Neotropical Birds of West Virginia - West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section
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Neotropical
Birds
of West Virginia
Blue-winged Warbler
West Virginia
Division of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Section
1Neo
eotrtropical Mig
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Bir ds of W
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What are Neotropical
Migratory Birds?
Every spring and fall, flocks of
migrating birds fill the skies above
West Virginia’s mountain ranges and
river valleys. Most of the birds
gliding south over West Virginia
Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology
continue their flight for hundreds,
even thousands of miles before
reaching their destinations in
Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central
or South America. North American
breeding birds that spend the winter
in the tropics and return to breed are
known as neotropical migrants.
Neotropical, or “new tropics,” refers
to the region of Latin American that Broad-winged hawks can be seen
migrating by the hundreds over
lies south of the Tropic of Cancer. mountain ranges in September.
Which Birds Are Neotropical Migrants?
Not all birds seen in West Virginia are neotropical migrants.
Robins, bluebirds and many ducks are examples of temperate
Cerulean Warbler
by Sam Norris
migrants that winter north of the tropics. Other birds, such as
cardinals and chickadees, are permanent residents; they spend
the entire year close to their nesting grounds. Nonetheless, 88
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources of West Virginia’s 171
Wildlife Resources Section species of breeding birds
Steve Maslowski/USFWS Photo
migrate annually to the
tropics. Most warblers,
WILDLIFE DIVERSITY PROGRAM
thrushes, vireos, swal-
lows, tanagers, flycatch-
P. O. Box 67, Ward Road ers, grosbeaks and sand-
Elkins, WV 26241 pipers are neotropical
migrants. Some sparrows,
blackbirds, raptors (birds of
prey) and waterfowl winter
Front cover photo by Bob and Peter Wood. Back cover photo by Steve Maslowski for Black-throated blue warblers nest in the
Mountain State. in the tropics as well.
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
2 3Migration birds are physiologically
Migration is a strategy prepared (having gained up
used by many birds to escape to 50 percent above their
the congestion and competi- normal body weight), and
Steve Maslowski/USFWS
tion of the tropical regions weather conditions are
during the breeding season. favorable, they begin their
The temperate latitudes journeys. Songbirds travel
provide more space and food several hundred miles at a
during the summer, while the time, landing at strategic
tropics offer a stable source of stopover points to rest and
food, water and cover in the The bobolink is one of West Virginia’s refuel before continuing
winter. However, a migration most well travelled migrants, spending their trips that last from a
winters in Argentina.
of several hundred miles or few days to several weeks.
more exacts a heavy toll on a bird that may weigh less than an Most birds undergo physi-
ounce and the rewards of the trip must outweigh the rigors. ological changes during
USFWS Photo
With unpredictable weather, long water crossings, crowded migration, often not eating
stopover points, uncertain food supplies and predation, migra- for several days between
tion can be fatal to up to half of the birds that attempt it. stopover periods and
The annual migration of millions of songbirds is a spec- becoming more active at An aerial view of forest fragmentation.
tacle unrivaled in nature. Migration timing and routes vary for night.
each species depending on their destination, availability of their The Gulf of Mexico presents a challenging water crossing
preferred food, and their flying strength. Before setting off, to most eastern migrant species. Birds prepare for several days
birds of one or more species gather to prepare for departure on the Gulf Coast (fall) or Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico (spring)
(stage) in an area offering abundant food reserves. When the before taking off at night, often flying nonstop over the Gulf. If a
violent storm or major wind shift
occurs on this perilous stretch,
thousands of songbirds may
Graphic by N.H. Sandburg, courtesy Partners in Flight
never reach their destination.
Declining
Neotropical
Migratory Birds
Declines in many eastern
Mark Shock/ WVDNR
migrants, including the yellow-
billed cuckoo, wood thrush, olive-
sided flycatcher, golden-winged
warbler, cerulean warbler and
rose-breasted grosbeak have
Rose-breasted grosbeak populations recently been detected by the
are declining. North American Breeding Bird
4 5Survey which has been censusing birds annually since 1966. Threats to Neotropical Migrants
What is most alarming is that declines in many birds such as Stresses on Breeding Grounds
the bay-breasted warbler and Tennessee warbler have become
Neotropical songbirds that require large areas of mature
much more severe since 1982. The situation is even bleaker for
forest for nesting are especially vulnerable to the forest frag-
Bachman’s warbler and the black-capped vireo which appear to
mentation that has
be heading toward extinction.
occurred in the eastern
West Virginia, with its vast forests and relatively sparse
United States. Frag-
human population, has been a bright spot for many neotropical
mentation, the reduc-
migrant species. Indeed, the Mountain State has seen lower
tion of large forests into
rates of decline in many species than any other eastern state.
WVDNR Photo
several separate stands
For one species, the wood thrush, West Virginia is one of only
of trees by large high-
two states (the other being Florida) that has experienced a
ways, commercial and
population increase since 1978. With its wealth of quality
residential develop-
woodland habitats, the Mountain State is crucial to sustaining
ment and agriculture, Clearcuts create undesirable edges for forest interior
viable populations of the wood thrush and many other nesting birds.
creates more forest-
neotropical songbirds.
field edges in an area. As songbirds are forced to nest closer to
forest edges they become more vulnerable to edge-lurking nest
predators such as raccoons, opossums, blue jays, crows,
snakes and house cats that can eat their eggs and young.
