—to ing forests sustainably. (See story on improvements that can make a develop bird conservation strategies page 22.) positive impact on declining forest at a large scale. The $150,000, two- birds. year grant will focus on the Klamath “When working forests are managed Mountains region of Oregon and sustainably, they can provide favor- “We want to keep as much forest in the pine and bottomland forests of able or improved habitat conditions forest as we can, whether managed the Southeast. that support healthy bird popula- for conservation or wood products, tions. Forest products companies because the alternatives are usually ABC will work with forestry and that are certified to the SFI Stan- something hostile, like pavement,” technical partners to consider the dards already work on sustainable Williams said. “If a forest has value, value of current management prac- management of their forests and the it won’t be turned into something tices for birds resulting from the ap- forests from which they source with that’s a lot less productive for birds plication of SFI Standards; identify an eye toward biodiversity,” said EJ and wildlife.” management practices that benefit Williams, ABC’s Vice President for

8 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016

ABC Lawsuit Charges New York with Violating Endangered Species Act

has filed a federal law- Many of us at ABC have and appre- ABC suit against the New ciate (indoor) cats as pets. How- York Office of Parks, Recreation, ever, free-roaming and feral cats are and Historic Preservation (Parks unfortunately a major risk to birds Office) over the continued pres- such as Piping Plovers. In a 2009 ence of feral cat colonies at Jones review of Piping Plovers, the U.S. Beach State Park. The colonies exist Fish and Wildlife Service identified in close proximity to the nesting feral cats as a threat in the spe- sites of Piping Plovers, a species cies’ Atlantic Coast range, which listed as threatened in the Atlantic includes Jones Beach. The State has Coast region under the Endangered long accommodated multiple feral Species Act (ESA). New York State's cat colonies at Jones Beach in spite own Endangered Species Act lists of the known risks to Piping Plo- the species as endangered. vers. The Parks Office has allowed structures to be built to house the In a 2015 letter to ABC, the Parks cats, and it permits local residents Office acknowledged the presence to feed them routinely. of feral cats at Jones Beach and agreed that “our goal should be the “Feeding feral cats does not elimi- removal of feral cats within New “The mere presence of nate their instinct to hunt,” said York State Parks.” Yet no significant cats has been shown to Grant Sizemore, ABC’s Director of action has been taken. Invasive Species Programs. “The have significant adverse mere presence of cats has been ABC's complaint seeks an injunc- shown to have significant adverse tion to require that the Parks Office effects on breeding effects on breeding birds. Even remove the feral cats from Jones birds. Even when cats do when cats do not directly kill Beach and follows a Notice of In- wildlife, they disrupt nesting and tent to Sue submitted on December not directly kill wildlife, feeding behaviors.” 1, 2015. they disrupt nesting and Learn more about cats and birds: “We regret that legal action is our abcbirds.org/cats only recourse,” said Mike Parr, feeding behaviors.” ABC's Chief Conservation Officer. “We would far prefer to settle this Grant Sizemore, Director of TOP: Part of the Jones Beach cat colony. Photo Invasive Species Programs, ABC out of court.” by Kathy Baca. BOTTOM: Piping Plover and chick © Stubblefield Photography

BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 9 JEWELS of the Americas

By Libby Sander magine a traveling more than 3,000 miles on his annual spring migration from IMexico to . Armed with a prodigious mental map of every place he’s ever found food, the tiny bird heads to a familiar spot in where he remembers a field full of flowers. He arrives only to find a big-box store and a giant parking lot. No flowers, no . But the hummingbird has no time to waste; he spends the majority of his waking life gathering food to survive. So he flies on.

Ross Hawkins tells this story to illustrate the impressive—but occasionally harrowing—intensity of a hummingbird’s existence. If they don’t consume

10 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 Rufous Hummingbird by Scott Bechtel Hummingbirds excite us with their vigor and spunk. But what makes them so special?

enough calories in a day from nectar and small , they can suffer, says Hawkins, who is the founder and executive director of The Hummingbird Society. It’s a high-stakes hunt for food that most humans never experience. “My wife says, ‘Did you forget to get what I sent you to the grocery store for?’” Hawkins says. “A hummingbird can’t do that.”

The Americas are home to 365 species of hummingbirds. Of these, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists 28 species, or roughly 8 percent, as endangered or . For most of these declining hummingbirds, loss of habitat is the leading threat to their survival. None of the species that occur in the United States and are threatened with extinction. But all of the hummingbirds that are currently endangered have very small ranges in and Central and South America. by Peter Hawrylyshyn

Among them are the Short-crested Coquette, a wild- haired hummer that lives only along one road in reserve of high-altitude forest to protect the puffleg, the Sierra Madre del Sur in Mexico; the Glittering which migrates up and down the slopes of the volcano Starfrontlet, dark with a metallic sheen, and found only according to the season. in two tiny forest fragments in northwest Colombia; “It's easy to rally support for creatures that bring so and the Chilean Woodstar, a tiny, iridescent hummer much beauty and joy into our lives, but hummingbirds that is perhaps Chile’s most threatened bird. are far more than just pretty faces,” says Sheri The critically endangered Black-breasted Puffleg Williamson, the author of A Field Guide to Hummingbirds is another. Fewer than 300 individuals survive in of North America (Peterson Field Guide Series). Many the hummingbird’s home on the slopes of Volcán hummingbird-pollinated wildflowers, for instance, are Pichincha in . In 2001, our Ecuadorian partner pioneer species that colonize disturbed areas after fires Fundación Jocotoco started what is now a 2,900-acre and landslides, helping to protect and stabilize fragile soils while a new generation of shrubs and trees gains a foothold. “Hummingbirds have positive impacts far out of proportion to their size,” she says.

