W ildlife known to use California Ricelands
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Wildlife known to use California Ricelands
PREPARED FOR: California Rice Commission calrice.org PRINCIPAL AUTHORS: John Sterling President Sterling Wildlife Biology Paul Buttner Environmental Affairs Manager California Rice Commission Luke Matthews Wildlife Programs Manager California Rice Commission CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Brian Baer Leslie Morris Jim Morris Marcus Rehrman John Sterling Sharon Barker FOURTH EDITION, 2022
Contents
S E C TION 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The History of the Sacramento Valley American White Pelican
and its Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The Role of Rice for Waterfowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The Role of Rice for Shorebirds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
S E C TION 2
Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Special-Status Wildlife Species
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Use of Ricelands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Special-Status Wildlife Species
That Use California Ricelands Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
During their Annual Cycle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Reptiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Giant Garter Snake (Thamnophis gigas) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Tule Greater White-fronted Goose
(Anser albifrons elgasi) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Lawrence’s Goldfinch (Spinus lawrencei) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Redhead (Aythya americana) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Yellow-headed Blackbird
(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Lesser Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis canadensis)
and Greater Sandhill Crane
(Grus canadensis tabida) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 S ECTION 3
Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Literature Cited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
S ECTION 4
Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Appendix: Wildlife Species Known
Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) . . . . . . . . . . . 15 To Use California Ricelands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 1
Introduction
California ricelands have become important “surrogate” wetland
habitats for many wildlife species.
species. In fact, there are 225 species that
are known to commonly use California ricelands with an additional
53 species that have been documented in ricelands but are rare or
infrequent users of these working lands.
With the extensive loss of about 95 percent of the native wetland
habitats in the Central Valley, riceland habitats have become essential
to the management of certain wildlife, such as waterfowl and shorebirds.
Moreover, many special-status species have also successfully adapted
to cultivated ricelands. For some wetland-dependent species, ricelands
provide essential wetland-like habitat that has contributed to the stability
of populations. In some cases, habitat provided by ricelands has helped
to support population increases.
This report discusses the general values that California ricelands
provide for wildlife. It also examines, in greater detail, the use of ricelands
by special-status wildlife species and several other species that depend
on the specially-designated shorebird habitat provided by ricelands.
Wildlife Known To Use California Ricelands Section 1: Introduction | 3
The History of the
Sacramento Valley and its Wildlife
Early in the nineteenth century, the Central types of agriculture!—!chiefly rice cultivation!—!help
Valley was characterized by large numbers of small to sustain remaining populations by creating valuable
creeks, sloughs, oxbows and major rivers that were habitat that provides functions similar to native valley
subject to periodic flooding. The scouring associated habitats. Rice cultivation has provided surrogate
with seasonal flooding created a mosaic of channels, wetland habitats that serve as essential breeding and
depressions, lowland swamps, marshes, and hummocks wintering habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading
across wide expanses of the Central Valley (Scott and birds, and other wildlife (Elphick and Oring 1998).
Marquiss 1984). An estimated four million acres of These habitats also provide food and cover for some
wetlands, together with extensive grasslands, riparian reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
forests, and valley oak These flooded ricelands are dynamic in their
woodlands, formed attraction to wildlife and in the habitat values they
“
The rice fields become
a complex mosaic of
habitats that supported
provide. Habitat quality varies with rainfall, site-specific
flooding cycles, management practices, and the
enormous flocks of particular habitat requirements of each species.
temporary wetlands with ducks, geese, swans, While specific management practices can influence
enormous significance cranes, shorebirds, the value of ricelands (Elphick and Oring 1998), the
to bird populations various wading birds mere presence of summer and winter-flooded habitat
and other species. has provided more than 500,000 acres of wetland-
wintering and breeding
In the mid- like habitat in the Central Valley. This habitat, in
in the Central Valley. nineteenth century, conjunction with the abundant food source remaining
the landscape of the in ricelands after harvest, has contributed to population
Central Valley began increases of many wetland-dependent species.
to undergo a gradual conversion to one dominated by During the winter months, large flocks of water birds
intensively managed agricultural lands, finally becoming forage in flooded ricelands. These shorebird and
one of the most productive agricultural regions in waterfowl concentrations attract raptors, especially
the world. This land conversion and significant loss of Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle. Unflooded ricelands
habitat resulted in substantial declines in the estimated also support large rodent populations, which in turn
40 million waterfowl, and other waterbird populations support hundreds of raptors, such as White-tailed
that historically used the Central Valley (Elphick and Kites, Northern Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks, Swainson’s
Oring 2003). Despite this enormous habitat loss, over Hawks, American Kestrels and Short-eared Owls.
10 million waterfowl continue to winter in California Overall, ricelands are known to be used by 215
(California Department of Fish and Wildlife, unpub- species of birds (53 of these are rare), 37 species of
lished data). During their annual cycles, large numbers mammals, 22 species of reptiles and 4 species of
of shorebirds, pelicans, egrets, herons, ibises, song- amphibians (Appendix A). Of these 278 species, 28 are
birds, and raptors use the Central Valley wetlands. currently considered special-status species. In addition,
The total annual waterbird count (including migrants) 17 of the bird species are part of a specially-designated
in the region has been estimated as high as 10 to habitat area that includes ricelands and adjacent
12 million (Gilmer et al. 1982). wetlands of the Sacramento Valley. In addition to this
With the gradual loss of wetlands in the Central list of species, this document will explore the signifi-
Valley, wildlife has become increasingly dependent on cant role ricelands play in the life cycle of two main
suitable agricultural lands for food and cover. Certain groups of birds: waterfowl and shorebirds.
4 | Section 1: Introduction Wildlife Known To Use California Ricelands
SECTION 1
The Role of Rice for Waterfowl
The Central Valley is an essential habitat area for waterfowl (ducks, geese,
and swans). It serves as part of an annual bird migration corridor known as
the Pacific Flyway. During the 1880s, an estimated four million acres of
wetland habitat was available to waterfowl during the winter. Today, just
over 219,000 acres of wetlands remain, supplemented by approximately
341,000 acres of winter flooded rice fields (Central Valley Joint Venture,
2020). This additional surrogate wetland acreage plays an enormous role
in sustaining the waterfowl populations in the winter. In fact, just over
10 million waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) are estimated to use the
Central Valley in the fall and winter each year (California Department
of Fish and Wildlife unpublished data). Together, both rice and wetland
habitats help establish the Central Valley as the most important waterfowl
wintering area in the Pacific Flyway, supporting up to 60 percent of the
total flyway population in some years (Central Valley Joint Venture 2020).