Although not as significant in West Virginia as elsewhere,
another menace to many neotropical migratory songbirds is the
brown-headed cowbird. This nest parasite lays its eggs in the
nests of other birds at the expense of the host’s offspring. The
cowbird forages in open fields and has prospered from the
fragmentation of eastern forests. This opportunist is contribut-
ing to the declines of several warbler populations including that
of the endangered Kirtland’s warbler.
Many neotropical
migrants have traits
which make them espe-
cially vulnerable to nest
predators and competi-
Steve Maslowski/USFWS
tors. The ovenbird,
worm-eating warbler,
Bob and Peter Wood
black and white warbler
and Louisiana water-
thrush place their nests
on or near the ground
where they can be easily
Forest fragmentation can be detrimental to populations of forest interior birds such as Ground nesting birds such as the black and
the wood thrush. white warbler are susceptible to nest predators. found by land predators.
6 7In addition, many forest interior species (those that nest deep in Deforestation on Wintering Grounds
the forest) are smaller and less able to defend their nests from Recently, threats to neotropical migrants on their wintering
predators than edge-dwelling species which are adapted to grounds have captured the interest of bird conservationists.
coping with nest predators. Due Changes in the tropi-
8Loren McIntyre/ LAM@gscottm.com
to the time and energy de- cal landscape, includ-
manded by migration, many ing deforestation and
migrants do not make a second conversion of wood-
nesting attempt if the first one lands and shrub
fails. thickets to agriculture,
Fragmentation is probably threaten the existence
not the only factor affecting of the birds that crowd
neotropical migrants on their into these habitats in
breeding grounds. The golden- the winter. The con-
winged warbler, which has been version of massive Destruction of tropical forests decreases wintering
declining throughout its range forests to sugarcane grounds.
Bob and Peter Wood
including West Virginia, relies on plantations in Cuba has resulted in the near extinction of the
open, brushy habitats for nest- Bachman’s warbler, a bird that once wintered exclusively there.
ing. Use of herbicides to control With the high rate of deforestation occurring in many Latin
vegetation under power lines, American countries there are likely to be additional species that
abandonment of farms and experience similar fates.
suppression of fire that inhibits Golden-winged warbler populations are
woody vegetation may be declining in West Virginia due to habitat
Vanishing
harming this species. Other loss.
factors—competition with birds that tolerate diverse habitats Stopover Sites
and the widespread use of insecticides resulting in reduced Because of the high
food supplies—may be plaguing neotropical migrants as well. energy demands of migration,
it is essential that departure
areas and stopover sites with
sufficient cover and food be
located along the way. Stop-
overs are especially critical as
N.H. Sandburg/ U.S. Forest Service
many are bottlenecks, small
areas where large flocks
converge after extended
flights, and must temporarily
support very high densities of
birds.
Unfortunately, many
Drew Jones
important stopover areas
including Cape May (New
Standing dead trees, or snags, provide nest cavities for a variety of birds.
Aerial view of coastline development. Jersey), the Delmarva Peninsula
8 9(Delaware, Maryland and Virginia), the Gulf Coast (Florida, federal law but their habitats are not. In West Virginia, research-
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas) and the Yucatan ers are looking at the effects of various timber management
Peninsula (Mexico) are situated along coastal areas where practices on forest birds. Biologists in coastal areas are study-
development pressures are high. The loss of maritime forests, ing stopover habitat preferences of migratory birds and setting
scrub thickets and coastal wetlands to housing developments aside certain areas as wildlife refuges. International conserva-
can deprive migrants the protection and food they need to tion groups have begun to work with Latin American govern-
survive their journeys. ments on ways to use their forest resources without seriously
degrading winter bird habitats. Some examples include the
production of shade grown coffee and the promotion of
Prospects for Neotropical ecotourism.
Migratory Birds
As with a chain, the population Partners in Flight
of a neotropical migrant species is Closer to home, initiatives such as the
only as secure as its weakest link. Important Bird Areas Program (IBA) and Part-
Even if ample nesting areas exist, a ners in Flight (PIF) have arisen to educate the
species might decline because of public and develop strategies to conserve
the degradation of its winter habitat neotropical migratory birds. Partners in Flight, founded in 1990,
or migration stopovers. The chal- promotes cooperation among private citizens, and various
lenge of conserving neotropical federal, state and private natural resource management organi-
migratory birds is they must be zations to develop guidelines on research, monitoring, educa-
U.S. Forest Service Photo
managed on three fronts—their tion and management of neotropical migratory birds both in the
breeding ranges, winter ranges and United States and abroad. West Virginia has a PIF working
migration routes. For a single group that is developing a neotropical migratory bird conserva-
species these three areas are often tion plan for the state. The
located in three or more distinct Important Bird Areas Pro-
countries that have conflicting gram in West Virginia was
management priorities. In West begun in 2001 and is part of a
Proper forest management can Virginia, land use practices such as global effort to identify,
help migratory birds. monitor and protect the most
some methods of timber harvesting
and mining that result in unsuit- critical habitats for birds. Site
able habitat and fragmentation nominations for WV IBA’s are
Steve Maslowski/USFWS Photo
are of particular concern. currently underway and
monitoring of these areas will
Current Protection begin in the near future.