Mechanical Wonders Hummingbird names are perhaps the first hint of something special. Colorful, outlandish words christen the tiny birds, as though whoever named them wanted descriptions as eye-popping as their subjects. There are sicklebills and pufflegs, woodnymphs and fairies, sunbeams and sunangels, and enough rubies, sapphires, and emeralds to make a jeweler jealous.

The critically endangered Black-breasted Puffleg is only found in one small area of Ecuador. Photo by Murray Cooper

BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 11 Many are minuscule: ’s Their superb spatial memory , which powers them along, whether weighs about the same as a they’re traveling a few miles large paper clip, is the world’s or a few thousand. Other birds smallest bird. Then there are the are known for this too, but incredible mechanics of their hummingbirds do it especially small bodies. Hummingbirds fly well. They follow a route and forward, backward, up, down, forage systematically, sometimes and sideways—dexterous flight returning season after season to patterns unlike those of any very specific, individual plants. other bird. This nimble flight and ability to hover in place has “Migrating hummingbirds do even attracted the attention of some things that remind me the Defense Advanced Research of migrating shorebirds,” says Projects Agency, also known George Wallace, ABC’s Vice as DARPA, which has funded President of Oceans and Islands. the development of remote- In August, alpine meadows in controlled aircraft, or drones, the Rockies will be swarming modeled after hummingbirds. with hundreds of hummingbirds, he says, all going after the Downy they are not. Yet some nectar. “These stopover sites are hummingbirds have nearly as probably very important—the many as birds several same way a site such as Delaware times their size. Most humming- Most hummingbirds, especially Bay is important to migratory birds, especially coquettes, flash shorebirds.” about with outrageous ornamen- coquettes, flash about with tation or glittering colors that Only recently have scientists appear to change from different outrageous ornamentation or begun to trace with precision angles of view. their impressive migratory paths. glittering colors that appear to A new study of Ruby-throated Yet the lack of down is one reason change from different angles Hummingbirds, published this hummingbirds, whose internal year in The Auk: Ornithological temperature is around 104 or 105 of view. Advances, has shown that the degrees Farenheit, must work hard birds are capable of traveling an to stay warm. So it’s no surprise average of 1,400 miles between that the greatest diversity of species occur in the tropics. refueling stops as they migrate between eastern North Even there, some hummingbirds live above the snow line America and . of the Andes. (An ABC scientist once saw an Andean Hill- star above 17,000 feet in .) Hummingbirds cope Researchers captured 2,200 or so Ruby-throated with cold temperatures at night by slipping into torpor Hummingbirds at Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge near to lower their body temperature along with their heart Mobile, Ala., which were heading south toward their and breathing rates, helping to conserve energy. wintering grounds. By analyzing the birds’ fat reserves over the course of five consecutive autumns, the Amazing Migrations researchers determined the tiny birds were capable of traveling roughly 1,200 miles in a single flight. However limited some hummingbirds’ ranges are, many do migrate. Most stay in one place or travel short distanc- It’s an impressive distance for a bird about the weight es, perhaps moving up and down in elevation as - of a dime—but perhaps not altogether surprising. We’ve ing plants bloom. Most hummingbird species that occur long marveled at hummingbirds’ grit. This is just one in the United States travel farther; those that don’t are more bit of proof. found in resident populations in the warm Southwest.

ABOVE: Festive Coquette by Greg Homel

12 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 In Latin America, It Takes a Village to Save a Hummingbird Conservation takes root as South American communities help hummingbirds

By Jennifer Howard Peru and the Marvelous Spatuletail

uring its flashy courtship display, the Marvelous Spatuletail flies with the panache of a rock star. D “Like the bird equivalent of Prince,” says Daniel Lebbin, ABC’s Vice President of International Programs. “It’s the most spectacular hummingbird in the world.” It’s also one of the rarest. The species lives only in a small area in the Rio Utcubamba Valley in the Andes of northern Peru. There, at the Huembo Reserve, visitors can see it in dazzling aerial action.

Expanded in 2013, Huembo now totals just over 100 acres. “We’re not going to save the bird there alone,” Lebbin says. “But Huembo has been a great way to possible by ECOAN, ABC, donors, and residents working engage surrounding communities to improve habitat together—have turned the situation around. More than over larger areas.” 1 million trees have been planted on upward of 1,200 acres in the reserve and surrounding areas to restore for- Birders have long come to the area where Huembo est and connect remnant forest patches. Reserve is now in hopes of spotting the Marvelous Spatu- letail, but there was no conservation here until 2005, “One bird changed our lives,” Aucca says. when ABC and the environmental group Asociación Local residents knew of the spatuletail but did not realize Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN) helped establish the how rare it was. Now local schoolchildren do a dance reserve, the first protected area for the birds. inspired by the bird, and it appears as a symbol on taxis, It was a starting point. Constantino Aucca, President in cafes, even as the emblem of a local political party. of ECOAN, recalls how it took two years of conversa- The reserve has become a living demonstration of sus- tions, workshops, community projects, and reforestation tainable uses for the land. Conservation agreements with programs to persuade the local community that ECOAN local landowners encourage sustainable forestry, which and ABC would be good partners. “When the people benefits not just the spatuletail but migratory birds such were convinced that we were serious and trustworthy, as the Swainson’s Thrush and Canada Warbler. they gave us the opportunity to show them how effec- tive we are,” he says. ECOAN and ABC are now collaborating with two other communities nearby to create new Private Conservation Huembo was once highly degraded, burned annually Areas, potentially protecting 148,000 acres. for pastureland. But efforts to restore the land, including the planting of many trees and flowering bushes—made TOP: Spatuletail dancers by Daniel J. Lebbin BELOW: Marvelous Spatuletail by Glenn Bartley

BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 13 Conservation Takes Root Ecuador and the

urther north, along the coast of Jocotoco, ABC, and the community Ecuador, another small reserve The conservation have planted more than 15,000 trees, Ffor an even smaller hummingbird many of them native pechiche trees. is also having an outsized impact. agreement doesn’t just Residents of the coastal community The pechiche “has millions of small of Las Tunas call the tiny Esmeraldas focus on protecting the violet flowers and is the preferred food of the Esmeraldas Woodstar,” Woodstar Estrellita, Spanish for “little hummingbirds. It also star.” Only 2.5 inches long, the bird Sornoza says. It’s also the occasion breeds at lower elevations, moving to emphasizes improving for a lively annual festival in spring, higher ground at other times of year. when the tree’s fruit ripens. A local the quality of life for the staple, the fruit features in sweets and Part of the hummingbird’s upland jellies. range falls within a national protected Las Tunas community. area. But the woodstar prefers lowland Community involvement in streamside habitat for breeding and conservation doesn’t end with tree- nesting. That habitat has been especially vulnerable to planting. The children of Las Tunas have collected and agricultural clearing, and fewer than more than 1.3 million cast-off plastic bottles that 1,000 birds remain. washed up along the beaches. “As a result, the community of Las Tunas is one of the cleanest sections In 2014, together with the Las Tunas community, ABC of coastal Ecuador, and the children have received and our Ecuadorian partner Fundación Jocotoco created many awards,” Sornoza says. a 38-acre reserve at Ayampe. Although the reserve is small, “it’s an important site for the Esmeraldas All that activity has attracted the attention of the Ecua- Woodstar’s courtship and nesting,” says Francisco dorian government, which has declared the place a pro- Sornoza, Jocotoco’s Conservation Director. tected tourism area. Residents now speak of the Esmeral- das Woodstar as “their” hummingbird, Sornoza says. The conservation agreement doesn’t just focus on protecting the hummingbirds. It also emphasizes The secret to this successful partnership? “Action, improving the quality of life for the Las Tunas passion, and sincerity of mission,” he says. “The community. For instance, people in the area depend communities are truly defenders of the environment.” on water from the Rio Ayampe, but deforestation puts that vital water source at risk. To combat that threat, TOP LEFT: Esmeraldas Woodstar by Francisco Sornoza. TOP RIGHT: Children of the Sea group in action by Byron Delgado

14 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 Conservation Takes Root Honduras and the Honduran Emerald

n Honduras, protecting another rare Rodriguez’s team conducted much of hummingbird also depends both on Our work with their work on private lands. Mindful Icreating reserves and on working that outreach is too often neglected, with individual landowners. The tiny, communities helps birds she says, “we definitely shared what jewel-toned Honduran Emerald—the we were learning as we went.” That and builds a local culture country’s only endemic bird species— effort led to many conversations about wasn’t seen for almost 40 years, from of conservation. the Emerald and to individual actions 1950 to 1988. It relies on dry tropical that benefit the species. For instance, forests that have been heavily affected one landowner intended to remove by cattle ranching. a large cactus but changed his mind after learning how much the hummingbird likes cactus Last year, the Honduran environmental group La flowers. Asociación de Investigación para el Desarrollo Ecológico y Socio Económico (ASIDE) and ABC advocated for the In Honduras, Ecuador, Peru, and elsewhere, ABC and Honduran Forestry Department to create the El Ciruelo our partners are working to conserve hummingbirds Wildlife Refuge, 147 acres of hummingbird habitat and other species by working with communities in the Agalta Valley. ABC and ASIDE have also been and local people in ways that both benefit birds and working with ranchers individually to set up a Payment improve people’s livelihoods. “Often starting small with for Ecosystem Services program to compensate them for a pilot tree nursery or initial reserve, our partners win maintaining and improving forests on their land. the trust of local people who expand our conservation efforts over broader landscapes,” Lebbin says. “This ABC also coordinated with a team of researchers helps more birds and ultimately builds a local culture of to learn more about the little-studied Honduran conservation.” Emerald. The team included Fabiola Rodriguez, a graduate student in biology at Indiana University of TOP LEFT: Honduran Emerald by Robert Hyman Pennsylvania. The team found 17 nests and discovered TOP RIGHT: Honduran Emerald researchers in the field, July 2015. Left that the bird fed on 26 species of plants in the valley, to right: Fabiola Rodriguez, Dr. Jeff Larkin, Dorian Escoto, and Saby Cruz. with a special affinity for a certain cactus flower. Photo by John Tschirky

Jennifer Howard is Director of Public Relations at ABC. She was a writer and reporter with The Chronicle of Higher Education for 10 years and before that was a contributing editor and columnist with The Post. She writes nonfiction for The Times Literary Supplement and the Boston Review and her fiction work has been published by Virginia Quarterly Review and others. Follow Jen on Twitter at @JenHoward.

BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 15 When it catches the light, the throat of the Rainbow-bearded Thornbill glitters with color. Like other thornbills, this species’ bill is short for a hummingbird, used not just for consuming nectar but also for catching prey. The birds flick insects into the air and catch them in their mouths! The population of this Andean species is declining overall but is considered rare to fairly common depending on the site. Within ABC’s reserve network, the birds can be seen at Yanaco- cha and Tapichalaca reserves in Ecuador (managed by ABC partner Fundación Jocotoco) and several other locations. Photo by Glenn Bartley

Bird Reserves & Hummingbirds Meet some of the stunning species found in ABC’s reserve network

early 200 hummingbird species find shelter at the 70-plus reserves that ABC supports across the Americas. That’s more than 50 percent of the approximately 365 known species! Some are wide- Nranging, like the , which can be seen at 23 reserves. Others are limited to just one reserve. For example, the endangered Royal Sunangel is seen only at Abra Patricia in Peru. But these birds have plenty in common: brilliant names, remarkable looks, and extraordinary behaviors. Here are a few of these striking hummingbirds and the reserves that help to protect them.

16 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 Sweeping down with its long tail feathers trailing, the stunning Violet-tailed Sylph usually forages low to the ground, visiting flowers on vines, trees, and shrubs in a repeated circuit. It’s common in cloud forests, including Buenaventura Reserve in Ecuador (managed by Fundación Jocotoco) and two other ABC-supported reserves. This sylph’s flexibility is a key to its success: The birds use partly open areas in addition to forest. The male’s outermost tail feathers— purple with blue tips—distinguish it from Long-tailed Sylph, which has a blue tail. Photo by Martin Mecnarowski, Shutterstock

Glittering Starfrontlet: The name alone tells you that this bird is something special. Formerly known as Dusky Starfrontlet, this is one of the rarest of all hum- mingbirds, with as few as 250 individuals surviving in northwest Colombia. The Colibri del Sol Reserve was created in 2005 by Fundación ProAves, with ABC support, to conserve this critically endangered species. With habitat ranging from humid montane forest to páramo (a high-elevation, tropical eco- system), the reserve is the only protected area for the species. Photo by Dubi Shapiro

BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 17 The Rufous-crested Coquette is named for the male bird’s incredible spiky crest. (The similar Spangled Coquette has a bushier crest.) Found in scattered populations from Panama to Bolivia, this species is found in just two ABC-supported reserves: El Paujil in Colombia (managed by Fundación ProAves) and Villa Carmen in southeast Peru (managed by Amazon Conservation Association). Shunning thick forest, these coquettes prefer shrubby clearings and edges, where they feed on low flowering plants and perch high along roadsides. Photo by Paul Jones

The Wire-crested Thorntail stands out in humid Amazon forests, hovering like a bee in the canopy or perching at the canopy’s edge. A bird of northwestern South America, it’s rare in Colombia; although it’s more numerous in Ecuador and Peru, the species is uncommon throughout its range. This thorntail’s numbers will continue to decline as land is cleared for cattle ranching and soy production. The Wire-crested Thorntail finds refuge at four ABC-supported reserves, including Tapichalaca in Ecuador (managed by partner Fundación Jocotoco).

18 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 Photo by Glenn Bartley The Booted Racket-tail sports puffy white leg feathers resembling cotton balls. These feathers, which are also seen on all puffleg hummingbirds, are not always visible, but are present on both male and female birds. (The males alone have elaborate tails tipped with “rackets.”) This Andean species has a very large range, from Colombia and south to Bolivia, where the birds prefer humid woodland edges at mid-level elevations. Thirteen ABC-supported reserves provide habitat for the Booted Racket-tail, including Abra Patricia in Peru, one of the reserves run by our partner ECOAN. Photo by Glenn Bartley

A wide-ranging species, the Rufous-breasted Hermit is found throughout much of Amazonia as well as in Grenada and , where a distinct is recognized. It nears the easternmost limit of its range in the ABC-supported Stresemann’s Bristlefront Reserve in Brazil (managed by Fundação Biodiversitas).

Unlike other hermit species, male Rufous-breasted Hummingbirds don’t form groups, or leks, to attract females. They also defend their nests from intruders, an unusual behavior among male hummingbirds. Photo by Ciro Albano BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 19 Hummingbirds 101 An expert explains how the tiny birds fly, feed, sing—and amaze

By Jennifer Howard

Sheri L. Williamson wasn’t always fascinated by the birds she calls “prismatic pugilists.” It wasn’t until she and her husband moved to The Nature Conservancy’s Ramsay Canyon Preserve in Arizona that Williamson began to pay serious attention to them. Soon “I pretty much had hummingbird blood pumping through my veins,” she says. “They have their way of getting those tiny little claws into you.” The author of A Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America (Peterson Field Guide Series), Williamson is also the founder and co-director of the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory, and writes and speaks frequently about birds and conservation.

Jennifer Howard: What intrigues of their weight than eagles can. A than the exception. In fact, many you about hummingbirds? hummingbird can bulk up from 3 hummingbirds are very creative Sheri Williamson: Hummingbirds grams to 6 grams and still be able singers, and can incorporate bits of do just have a way of obsessing you. to fly. other birds’ songs into their own. They’re so fascinating, they’re so Having a variety of songs is a signal Their wings are much flatter than of success. Females don’t want a guy diverse, and there’s still so much we those of other birds. They don’t cup don’t know about them. The Sword- in a garage band who can only play the air. They’re using the wing in three chords of “Wild Thing.” billed Hummingbird in the Andes— a figure-eight motion. So much of nobody’s ever seen their nest. Even the way they fly, and the way their some of our more familiar species JH: What do hummingbirds eat nervous system interacts with their besides nectar? are still yielding secrets. muscles, is more like insects. They’re phenomenal athletes. SW: When the females are feeding JH: Do you have a favorite species? their young, they have to eat SW: My favorite species is more or JH: How smart are they? more insects, because you don’t build strong bones and on less the one that’s in my binoculars SW: They’re among the brainiest at the moment. My favorite almost nectar or sugar water. They are of the birds. They have amazing such high-energy birds, though, has to be the Black-chinned memories. They can remember Hummingbird. It’s a pretty ordinary that they really do need that sugar. not only which plants have nectar silk is a very important part hummingbird in most respects. But but how often it’s replenished and I spent so much time banding them, of a hummingbird’s nest-building which flowers they’ve just visited. toolkit, and hummingbirds will eat getting to know their personal Absolutely they remember your history, they’re almost like family. trapped insects and baby backyard. And they may even while they’re taking spider web. remember you. If the feeder is Researchers have found that spiders JH: Hummingbirds are so tiny. empty, they come looking for you. are naturally high in an amino acid What can you tell us about their called taurine, a very important strength—and their distinctive JH: Do they sing? component for brain and nervous- way of flying? SW: Though few of our familiar system growth. It’s like brain food SW: They’re incredibly strong. They North American hummingbirds are for hummingbirds. can lift a much greater proportion singers, singing is more the norm