Migratory waterfowl wetlands in the Sacramento Valley. Ricelands and the
rely on Sacramento adjacent wetlands share many of the same wildlife
Valley ricelands for species as they move back and forth between the two
both roosting and foraging habitat. Each year, up habitats throughout the year. In addition, tailwater
to 540,000 acres of land, mainly in the Sacramento from rice fields provide an important source of surface
Valley, are planted in rice (National Agricultural water to flood Sacramento Valley’s managed wetlands
Statistics Service, 2020). Ricelands are flooded in the fall (CVJV 2020).
during the summer growing season, and as a result For a variety of reasons!—!including loss of wetlands,
of straw burning legislation to improve air quality extended periods of drought on the breeding grounds,
(Rice Straw Burning Act, 1991), many ricelands are and loss of nesting habitat!—!populations of wintering
also flooded following harvest in an effort to decom- waterfowl in California have declined dramatically
pose rice straw (Brouder and Hill 1995). In total, since the late 1970s. Through the efforts of waterfowl
many of these fields are flooded for up to eight conservation groups and the proactive management
months of the year, during which time the ricelands of both breeding and wintering waterfowl habitats
become temporary wetlands with enormous signifi- by state and federal agencies, the decline in California’s
cance to bird populations wintering and breeding waterfowl population slowed, and then started to
in the Central Valley. In addition to the surrogate reverse in the late 1980s. The winter flooding of
wetland values they offer, ricelands also provide a ricelands in the Central Valley has been an important
high-value food source from the 346 lbs/ac of waste factor in this recovery. This winter flooding has resulted
grain estimated to remain on the ground following in an apparent dependence of some waterfowl species
the annual rice harvest in the Central Valley. In the on flooded ricelands. For example, over two million
Sacramento Valley, waste rice is estimated to Northern Pintails were counted in recent years during
make up 74 percent and 95 percent of the nutrient January waterfowl surveys in the Central Valley
needs for wintering ducks and geese respectively (California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife). Heitmeyer and
(Central Valley Joint Venture 2020). Raveling (1988) demonstrated this species’ dependence
Rice farmers also enjoy a healthy symbiotic on flooded ricelands during their study of foraging
relationship with the 75,000 acres of managed behavior and habitat preferences in the Central Valley.
6 | Section 1: Introduction Wildlife Known To Use California Ricelands
SECTION 1 The Role of Rice for Shorebirds Like waterfowl, shorebirds have benefited from ricelands in the Central Valley. The northern Central Valley is a site of international stature within the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) because of its importance to large numbers of wintering and migrating shorebirds (WHSRN 2003). Based upon endorsements from scientific reviewers, the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences recommended that the ricelands and wetlands of the Sacramento Valley be designated as a “Shorebird Site of International Significance.” With this action, the Sacramento Valley’s ricelands (which comprise nearly 90 percent of the designated 620,000-acre area) are included within the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. The Sacramento Valley is one of the largest North American sites within this network to be formally recognized for providing this beneficial ecological environment. Figure 1, on page 8, provides a detailed map of this special shorebird habitat area. When flooded, disked ricelands in this shorebird shorebird habitat using this innovative concept. habitat area provide foraging habitat for a wide Shorebird surveys documented large numbers using variety of shorebirds during fall, winter and spring these flooded ricelands during a time when they seasons. In fact, the vast majority of California are normally dry, thereby demonstrating the impor- shorebird species are attracted to flooded fields tance of providing shorebird habitat in ricelands (Elphick and Oring 1998, Day and Colwell 1998, during migration. Due to the success of BirdReturns, Shuford et al. 1998, Elphick 2000). Highlighting the the California Ricelands Waterbird Foundation importance of flooded ricelands, extensive surveys (Foundation) started a companion program based on conducted from 1992 to 1995 found that those the BirdReturns model. The Foundation’s Bid4Birds fields held 23 to 30 percent of all shorebirds in the Central Valley (Shuford et al. 1998). Particularly high concentrations were noted in the rice-dominated Colusa, Butte, Sutter, Yolo, and American basins in the Sacramento Valley (Shuford et al. 1998). Due to the importance of this area and the habitat that ricelands can provide, the BirdReturns program was started in 2014. This program, spearheaded by the Nature Conservancy in partnership with the California Rice Commission, utilizes a unique reverse auction system that allows farmers to submit bids and create shore- bird habitat on their farms. BirdReturns has focuses on creating shallow (
FIGURE 1: SPECIAL SHOREBIRD HABITAT AREA
36
70
99
5
149
49
20
70 20
20
20
20 99
70
5
65
49
29 5
505
80
80
80
8 | Section 1: Introduction Wildlife Known To Use California RicelandsSECTION 1 Program was started in 2018 and has created nearly developed in an effort to maintain and restore 8,000 acres of critical shorebird habitat during habitats that support adequate shorebird populations both the spring and fall time periods. The Foundation in the Western Hemisphere (Brown et al. 2001). This is currently scaling up this program and has the plan is divided into eleven regional conservation plans objective of working with rice farmers to create over and the Southern Pacific Coast Regional Shorebird 4,000 acres per year. Conservation Plan covers coastal California and the During winter and spring migration in the Central Valley (Page and Shuford 2000, Hickey et al. Sacramento Valley, ricelands, wildlife refuges, 2003). Components of this regional plan have also and managed wetlands in hunting clubs provide been incorporated into the Central Valley Joint extensive habitat for shorebirds (Page and Shuford Venture Implementation Plan (2020), which sets 2000). Of the key habitats surveyed from 1992 habitat conservation objectives based upon prescribed to 1995, flooded ricelands constituted more than acreages of flooded rice, semi-permanent and 143,000 acres (21 percent) of the total available permanent wetlands. Both of these plans encourage shorebird habitat (Shuford et al. 1998). Peak shallow harvesting of ricelands by conventional methods riceland flooding acreage providing shorebird habitat (not stripping), maintaining suitable water depths in 2014–15 was 193,617 for early spring migration at appropriate levels for a variety of shorebirds and on 10 March 2014, 19,985 for late fall migration on waterbirds, increasing acreage of seasonally-flooded 15 October 