If you would be inter-
Efforts ested in being involved with
Jim Fregonara
Efforts to protect and con- the state’s PIF working group
serve neotropical migratory or Important Bird Areas
birds have begun throughout the Program, contact WV PIF,
Americas. Currently all migra- Volunteers help monitor and band WVDNR, PO Box 67, Elkins, WV The scarlet tanager prospers in the rich
tory birds are protected under migratory birds at Dolly Sods. 26241, or call (304) 637-0245. deciduous forests of West Virginia.
10 11What You Can Do
Thousands of Americans take part in migratory bird counts
and breeding bird surveys each year. A count involving migra-
tory species is conducted the
second Saturday in May each
year in conjunction with Interna-
tional Migratory Bird Day. You
too can get involved by contact-
ing your local bird club or the
Keith Weller/USDA NRCS Photo
Wildlife Resources Section’s
Wildlife Diversity Program.
Small steps—installing nest
boxes for cavity nesters; refrain-
ing from feeding competitors
(cowbirds and house sparrows);
Dave Menke/ USFWS Photo
and keeping your cats indoors--
can make a noticeable differ-
ence. Use forest management Get involved in planting trees and shrubs that provide cover and food for
practices that benefit birds, Mountain State bird visitors.
including harvesting timber in provide insect prey, nesting sites and cover. Leaving dead trees
the fall or winter when birds do or snags is important to provide cavitites for cavity-nesting
not breed. Private landowners birds.
should protect large trees which Farmers should delay hay cutting until grassland birds have
Indigo Bunting.
fledged their young, use biological (or non-toxic) controls on
pests whenever possible and leave feathered edges of shrubs
where fields meet woodland.
Gardeners can plant native vegetation for food and cover,
provide water sources and avoid pesticides and herbicides,
especially during the nesting season of April through July.
For More Information:
• WV DNR Wildlife Resources, Wildlife Diversity Program:
304-637-0245 or www.wvdnr.gov
• National Partners in Flight: partnersinflight.org
Craig Stihler
• National Audubon Society: www.audubon.org
• American Bird Conservancy: www. abcbirds.org
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: www.birds.cornell.edu
Birders stop to view field nesting birds.
12 13Neotropical Migratory Birds that Breed in West Virginia
Least Bittern Red-eyed Vireo
Osprey Blue-winged Warbler
Broad-winged Hawk Golden-winged Warbler
Peregrine Falcon Nashville Warbler
King Rail Northern Parula
Virginia Rail Yellow Warbler
Steve Maslowski/USFWS Photo
Sora Chestnut-sided Warbler
Common Moorhen Magnolia Warbler
Upland Sandpiper Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-billed Cuckoo Yellow-rumped Warbler
Jim Rathert/MO Conservation
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-throated Green Warbler
Common Nighthawk Blackburnian Warbler
Chuck Will’s Widow Yellow-throated Warbler
Whip-poor-will Pine Warbler
Chimney Swift Prairie Warbler
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Cerulean Warbler Ovenbird.
Belted Kingfisher Black-and-white Warbler
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker American Redstart
Olive-sided Flycatcher Prothonotary Warbler
King Rail.
Eastern Wood-pewee Worm-eating Warbler
Dave Menke/USFWS Photo
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Swainson’s Warbler
Acadian Flycatcher Ovenbird
Willow Flycatcher Northern Waterthrush
Least Flycatcher Louisiana Waterthrush
James C. Leupold/ USFWS Photo
Eastern Phoebe Kentucky Warbler
Great-crested Flycatcher Mourning Warbler
Eastern Kingbird Common Yellowthroat
Purple Martin Hooded Warbler
Tree Swallow Canada Warbler Savannah Sparrow.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Yellow-breasted Chat
Bank Swallow Summer Tanager
Cliff Swallow Scarlet Tanager
Barn Swallow Rose-breasted Grosbeak
House Wren Blue Grosbeak
Tree Swallow. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Indigo Bunting
Veery Dickcissel
James C. Leupold/ USFWS
Swainson’s Thrush Chipping Sparrow
Wood Thrush Lark Sparrow
Bob and Peter Wood
Gray Catbird Savannah Sparrow
White-eyed Vireo Grasshopper Sparrow
Blueheaded Vireo Lincoln’s Sparrow
Yellow-throated Vireo Bobolink
Warbling Vireo Orchard Oriole
Hermit Thrush Baltimore Oriole
Catbird on nest. Hooded Warbler with young.
14 15American Redstart
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Section
Wildlife Diversity Program
P.O. Box 67
Elkins, WV 26241
The Division of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer.
1610M
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