20 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 TOP: Photo of Sheri Williamson by Tom Wood JH: We’ve heard reports that more JH: Habitat loss is a major threat JH: What do we know about hummingbirds are overwintering to hummingbirds’ survival. What hummingbird migration? in the U.S. now. Is that true? other challenges do they face? SW: They’re facing a lot of pretty SW: From the Gulf States up SW: In the temperate zone, daunting challenges when they the Eastern Seaboard, more and weather is a major challenge, but migrate. But some of these birds more northern hummingbirds are hummingbirds are vulnerable to put on enough fat that they could successfully overwintering. This predation too. Some get caught by travel more than 1,100 miles across flexibility may help them adapt larger birds, even big flycatchers, the Yucatan, across the Gulf of as climate change alters their or tangled in the webs of large Mexico. These guys are much better traditional wintering habitats. spiders, or snatched off feeders by oriented than we give them credit large mantids. Almost anything for. We consistently underestimate JH: Why are there so many species that will eat a large can eat the abilities of hummingbirds. They west of the Mississippi? a hummingbird. And then there’s have internal compasses and they climate change: The colder colds, have internal calendars. SW: Hummingbirds really are the hotter hots, the more ferocious mountain birds. Lots of mountains storms are threats to all kinds of A little female Rufous Hummingbird in the West! Those mountains birds, not just hummingbirds. was captured and banded one provide a tremendous diversity of winter in Tallahassee, Fla. The next habitat for hummingbirds. JH: Why do we only have summer she was recaptured 3,500 hummingbirds in the Americas? miles away on the shore of Prince JH: Why are they so territorial at William Sound in . That girl feeders? SW: That is the $64 million had at least 7,000 frequent-flyer question. It’s very, very rare, but SW: They are savage, savage miles in her account, and she wasn’t there are hummingbird fossils. creatures. When you think about even a year old. They’re not from the New World. it, a hummingbird feeder is a really They’re from Europe. Thirty million We’re reluctant to believe that unnatural situation. They can’t years ago there were hummingbirds something that small and seemingly quite get their heads around that. in Europe, and they were almost delicate can undertake a challenge Their instincts tell them that nectar identical to our North American that would be daunting to us if we is a precious and finite resource. hummingbirds. were that size. But they do, and they do a great job.

TOP: Black-chinned Hummingbird, sumikophoto, Shutterstock BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 21 What the Hummingbird Knows

A new project in Oregon aims to enhance working forests for birds

By Libby Sander

hat can a hummingbird positively impacted through the SFI a crucial role in helping forest reveal about the health of Fiber Sourcing Standard. Over the products companies manage their Wa forest? past 20 years, SFI has had a posi- acreage sustainably. Scientists have tive influence on responsible forest found that certain bird species’ That’s a key question conservation- management from Canada’s boreal requirements for healthy habitat ists and forest products companies to the U.S. Southeast. The next step: reflect what many other animals will be trying to answer later this understanding the value of those need, too. If it’s good for the birds, year on private forest lands in forests as bird habitats and using it’s good for many other critters— southwestern Oregon. There, in that vast expanse of working forests and a sign of a thriving, well- the rugged forests of the Klamath to increase conservation for birds balanced forest ecosystem. Mountains, ABC will collaborate and other wildlife. with the Sustainable Forestry Initia- Forestry and forest economics will tive (SFI), Klamath Bird Observa- That’s exactly the goal in the Klam- still guide the management, but the tory, and the National Council on ath Mountains. Given how many partners will use their knowledge of Air and Stream Improvement in a acres forest products companies birds and habitat to look for oppor- new, two-year project to assess and influence there, they can contribute tunities to adjust their practices to enhance forest management for to turning the trends around for Ru- enhance the conditions for a suite more than 15 bird species of special fous Hummingbird and other birds of species. The birds, in other words, concern—including the Rufous that depend on various types of will help to guide the management, Hummingbird. forest habitat to survive. By manag- says John Alexander, Executive Di- ing with an eye toward biodiversity, rector of the Klamath Bird Observa- Across the United States and these companies create conditions tory. “We don’t want to see birds Canada, more than 280 million that many birds need for successful get listed as endangered,” Alexander acres of forested land are certi- breeding, migration, and wintering. says. “We want to use our deep un- fied to the SFI Forest Management derstanding of what birds represent Standard, and millions more are The hummingbird and other to do better.” focal bird species, in turn, play

22 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 TOP: Rufous Hummingbird by Edward Lai A Common Hummingbird in Decline Rufous Hummingbirds follow the nectar. Their tremendous migra- tion—the longest of any humming- bird, up to 3,900 miles from Mexico to southeastern Alaska—is timed to coincide with the flowering of plants along the way. The bird travels an elliptical route, heading up the lowlands of the West Coast in spring where plants flower early, then hitting the ’ high-elevation meadows on the return trip in the fall. The Klam- ath Mountains, which extend into northern California, mark the southernmost end of its breeding range.