2015, 129,322 from wintering population ricelands and other wetlands, and conservation and on 31 December 2014 (Golet et al. 2018). In addition agricultural easements. The regional plan also ranks to providing key wetland habitats for shorebirds, species by their national conservation importance ricelands also play a key role in connecting (Page and Shuford 2000). In addition to the six available habitat between the coast, the Sacramento Valley, and the San Joaquin Valley. Maintaining a large-scale mosaic of wetland habitats in a region as large as the Central Valley is vital to the conserva- tion of waterbirds (Haig et al. 1998). This connectivity is especially important during migration when shorebirds require habitat for refueling and resting. The importance of flooded, disked (or fallow) ricelands is most pronounced during fall migration (July–October) when there is a scarcity of available shorebird habitat in the Sacramento Valley. August is the low point for shorebird numbers during fall migration because managed wetlands are not usually flooded until September or October. Much of the rice crop is mature at this time, making use by shorebirds limited due special-status shorebirds described in Section 2 of this to the dense canopy of rice plants (Shuford et al. document (Snowy Plover, Mountain Plover, Marbled 1998). However, most fields are flooded immediately Godwit, Whimbrel, Long-billed Curlew and Short- billed following harvest (September through early Dowitcher), flooded ricelands are of particular impor- November) and provide quality habitat at this time. tance to the eleven species that are described in the Due to concern for shorebird populations across regional plan as well. the continent, a nationwide conservation plan was Wildlife Known To Use California Ricelands Section 1: Introduction | 9
Special-Status Wildlife
Species Use Of Ricelands
This discussion of special-status
Special-Status Wildlife Known to Use California
species use of ricelands addresses both Ricelands During their Annual Cycle
wetland-dependent species and other
SPECIES SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUS*
species that use ricelands incidentally.
REPTILES
Special-status species are those
Western Pond Turtle Actinemys marmorata CSC
assigned an official designation by a
Giant Garter Snake Thamnophis gigas CE, FE
state or federal resource agency that
BIRDS
indicates population declines or other
Tule Greater
(Anser albifrons elgasi) CSC
reason for particular concern. For White-fronted Goose
Redhead (Aythya americana) CSC
purposes of this report, special-status
Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) CSC
species are defined as:
Lesser Sandhill Crane and (Grus canadensis canadensis)
CSC
• Species listed or proposed for listing Greater Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis tabida)
as threatened or endangered under Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) CSC
the federal Endangered Species Act Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) CFP
(ESA) (50 CFR 17.11, and various Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) BGE, CE, CFP
notices in the Federal Register [FR] Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) CSC
[proposed species]) Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) CT, FSCC
• Species that are included on the American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) CFP, BGE
federal bird species of conservation Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) FSCC
concern list for Bird Conservation White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) FSCC
Region 32 that includes the Central Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) CSC
Valley (CDFW 2020) Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) CT
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) CSC
• Species listed or proposed for listing
by the State of California as threat- Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) CSC, FSCC
ened or endangered under the Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) FSCC
California Endangered Species Act Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) FSCC
(CESA) (14 California code of Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) FSCC
Regulations [CCR] 670.5) Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) FSCC
• Animal species of special concern to Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) CSC
the California Department of Fish and Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) CSC, FSCC
Wildlife (CDFW) (CDFW 2020) Lawrence’s Goldfinch (Spinus lawrencei) CSC
(Xanthocephalus
• Animals fully protected in California Yellow-headed Blackbird CSC
xanthocephalus)
(California Fish and Game Code, Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor)
Section 3511 [birds], 4700 [mammals],
* Status Key:
and 5050 [reptiles and amphibians]) CSC (California Species of Special Concern)
FSCC (Federal Bird Species of Conservation Concern)
• Bald and Golden Eagles specifically CFP (California Fully Protected)
listed by the Bald and Golden Eagle CT (California Threatened);
CE (California Endangered)
Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668). FE (Federally Endangered)
BGE (Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act)
10 | Section 2: Special-Status Wildlife Species Wildlife Known To Use California RicelandsReptiles
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) Western Pond Turtles inhabit streams and
The Western Pond canals adjacent to ricelands throughout the northern
Turtle is usually found Sacramento Valley. They may benefit from the
along the quiet waters abundant invertebrate prey found in flooded ricelands.
of marshes, streams, The Western Pond Turtle is a California species
ponds, and other of special concern.
SECTION 2
permanent and
ephemeral aquatic
Giant Garter Snake (Thamnophis gigas)
habitats from sea The Giant Garter Snake is a large, aquatic garter
level to approxi- snake historically found throughout the Central Valley
mately 4,500 feet. from Butte County south to Kern County (U.S. Fish
Pond turtles use aquatic habitat for activities such and Wildlife Service 1999). Since the 1940s, the species
as foraging and temperature regulation. They use has been eliminated from the southern portion of its
upland terrestrial habitats for overwintering, nesting, range. The current range extends from near Durham
and dispersal. Within the aquatic habitat, pond turtles in Butte County to the Mendota Wildlife Area in
require emergent basking sites, such as rocks, logs, Fresno County (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1999).
emergent vegetation, or undercut areas along a bank Populations of
to maintain proper temperature regulation. The size Giant Garter Snake
of the aquatic habitat can vary considerably. Western are limited to ponds,
Pond Turtles have been found in ephemeral pools of sloughs, marshes,
only a few square meters and in water bodies that and ricelands of
cover several dozen square kilometers. They are also Sacramento, Sutter,
found in ponds that vary up to 50 percent or more Butte, Colusa, and
in size during the course of a year and in areas where Glenn Counties.