The hummingbird is relatively common and widespread. But its population has declined across its range by 2 percent every year between 1968 and 2013, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. In the Klamath Moun- tains of southwestern Oregon and northwestern California, the annual declines are more than 3 percent.

Scientists don’t know the precise reason for this decline. But they speculate that it seems to be the result of two trends: habitat loss, especially the conversion of forest habitat to pastureland in Mexico, and climate change, particularly recent droughts in the West, which reduce flowering of trees and shrubs. And so the hummingbird is much like the proverbial canary in the coal mine, says Bob Altman, ABC’s Conserva- tion Officer.

“When we see these declines, we want to dig a little deeper and say, ‘What’s that indicative of?” Altman says. “Are we losing flowering plants TOP: View of Oregon’s Rogue Valley from Hobart Bluff. Photo by Brandon Breen, Klamath Bird Observatory due to insecticide spraying? Is the BOTTOM: Female Rufous Hummingbird by Birdiegal, Shutterstock

BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 23 Bringing Back the Birds in Oregon

bird now out of sync with flower- in the new project, including Black- participants to assess what the ing because of climate change? Too throated Gray Warbler, Pacific companies are already doing on much loss of habitat? If the bird is Wren, and Olive-sided Flycatcher. their commercially managed lands struggling, it raises a red flag about that benefits birds and where they the conditions the bird represents.” But the health of these forest eco- can do more. The central question systems is declining, and with it, is this: “How can we create habitat In God’s Country many of the same bird species. It for birds within the economic used to be that natural fires would and operational constraints of the Some people who live in the disturb the forests and trigger natu- companies?” Alexander says. “It’s Klamath Mountains call it God’s ral cycles of new growth. Centuries going to be about trying to find that country. Known as one of the most of fire suppression have prevented sweet spot.” biodiverse temperate regions on the the forest from regenerating natural- planet, the rugged region contains ly—and providing birds and other Home to Hummingbirds a remarkably rich array of trees and creatures with the different stages of other plants. The reason for this is forest habitat they need to thrive. Rufous Hummingbird habitat that the Cascade Mountains, the tends to be young, shrubby forest Sierra Nevadas, and the ancient The forests’ health depends on this with an abundance of trees and Klamath Mountains—and their disturbance. Now a new source other vegetation that produce three distinct forest ecosystems— of disturbance—in the form of flowers and nectar. But in forests all collide there. The abundance forest management—will play that that are commercially managed of tree and shrub species shelter a role. During the two-year project, for wood products, this kind of mix of birds that, like the Rufous Alexander says, scientists will deciduous vegetation is sometimes Hummingbird, are also focal species work side by side with SFI program compromised, as it competes with

24 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 commercially planted trees. But there may be other ways in the context of commercial forest management to encourage conditions favorable to the hummingbird.

Biologists know a great deal about the type of habitat Rufous Hum- mingbirds need. The new project aims to better understand the habitats current sustainable forestry practices create—and identify ways to make those habitats even better for birds.

There are several ways to provide good habitat for the hummingbirds. Maintaining small patches of unmanaged young forest to Well-managed forests harbor the flowering shrubs and other regenerate naturally is another, opportunity to provide a range of vegetation the hummingbirds along with keeping flowering shrubs attributes that could benefit a mul- love—salmonberry, columbine, in areas beneath transmission titude of species. “If you are provid- currant—is one way. Allowing powerlines. Also helpful is ing flowering trees and shrubs and minimizing disturbance to the the nectar they produce for Rufous ground so it remains productive and Hummingbird, that also is a big healthy. Finally, shrubs and young potential benefit for any other pol- trees can thrive in places where it’s linating —bats, too,” he says. too difficult for pine, fir, spruce, or And what’s good for Rufous Hum- other conifer seedlings to survive, mingbird is also good for bees. such as along logging roads, on steep slopes, or in depressions or Yet although the hummingbird’s gullies. presence in a forest signifies flower- ing trees and shrubs, “that’s just Birds are the focus of this project be- one little part,” Altman says. “They cause they are a shared conservation don’t represent big trees, they priority for all of the forestry and don’t represent lush ground cover bird conservation partners. They’re of grasses—all those other species also easy to monitor and terrific represent all those other conditions barometers of a forest’s health. But out there. The forest is many things, they’re not the only creatures that and Rufous Hummingbird is just benefit from the work, Altman says. one of the pieces.”

Libby Sander is Senior Writer and Editor at ABC. As a journalist, she covered a variety of beats in Chicago and Washington, D.C., writing news stories and award-winning features for The New York Times, the Washington Post, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. You can follow her on Twitter at @libsander.