water is present for only a small portion of the year Remnant populations
(Holland 1994). Western Pond Turtles are typically also exist along the
found in aquatic habitat during their active period, western border of the Yolo Bypass in Yolo County
from approximately March through September. By and along the eastern fringes of the San Joaquin−
October, they usually disappear to overwintering sites, Sacramento River Delta from the Laguna Creek–
often grasslands adjacent to the aquatic habitat. Elk Grove region of Sacramento County south to
Western Pond Turtles consume a variety of Stockton in San Joaquin County (Hansen 1986,
foods. The majority of their diet consists of crusta- 58 FR 54053, October 20, 1993).
ceans, midges, dragonflies, beetles, stoneflies, and The Giant Garter Snake is endemic to emergent
caddisflies. They also feed on mammal, bird, reptile, wetlands in the Central Valley. The species occurs
amphibian, and fish carrion. They rarely eat plant in marshes, sloughs, ponds, small lakes, and low-
matter but have been observed foraging on willow gradient waterways such as small streams, irrigation
and alder catkins and on ditch grass inflorescences and drainage canals, and ricelands. Giant Garter
(Holland 1991). Nekton (free-swimming pelagic Snakes require permanent water during the active
animals) are important food for hatchlings and season (early spring through mid fall) to maintain
juveniles (Holland 1985, Holland 1991). dense populations of food organisms. These snakes
also require herbaceous emergent vegetation for
protective cover and foraging habitat, as well as open
areas and grassy banks for basking. Small mammal
Wildlife Known To Use California Ricelands Section 2: Special-Status Wildlife Species | 11“
The development of
Garter Snakes may concentrate feeding efforts at
pooled areas that trap and concentrate prey. Native
prey species include Sacramento blackfish (Orthodox
microlepidotus) and Pacific treefrog (Pseudacris
ricelands has created an
[Hyla] regilla). Nonnative species preyed upon include
important alternative habitat carp (Cyprinus carpio), mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis),
for Giant Garter Snakes. other small fish, and bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)
(U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1999).
Loss of wetlands in the Central Valley has resulted
in significant population declines of Giant Garter
burrows and other small crevices in upland habitat Snake resulting in its current listing as endangered
are required for winter hibernation sites and refuge under both the federal and state Endangered Species
from floodwaters (58 FR 54053, October 20, 1993). Acts. The development of ricelands has created an
All four habitat components (protective cover, foraging important alternative habitat for Giant Garter Snakes.
habitat, basking areas, and protected hibernation Some of the most important remaining populations
sites) are needed for the species to persist in an area. of this species in the American and Butte Basins have
The diet of Giant Garter Snakes consists mainly been found to depend on flooded ricelands as a
of aquatic prey such as fish and amphibians. Giant primary habitat component.
12 | Section 2: Special-Status Wildlife Species Wildlife Known To Use California RicelandsBirds
Tule Greater White-fronted Goose different techniques documented steady declines
(Anser albifrons elgasi) throughout the state (Beedy and Deuel 2008). This
species is a nest parasite, in that many females do not
The Tule Greater
build nests and incubate eggs. They simply lay their
White-fronted Goose
eggs in other waterbirds’ nests. The few that do build
is the larger and
nests make them in the vegetation of marshes, usually
darker of two North
SECTION 2
with water depths
American subspecies
exceeding two feet.
of Greater White-
Redheads frequent
fronted Goose. It
flooded ricelands where
breeds exclusively
they feed on excess
in the upper Cook
grain, vegetation, and
Inlet region of Alaska
insects, snails and other
(Deuel and Takekawa 2008) and winters in the Colusa
aquatic invertebrates.
Basin and Butte Sink region of the Sacramento
The Redhead is on
Valley with small numbers in the Suisun and Napa
the California Bird
marshes (Wege 1984, Deuel and Takekawa 2008).
Species of Special Concern Priority 3 list primarily
The population is most recently estimated at
due to extensive loss and degradation of breeding
11,852!–!17,555 (Yparraguirre et al. 2020), which is
habitat and vulnerability to hunting, contaminants,
greater than previous estimate of 7,000-10,000 from
and disease (Beedy and Deuel 2008).
2008, but there is no solid evidence of prior popula-
tion trends given the lack of accurate historical
Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis)
estimates (Deuel and Takekawa 2008). In contrast
In the Sacramento Valley and adjacent foothills of
to the more common subspecies, Pacific Greater
the Sierra Nevada, the Black Rail is a diminutive, shy
White-fronted Goose (A. a. frontalis), cohesive flocks
year-round resident that lives in marshes with bulrush
larger than 25 individuals are rare (Bauer 1979 in Deuel
(Scirpus spp.), cattail
and Takekawa 2008). During the winter, they forage
(Typha spp.) or sedge
primarily in harvested ricelands and other grain fields
(Carex spp.) (Tecklin
along with other geese (Deuel and Takekawa 2008).
1999, Evens et al. 1991,
As is true of most migrating and wintering waterfowl
J. Sterling pers. obs.),
in the Central Valley, ricelands provide a viable
and forages on inver-
surrogate wetland habitat for this species.
tebrates including
The Tule Greater White-fronted Goose is on the
snails, beetles, earwigs,
California Bird Species of Special Concern Priority 3
grasshoppers, ants, and
list due to the small population size that winters
seeds (Eddleman et al.
entirely in a small geographic area of California
1994). Shallow water depth is important for successful
(Deuel and Takekawa 2008).
nest sites as rising water levels can drown nests
Redhead (Aythya americana) and deep water can reduce access to foraging habitat
(Eddleman et al. 1994). There is no information on
The Redhead is a diving duck identified by its darker
minimum patch size for the California Black Rail in the
coloration and rounder head profile from the similar
Central Valley and Delta Region, but in the foothills of
Canvasback. Only a small population breeds and
the central Sierra Nevada rails are in marshes as small
winters in the remnant marshlands in the Central
as 0.5 acre and 32 percent of occupied wetlands were
Valley. Population trends from several periods and
Wildlife Known To Use California Ricelands Section 2: Special-Status Wildlife Species | 13less than 0.75 acre (Tecklin 1999). Black Rails occupy systems in the northern Sacramento Valley from Red
marshes with Virginia Rails and Soras (J. Sterling Bluff to southern Butte County. The eastern segment
pers. obs.), but there is no information on interspecific of this population (approximately 25,000 birds)
interactions (Eddleman et al. 1994). winters in grain stubble fields near Lodi and a variety
In the past twenty-five years, an inland population of other habitats south to the Carrizo Plains in San
was discovered in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Luis Obispo County (Littlefield 2008). Both subspecies
from Butte to El Dorado counties (Aigner et al. 1995, wintering in the Sacramento Valley are entirely
Tecklin 1999, Sterling 2019). Breeding season records dependent on state and federal refuge lands and
from the adjacent valley floor (Sterling pers. obs.) private agricultural lands for winter roosting and
as well as unconfirmed post-breeding season sight foraging habitat. Ricelands provide essential habitat
records from ricelands in the Butte Sink and Sutter for both subspecies of Sandhill Cranes as waste grain
County suggest that there may be down slope provides an important food resource, and flooded
movement from the foothill breeding population. ricelands are used as roosting sites (Pogson 1990).
Black Rails from the Delta Region may occasionally The Greater Sandhill Crane is listed as threatened
disperse into freshwater marshes and flooded under California Endangered Species Act, primarily
ricelands. The primary threats are the loss and because of the loss of suitable breeding habitat,
degradation of marsh habitats. human disturbance, predation on the local breeding
population in northeastern California, and the
Lesser Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis continued loss of winter foraging habitat (California
canadensis) and Greater Sandhill Crane Department of Fish and Game 2000b).
(Grus canadensis tabida)
The Lesser Sandhill Crane is on the California Bird
The Sandhill Crane Species of Special Concern Priority 3 list, primarily
is an elegant, long- because its foraging and loafing habitat in the Central
necked, long-legged Valley is rapidly being converted from grain crops to
bird of open grass- orchards, vineyards, and housing developments.
lands and freshwater
marshes. Only the Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus)
Greater Sandhill Crane The Mountain Plover
breeds in California, is a medium-sized,
nesting in high long-legged, drab-
mountain meadows of colored shorebird that
the northern Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges and breeds in the western
large high-desert meadows of northeastern California. prairie region from
Waste grain in corn, sorghum, rice, and wheat fields New Mexico to the
provide the bulk of the diet on the wintering grounds Canadian border and
in the Central Valley. Large wintering flocks gather at winters primarily in
traditional sites in Merced County, the Delta region, California’s Central
and the Sacramento Valley. Many of California’s Valley and northern Mexico. Mountain Plovers nest
winter population of 6,000 Greater Sandhill Cranes in shortgrass prairie but are also found in semi-desert
winter in the Butte Sink, where they forage primarily and agricultural landscapes (Knopf 1996). Wintering
on rice (Littlefield 2002, California Department of sites are scattered among the grasslands and
Fish and Game 2000b). The coastal segment of the increasingly in disked or burned agricultural fields
Pacific Flyway population of Lesser Sandhill Crane in the Central Valley from Colusa County south to
(approximately 3,800 birds) leaves southeastern Kern County (Knopf 1996, Edson and Hunting 1999,
Alaska in the fall to winter in the ricelands and refuge Hunting and Edson 2008, Sterling 2020a).
14 | Section 2: Special-Status Wildlife Species Wildlife Known To Use California RicelandsThe Mountain Plover is a California species of individuals nesting in extreme northeastern California.
special concern and a federal species of conservation However, it is found throughout much of the state,
concern (USFWS 2008). It is on the California Bird including the Central Valley nearly year-round as
Species of Special Concern Priority 2 list, primarily non-breeding birds linger and breeding birds start
because of wintering habitat loss and degradation in returning to wintering sites as early as mid June.
California (Hunting and Edson 2008). Typical winter habitat includes pastures and agricultural
fields where curlews probe for invertebrates. While
Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) ricelands are not heavily used by wintering populations,
SECTION 2
The Snowy Plover is a groups of curlews are regularly observed foraging in
small, pale shorebird. flooded and disked ricelands (Shuford et al. 1998).
Breeding locations in The Long-billed Curlew is a federal species of
California include the conservation concern (USFWS 2008). It is considered
Pacific Coast beaches, highly imperiled in the U.S. Shorebird Conservation
alkaline flats in eastern Plan (Brown et al. 2001) due to population declines
California, and the outside of California. However, there is no evidence of
Salton Sea shoreline a decline in the wintering population in California.
(Page et al. 1995). The
Central Valley popula- Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus)
tion occurs year-round in agricultural evaporation The Short-billed
ponds in the southern San Joaquin Valley (Shuford Dowitcher is a medium-
et al. 1995, Shuford et al. 2008). Nesting on the open sized, plump shorebird
ground exposes eggs and young to predation and similar to its cousin, the
a variety of human disturbances. Snowy Plovers Long-billed Dowitcher.
feed primarily on terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates. Both species have
Snowy Plovers are observed nearly annually in relatively long bills that
flooded ricelands and nearby wastewater treatment they use to probe into
ponds during spring and fall migration with increasing deep mud for inverte-
records in past ten years (Sterling 2020b). brate prey. The Short-
The species’ inland population is on the California billed Dowitcher is identified by its different call
Bird Species of Special Concern Priority 3 list, (a mellow “tu tu tu”), its tail pattern and by its juvenile
primarily because of changes in water levels, plumage. It nests further south than its cousin, in
especially those caused by humans, in addition boreal wetlands of southern Alaska and central
to nest predation and disturbance. Canada, and winters further south as well to central
Peru and Brazil (Jehl, Jr. et al. 2001). As many as
Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) 150,000 migrate along the California coast, where
The Long-billed Curlew some remain to winter (Hickey et al. 2003). However,
is a large, light brown some migrate through the Central Valley where they
shorebird with long feed in ricelands and evaporation ponds. Large-scale
legs and a very long shorebird surveys have not distinguished the two
decurved bill. This is species of dowitchers (Shuford et al. 1998). Therefore,
an inland-breeding the relative abundance of Short-billed Dowitchers
bird of prairies and in the Sacramento Valley rice country is not well
meadows, with only documented. Most of the sightings are of easily-
a small number of identified juveniles in late August and September,
but some vocalizing adults are found during spring
and summer as well.