LEFT: Rufous Hummingbird habitat in the Klamath Mountains by Sam Brown, Klamath Bird Observatory TOP: Rufous Hummingbird by Scott Bechtel

BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 25 ‘The Most Beautiful Bird in Jamaica’

The Streamertail’s lush home benefits from a new Caribbean partnership

26 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 By Gemma Radko

amaica is a naturalist’s Blackbird, Yellow-billed Parrot, split into two separate species, dream, with a remarkably Crested Quail-Dove, and Blue the Red-billed and Black-billed Jhigh proportion of plants Mountain Vireo. Neotropical Streamertail. The males grow and animals that occur nowhere migrants that find stopover and remarkable specialized tail feathers, else on the planet. Among its 28 wintering habitat in the park called “streamers,” which have endemic bird species are the Red- will also likely benefit, including scalloped and fluted edges that billed Streamertail, which is the Louisiana Waterthrush, Ovenbird, make high whining sounds as the most abundant and widespread Black-throated Blue Warbler, Prairie bird buzzes around. Males wave hummingbird in Jamaica, and the Warbler, American Redstart, and these long tail streamers to entice Black-billed Streamertail, a far less Black-and-white Warbler. females, but outside of breeding, the common hummingbird found only species are solitary, like most other in the eastern part of the island. The Meet the Doctor Bird hummingbirds. two species are sometimes lumped The local name for the Streamertail The Red-billed can be found in a together as one—the Streamertail— is “doctor bird.” The male’s outer wide variety of Jamaican habitats including when it was chosen as the tail feathers, which are longer than from sea level to the highest national bird of Jamaica. the bird itself, along with its black mountains. They are most abundant Thanks to a new partnership be- crest, reminded Jamaicans of the in closed forests, but also visit tween ABC and the Jamaica Con- top hat and coattails of an old-time plantations, parks, and gardens with servation and Development Trust, doctor. The Arawak Indians, who suitable flowers and hummingbird work is now under way to enhance were early inhabitants on the island, feeders. The Black-billed occurs opportunities for bird conservation referred to the Streamertail as the only in eastern Jamaica, particularly to benefit the streamertail and many “God bird,” since they believed in the humid reaches of the John other birds in one of the country’s these hummingbirds had magical Crow Mountains. Its range overlaps most remarkable protected areas: powers and were the reincarnation with the Red-billed Streamertail’s the Blue and John Crow Mountains of dead souls. between the Blue and John Crow National Park. ABC recently helped ranges, where these two species This snazzy hummingbird has also the Trust win a grant from the often interbreed. caught the eye of visitors. In Ian Latin American Reserve Steward- Fleming's James Bond short story, For “Jamaica is home to such a ship Initiative (a partnership of the Your Eyes Only, the first line reads, remarkable diversity of birds,” says March Conservation Fund and ABC) “The most beautiful bird in Jamaica, John Tschirky, an International to develop a much-needed tourism and some say the most beautiful bird Program Officer with ABC. “By strategy. in the world, is the streamer-tail or supporting the Trust’s efforts to This grant aims to increase doctor humming-bird.” enhance the management of this visitation and revenue to the park important Caribbean landscape, These eye-catching hummingbirds to strengthen park management we are taking a key step toward are the only two members of the and conservation, and to benefit protecting their birds.” Trochilus, which is endemic the Streamertail and other Jamaican to Jamaica. The genus is currently endemics such as the Jamaican

In Ian Fleming’s James Bond short story, For Your Eyes Only, the first line reads, “The most beautiful bird in Jamaica, and some say the most beautiful bird in the world, is the streamer-tail or doctor humming-bird.”

LEFT: Red-billed Streamertail by Judd Patterson; this page: Black-billed Streamertail courtesy of Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 27 A Park of Many Parts Situated in the northeastern part JAMAICA of the island near Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park protects 120,000 acres of moist tropical and subtropical forest. It is one of the largest protected areas in the Carib- bean and also one of the region’s John Crow Mtns largest migratory bird hotspots. Blue Mountains Two main mountain ranges have their own distinctive characteristics. Kingston The Blue Mountains reach 28 miles across the eastern part of Jamaica and are frequently covered in mist, giving them a characteristic blue color. These are Jamaica’s highest mountains; they rise steeply in such Caribbean Sea a small area that it is possible to drive in a few hours from the coastal The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is an important watershed for the island, supplying plains to an elevation of more than water to more than 40 percent of Jamaica’s population. 7,000 feet. The Blue Mountains are famous for their coffee plantations, where the highly sought-after Blue Mountain coffee is produced.

The John Crow range parallels the northeast coast. Although the geol- ogy of the Blue Mountains is shale, the John Crow Mountains are lime- stone, so the soil and vegetation, as well as flora and fauna, are different. The name “John Crow” comes from the Jamaican name for the Turkey Vulture, a common bird in the area. At its southernmost point, this range joins the eastern end of the Blue Mountains.

Mountains For All The park’s core Preservation Zone, roughly 65,000 acres, When Columbus encountered is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both Jamaica in 1494, these mountains were heavily forested. Early Spanish its biological and cultural value. In addition to its high settlers established cattle ranches at the foot of the mountains; when level of endemic species, it has an important place in the English captured the island, Jamaica’s history as a refuge for slaves seeking freedom they cleared the lower slopes for farming and logged the forests. from colonial plantations. Today, the upper reaches of the park’s mountains remain protected, in the Holywell area of the park. Photo by Susan Otuokon, JCDT closed-canopy moist tropical forest.