Wildlife Known To Use California Ricelands Section 2: Special-Status Wildlife Species | 15Due to population declines, the Short-billed American White Pelican
Dowitcher is a federal species of conservation (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
concern on the national and California Bird The American White
Conservation Region scales (USFWS 2002). Pelican is a large white
bird with black flight
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) feathers and long,
The Black Tern nests massive bill with a
semi-colonially and fleshy pouch. Pelicans
forages for aerial eat fish and crawfish
insects and aquatic that they scoop up in
invertebrates in their bills in deep
freshwater marshes marshes, lakes and
(Dunn and Agro 1995, ponds. They frequent flooded ricelands for resting
Shuford et al. 2001, and are often found in large flocks. This colonially-
Shuford 2008b). nesting species no longer breeds in the Central Valley,
Biologists conducting but non-breeding or possible breeding visitors from
surveys during the 1998 El Niño year found 2,213 nesting colonies in northeastern California are common
breeding pairs in the Central Valley, of which 90 sights during the spring and summer. In winter a
percent were in ricelands in the Sacramento Valley larger influx of pelicans visits the Central Valley.
(Shuford et al. 2001, Shuford 2008b). During the The American White Pelican is on the California
early nineteenth century, natural marshes in the San Bird Species of Special Concern Priority 3 list primarily
Joaquin Valley sustained large populations of Black due to loss, degradation, and human disturbance of
Terns. With the loss of these breeding areas, the breeding habitat and colonies as well as vulnerability
ricelands of the Sacramento Valley have become to contaminants and disease (Shuford 2008a).
this species’ stronghold in the Central Valley. The It is also a federal species of conservation concern
state’s only other breeding population center is (USFWS 2008).
in the natural marshes of northeastern California
(Shuford et al. 2001, Shuford 2008b). Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)
The Black Tern is on the California Bird Species The Least Bittern is
of Special Concern Priority 2 list, primarily due to a small heron that is
loss and degradation of breeding habitats. rarely seen due to its
cryptic (light brown)
coloration and its
“
Ricelands provide essential
tendency to hide in
dense cattail marshes.
Consistent with other
members of the heron
habitat for both subspecies of
family, Least Bitterns
Sandhill Cranes. Waste grain prey upon fish, frogs, and large invertebrates such
provides an important food as crawfish. Small populations breed in the Central
resource, and flooded ricelands Valley primarily in the Sacramento Valley wildlife
refuges and some have been documented to remain
are used as roosting sites.
throughout the winter. They are sometimes found in
cattail-lined rice irrigation ditches, but occurrences
within ricelands are not well documented. Their
16 | Section 2: Special-Status Wildlife Species Wildlife Known To Use California Ricelandspopulation numbers and trends are unknown due and southern California deserts. They also nest
to the lack of appropriate, species specific surveys around the perimeter of the Central Valley, and a
in the region (Sterling 2008). few pairs nest in the valley, including at the Sutter
The Least Bittern is on the California Bird Species Buttes. Nests are constructed on cliff ledges and
of Special Concern Priority 2 list primarily due to loss in trees. Golden Eagles forage over large open
or degradation of breeding habitat (Sterling 2008). upland habitats, primarily grassland, oak savanna,
and shrub-steppe habitats, for ground squirrels,
White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) rabbits, and other mammalian prey. They are
SECTION 2
The White-tailed Kite occasionally observed on the valley floor in agricul-
is a medium-sized tural areas and are sometimes seen hunting in
hawk identified by fallow or disked ricelands.
its long white tail The Golden Eagle is a California fully protected
and distinctive black species and is also federally protected under the
shoulder patches. Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
It is also identified by
its habit of hovering Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
(or kiting) while The Northern Harrier
hunting. Breeding in is a slender, medium-
riparian corridors and in valley oak savanna in the sized raptor recognized
Central Valley (Moore 2000), they forage in grass- by its distinctive white
lands, ricelands, alfalfa and other agricultural fields rump and its low,
that support concentrations of voles (Dunk 1995). coursing flight behavior.
The White-tailed Kite is a California fully protected Closely associated with
species. Its population in California has fluctuated grasslands and fresh
dramatically during the past 100 years. In the 1930s, and saltwater marshes,
the population declined precipitously, but from the Northern Harriers are
1950s to the 1970s it rebounded in both numbers and common during the winter and spring/fall migration
distribution (Eisenmann 1971). However, with the periods. Although they are relatively uncommon
recent drought, populations have been reduced in the Central Valley during the breeding season
likely due to vole and other prey population declines compared to other nesting raptors, the Central Valley
(Pandolfino 2018). Lincoln Christmas Bird Count supports the core breeding population in California
(CBC) data have documented a decline from 133 in (Davis and Niemela 2008). They nest on the ground
2002 to 33 in 2019. and require adequate cover to conceal their nests
from predators (MacWhirter and Bildstein 1996).
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Ricelands in the Central Valley provide an important
The Golden Eagle is wetland substitute for this species. Harriers often
a large bird of prey hunt for small shorebirds, songbirds, and rodents
characterized by its concentrated in flooded and disked ricelands, as well
dark brown body and as in fallow fields that support high densities of voles
golden nape. Golden and other prey (Wilkison and Debban 1980). One
Eagles nest through- hundred seventy-five Northern Harriers were observed
out much of the state, in ricelands and grasslands during the 2002 Lincoln
including the Great CBC. This count was tied for the seventh highest of
Basin, Coast Ranges, more than 1,900 counts conducted throughout the
Wildlife Known To Use California Ricelands Section 2: Special-Status Wildlife Species | 17continent and, as such, highlights the importance Endangered Species Act and is also federally
of ricelands as winter foraging habitat. However, protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle
only 53 were detected during the 2019 count, likely Protection Act. It is currently considered to be
due to drought conditions reducing vole and other increasing in California (California Department
prey populations. of Fish and Game 2000a).
The Northern Harrier is on the California Bird
Species of Special Concern Priority 3 list, primarily Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
due to loss or degradation of breeding habitat The Swainson’s Hawk is
(Davis and Niemela 2008). a medium-sized bird of
prey that inhabits open
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) country grasslands,
The Bald Eagle is shrub-steppes, deserts,
a large bird of prey and agricultural areas
belonging to the of western North
group of “fish eagles.” America during the
Adult Bald Eagles are breeding season and
characterized by their winters in grassland
distinctive white head and agricultural regions extending from Central
and tail and heavy Mexico to southern South America (England et al.
yellow bill. Bald Eagles 1997, Bradbury et al. unpublished). Early accounts
in the Sacramento described the Swainson’s Hawk as one of the most
Valley generally nest in Fremont cottonwood common raptors in California, occurring throughout
(Populus fremontii) and valley oak (Quercus lobata) much of the lowland areas of the state (Sharpe 1902).
in riparian woodland along the Sacramento and With the conversion of native grassland foraging
Feather rivers, and have been increasing the breeding habitat and the loss of riparian forest and oak
range from Redding southward to Cosumnes River woodland nesting habitat, the statewide population
Preserve since 2000 (Sterling pers. obs., eBird data was reduced substantially. At their lowest population
accessed Nov. 2020). Nest sites are usually associ- levels only an estimated 700 to 1,000 breeding pairs
ated with lakes and rivers that support abundant fish, remained in the state (Swainson’s Hawk Technical
waterfowl, or other waterbird prey. During winter, Advisory Committee unpublished data), representing
Bald Eagles migrate locally or long distances to sites less than 10 percent of the historic population
that are also associated with lakes and rivers. Because (Bloom 1979). The population has increased in recent
of the large wintering waterfowl populations, Bald decades, both in geographic range and in population
Eagles are often observed hunting or roosting in size. The Central Valley population, recently estimated
the Central Valley during the winter. at 2,271!–!4,165 breeding pairs, extends from Tehama
Bald Eagle winter and breeding populations have County southward to Kern County and comprises
increased dramatically in the Sacramento Valley in 95 percent of the state’s breeding population
recent decades. Their populations declined drastically (Battiston 2019). Despite the loss of native habitats
due to the eggshell thinning effects of DDT, but since in the Central Valley, the Swainson’s Hawk appears
the ban on the use of that pesticide in the 1970s, to have adapted relatively well to certain types of
populations have rebounded across the continent. agricultural patterns in areas where suitable nesting
In the Central Valley, these eagles are most often habitat remains. The optimal foraging and nesting
found during winter, hunting waterfowl concentrated habitat conditions in Yolo and portions of Sacramento
in flooded ricelands. and San Joaquin counties support the bulk of the
The Bald Eagle is a California fully protected Central Valley Swainson’s Hawk population (Battiston
species, is listed as endangered under California 2019, Estep 1989).
18 | Section 2: Special-Status Wildlife Species Wildlife Known To Use California RicelandsIn the Central Valley, Swainson’s Hawks typically Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
forage in agricultural fields that provide accessibility The Burrowing Owl is a small, ground-dwelling
to prey, especially alfalfa. Flooded ricelands are not owl centered in California primarily in the Central
suitable for foraging by Swainson’s Hawks. However, and Imperial valleys. Active both day and night,
where ricelands occur within a mosaic of other crop it uses ground burrows or other cavities for nesting,
types, disked or fallow ricelands may be used by cover and forage in grasslands and agricultural
foraging hawks, and rice field berms are occasionally fields. In California, most nesting burrows are
used for resting and foraging. abandoned California ground squirrel (Spermophilus
SECTION 2
The Swainson’s Hawk is listed as threatened under beecheyi) burrows.
California Endangered Species Act and is a federal The species was widespread in California prior
species of conservation concern (USFWS 2008). to 1945 (Grinnell and Miller 1944), but urbanization
and agricultural conversion of nesting areas have
Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)
reduced the population significantly since then.
The Ferruginous Hawk is a large, broad-winged Existing populations have been reduced to small
bird of prey that inhabits open-country grasslands, fragmented groups frequently surrounded by urban
shrub-steppes, and deserts of North America development. It’s been estimated that a decrease
(Bechard and Schmutz 1995). While there are of nearly 60 percent in California populations has
breeding records from the Great Basin deserts of occurred from the 1980s to 1995 (DeSante and Ruhlen
extreme northeastern California, Ferruginous Hawks 1995). Historically, burrow destruction, the effects
do not nest in the remainder of the state. In the of grazing, shooting,
Central Valley, Ferruginous Hawks are found only secondary poisoning
during the winter, where they prey primarily upon from ground squirrel
rabbits, ground squirrels, and pocket gophers in eradication programs,
grasslands and, to a lesser extent, in fallow or disked and collisions with
rice and other automobiles have been
agricultural fields the most frequently
(Bechard and cited factors for this
Schmutz 1995). decline (Remsen 1978).
Twelve and eleven However, in the past
Ferruginous Hawks 20 to 30 years, the increase in commercial and
were observed in residential development has produced the largest
ricelands and grass- single impact on some populations.
lands during the 2002 In the Sacramento Valley, Burrowing Owls are
and 2019 Lincoln found in remnant patches of grassland habitat,
Christmas Bird Count, respectively. These counts along levees and roadsides, and in agricultural fields.
were among the highest of more than 1,900 counts Their territories tend to be very localized, with most
conducted throughout the continent and, as such, owls hunting within 600 meters of their burrows
highlights the importance of ricelands as winter during the breeding season (Gervais and Rosenberg
foraging habitat (Pandolfino pers. comm.). There is 2008). They forage primarily upon large insects,
no evidence of a decline in the wintering population rodents, small birds, reptiles, and frogs at night
in California (Hunting 2000, Garrison 1990). and sometimes during the day (Haug et al. 1993).
The Ferruginous Hawk is a federal species of Burrowing Owls have been known to nest along rice
conservation concern (USFWS 2008). field berms in the Sacramento Valley and to use
fallow and disked ricelands for foraging.