28 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 The rest of the park consists of buf- Some of Jamaica’s endemic bird species, left to right: Jamaican Oriole by Sharp Photography; fer and recovery zones made up of Jamaican Mango by Sharp Photography; Blue modified forest, timber plantations, An Island of Endemics Mountain Vireo by Paul Jones shade coffee groves, and degraded Jamaica is the third-largest island woodlands. in the Caribbean. It’s part of the supplying water to over 40 percent Greater Antilles group, along with It’s the Trust’s job to manage the of the island’s population. “Jamaica Cuba and Hispaniola. The island park on behalf of one government is going through severe drought has a particularly high proportion agency; the group also coordinates right now, and water rationing has of endemic species. with other organizations that play a been put in place,” Tschirky says. role, including the Forestry Depart- The Blue and John Crow “Protected and well-managed wa- ment, cultural heritage preservation Mountains are Alliance for tersheds are needed more than ever, agencies, and community-based Zero Extinction sites for several for the people and for the future of organizations. Their job is a big one, species, including the Jamaican plants and animals found nowhere involving work with surrounding Petrel, which unfortunately is else.” communities to promote sustainable probably extinct. livelihoods and stewardship of the If you plan a visit, be sure to visit area’s natural and cultural resources. In addition to 28 endemic bird the 30-acre Holywell area. “This species, there are 27 endemic ‘park within a park’ serves as a But it’s one that is abundantly reptiles—including the Jamaican gateway,” says Susan Otuokon, worthwhile for all concerned. The iguana—and 21 endemic the Trust’s Executive Director. park’s core Preservation Zone, amphibians, including the “Holywell features five wonderful roughly 65,000 acres, is recognized Jamaican laughing tree frog trails and a very interesting visitor’s as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the rock pocket frog. center, along with interpretive for both its biological and cultural signage in the picnic areas and value. In addition to its high level of The island ranks fifth among on trails.” endemic species, it has an impor- the world’s islands in terms of tant place in Jamaica’s history as a endemic plant life. Over 3,000 It’s also where you’ll pay your refuge for slaves seeking freedom species of flowering plants have entrance fee to the Blue and John from colonial plantations. been recorded here; 830 are Crow Mountains National Park, found nowhere else. contributing to protection of The park’s mountainous slopes also the Streamertail—and all of this comprise an important watershed, Jamaican wonderland.

Gemma Radko is ABC's Communications and Media Manager, with over 25 years of graphic design, writing, and editing experience. Gemma is a member of both the Montgomery and Frederick chapters of the Maryland Ornithological Society, an avid birder, and teacher of introductory ornithology classes.

BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 29 FINAL GLIMPSE The Search is On for South America’s ‘Lost Birds’

By Daniel Lebbin In Ecuador, the search will soon be on for the Turquoise-throated igh in the Santa Marta Puffleg. Mainly known from the Mountains of Colombia type specimen collected in Ecuador Hin early 2015, two guards in 1850, there was an unconfirmed from Fundación ProAves’ El Dorado sighting of the puffleg in 1976. The Reserve found the Blue-bearded Ecuadorian ornithologist Juan Freile Helmetcrest, a hummingbird nobody Ortiz and Tulane University's Jordan had seen for 69 years. The rediscov- Karubian will conduct three search- ery of such lost species is not as in- es for the species this year and next, frequent as one might guess. Finding coordinating their efforts with our them, as other ABC-funded expedi- partner, Fundación Jocotoco. tions have done in the past with the Pale-headed Brush Finch and other Brazil’s Kinglet Calyptura is the birds, can be vital to their conserva- most famous of the lost species. A tion. It’s hard to protect birds if you strange bird resembling a kinglet don’t know where they live. Finding these birds could in size and shape, the species was common in southeastern Brazil mean the difference The International Union for Con- during the 1800s. It went largely servation of Nature currently ranks between saving them and unobserved for 119 years until a at least 24 species in the Americas historic sighting in 1996. A smatter- as threatened, even though the spe- losing them forever. ing of other unconfirmed sightings cies have no known individuals in have been reported since. Luciano the wild nor surviving in captivity. Moreira Lima of the Observatório de Most of these species should proba- Ornitologica Phelps; the University Aves-Instituto Butantan will search bly be considered extinct. But some of California, Santa Cruz; and for the bird later this year. may still persist, living in areas that Ascanio Birding Tours. The team are difficult to search and where few These expeditions are far more than will travel to the western part of people go. an attempt to detect birds that have Venezuela in June. Although the long been elusive. Finding these bird has not been recorded since the To untangle this mystery and birds could mean the difference be- 1950s, security issues have limited determine if the birds are still out tween saving them and losing them field work that might have led to there—and therefore deserving of forever. We encourage researchers sightings of the species. Now, with our conservation attention—ABC and birders to embark on their own access to the search area in the bird’s will finance three searches for some quests for other lost birds—and let small range along the border of of South America’s lost birds: the us know if they plan to—so decades- Venezuela and Colombia, we believe Tachira Antpitta, the Turquoise- old observations of birds like the this is the South American species throated Puffleg, and the Kinglet Turquoise-throated Puffleg will not most likely to be rediscovered. Calyptura. be our final glimpse of these marvels. In Venezuela, a team of researchers Daniel Lebbin is the Vice-President of International Programs at ABC. will seek the Tachira Antpitta, with He received a BA in Biology and Environmental Science and Policy from participants from a wide variety Duke University and a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from of organizations: the Smithsonian Cornell University. Daniel has participated in field research projects in National Museum of Natural History; Jamaica, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Venezuela. A lifelong birder, Daniel Provita; Instituto Venezolano de enjoys bird illustration and photography. He co-authored The American Investigaciones Científicas; Colleción Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird Conservation.

30 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2016 Illustration of Kinglet Calyptura courtesy of Tomasz Cofta Andean Emerald (L) and White-necked Jacobin (R) by Martin Mecnarowski, Shutterstock

Hummingbirds: They’re the dynamos of the bird world, flying farther and faster than their small size would suggest — just as your estate gift to ABC will create an outsized impact for years to come.

Female Blue-tailed Hummingbird by gabigaasenbeek, Shutterstock

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The is a tiny species that breeds in the mountains of western North America. Photo by Glenn Bartley