Wildlife Known To Use California Ricelands Section 2: Special-Status Wildlife Species | 19The Burrowing Owl is on the California Bird Species freshwater marshes, fallow fields, and tall grasslands,
of Special Concern Priority 2 list and is a federal where they prey almost exclusively on small rodents
species of conservation concern (USFWS 2008. They (Holt and Leasure 1993, Roberson 2008). Populations
have declined drastically from riceland areas with only in California have
three counted on the four riceland Christmas Bird declined due to loss of
Counts in 2019. wetland habitats. The
rice-growing regions of
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) California are not part
The Long-eared Owls of the species’ core
is a medium-sized breeding area, although
owl that nests in dense a few may occasionally
riparian vegetation breed there, especially
and forage primarily during years with high
in grasslands and populations of voles (Roberson 2008). During winter,
agricultural fields, Short-eared Owls may be found flying over disked,
and prey upon small fallow, or flooded ricelands at dawn and dusk. They
rodents (Marks et al. roost in patches of tall grass, sometimes mixed with
1994). Historically, it shrubs that provide concealment from predators.
was considered a common breeder in large bottom- Their winter population fluctuates with vole popula-
land forests of cottonwood and willows in the Central tions, and are therefore susceptible to drought.
Valley (Grinnell and Miller 1944). Due largely to loss of The Short-eared Owl is on the California Bird
habitat, there are no reports of breeding and only a Species of Special Concern Priority 3 list, primarily
few reports of wintering Long-eared Owls in recent because of habitat loss and degradation.
years. Because of their cryptic diurnal and active
nocturnal behaviors, these owls are easily overlooked Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
and may be more common than recent records The Peregrine Falcon is
indicate. Long-eared Owls are not currently known a large falcon that nests
to breed in the rice-growing regions of the Central on cliff ledges, typically
Valley (Hunting 2008). However, they still occasionally near fresh- or saltwater
occur during winter in the Sacramento Valley, and marshes or other
hunt over grasslands and ricelands at night and roost habitats that support
during the day in thickets of trees adjacent to their waterfowl, shorebirds,
foraging habitat. or other waterbird prey.
The Long-eared Owl is on the California Bird Prior to World War II,
Species of Special Concern Priority 3 list, primarily Peregrine Falcons
because of loss and degradation of breeding and nested throughout much of California from sea level
foraging habitat. to over 7,000 feet, with the densest populations along
the coast, in the Cascades, and in the Sierra Nevada
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) (Jurek 1989). Beginning in the 1940s, the widespread
The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized ground- use of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides, such as
nesting owl that inhabits marshlands and grasslands DDT, triggered a precipitous decline in Peregrine
throughout North America. In California, Short- populations throughout North America and in much
eared Owls nest in grasslands and marsh or seasonal of the world. These pesticides concentrated in the
wetland habitats throughout the state, including the tissues of prey populations and were subsequently
Central Valley. They forage in agricultural fields, passed to the Peregrines themselves, resulting in the
inability of the females to form normal eggs. By the
20 | Section 2: Special-Status Wildlife Species Wildlife Known To Use California Ricelandslate 1960s, the species was seriously threatened Lawrence’s Goldfinch (Spinus lawrencei)
over much of its range. Recovery efforts over the
The beautiful
past 35 years have brought the estimated breeding
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
population in California from fewer than 10 active
is an uncommon
sites in 1975 to more than 400 nests in recent
migrant and rare
years (California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, 2020).
wintering bird on the
Nationwide recovery efforts were also extremely
Sacramento Valley
successful. Peregrine Falcons winter in the Central
SECTION 2
floor, but regularly
Valley, where they make long foraging flights over
breeds in blue oak
the surrounding wetlands and flooded ricelands,
savanna, chaparral,
hunting for ducks and shorebirds. Seventeen were
riparian woodland, and
detected on four CBCs in 2019 in the riceland region
mixed coniferous-oak forest (Unitt 1984, Roberson
of the Sacramento Valley.
and Tenney 1993). A few have been recently detected
Although no longer listed under the federal
wintering in Sierra Nevada foothills (Yancey 2017).
Endangered Species Act, the Peregrine Falcon
Components of nesting habitat typically include arid,
remains listed as endangered under California
open woodlands with adjacent chaparral or brushy
Endangered Species Act and a federal species of
areas; tall, weedy fields; and a nearby water source.
conservation concern (USFWS 2008).
They are often found nesting within 0.25!–!0.5 mile
(0.4–0.8 kilometer) of foraging areas and within
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)
0.35 mile (0.6 kilometer) of open water (Davis 1999).
The Loggerhead
Migrants and wintering birds are associated with
Shrike is uncommon
riparian woodlands and hedgerows, with adjacent
in California’s rice-
fallow ruderal and ricelands where they forage on
growing regions,
seeds. They sometimes form large flocks, particu-
where resident
larly in winter, and sometimes join foraging flocks
populations are
consisting other species of goldfinches, House Finch
augmented by
(Carpodocus mexicanus), Dark-eyed Junco (Junco
wintering birds from
hyemalis) and Lark Sparrow (Condestes grammacus)
migratory populations
(Davis 1999).
farther north and
The Lawrence’s Goldfinch is a federal species of
east (Humple 2008). They nest in small isolated trees,
conservation concern (USFWS 2008).
hedgerows, and shrubs (Yosef 1996), but are most
often seen perched on electrical wires and fences in
open country. Shrikes eat large insects, small birds,
lizards, and rodents they capture in grasslands,
ricelands and other agricultural fields (Yosef 1996).
“
Ricelands provide an important
Loggerhead Shrike is on the California Bird
Species of Special Concern Priority 2 list, and is a summer and winter foraging
federal species of conservation concern (USFWS habitat for the Yellow-headed
2008), declining likely due to pesticide use and
Blackbird, particularly in the
habitat loss of breeding and wintering grounds.
West Nile Virus has been linked to recent declines
Sacramento Valley.
in the Central Valley (Pandolfino 2020). During four
riceland CBCs in 2019, only 14 were counted.
Wildlife Known To Use California Ricelands Section 2: Special-Status Wildlife Species | 21You can also read
