Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Avian Use of Sheyenne Lake and Associated Habitats in Central North Dakota
Annotated Species Accounts
In the following annotated list, the taxonomic order follows that of the AOU
check-list (1957), except that the arrangement of shorebird species follows
Jehl (1968). Current accepted nomenclature follows the check-list, as amended
(AOU 1973, 1976). The status of 175 species recorded in the study area is briefly
summarized. Maximum counts, dates of observation, limited data on clutch or
brood size, and habitat occupancy are included. Population estimates of breeding
birds not provided in Table 7 are presented here. Several observations by Audubon
National Wildlife Refuge personnel are provided. All dates are 1980, except
as specifically indicated.
Families
Family Gaviidae
- Common Loon (Gavia immer): A pair was observed on Coal Mine
Lake on 22 May. This species is rare and irregular during migration in central
North Dakota, although it is fairly common in northeastern North Dakota,
particularly in the Turtle Mountains.
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Family Podicipedidae
- Homed Grebe (Podiceps auritus): Fairly common migrant and
rare nesting species. Most breeding pairs occupied large semipermanent and
permanent wetlands. The nesting population was estimated at 15 pairs.
- Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis): Fairly common nesting
species, generally distributed on all wetland classes, Largest breeding
densities occurred on permanent wetlands. The breeding population was estimated
at 144 pairs.
- Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis): Common migrant
and an uncommon and local nesting species. This species was restricted primarily
to large permanent wetlands that were slightly to moderately brackish. At
least three nesting colonies were active in 1980; the largest was located
in T. 149 N., R. 74 W. and contained 34 nests.
- Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps): Fairly common nesting
species, occupying all wetland classes. Largest breeding densities occurred
on semipermanent wetlands. The breeding population was estimated at 91 pairs.
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Family Pelecanidae
- White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorynchos): Fairly common
migrant and summer visitor. Flocks of 6-18 individuals regularly foraged
on Lonetree and Sheyenne lakes, and a large semipermanent wetland in Secs.
17 and 20, T. 149 N., R. 75 W. The source of these pelicans was probably
the colony on Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located about 100 km
southeast of the study area.
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Family Phalacrocoracidae
- Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus): Fairly
common migrant and summer visitor, most frequently encountered on large
semipermanent wetlands. Groups consisting of 6-10 birds were regularly encountered
on larger wetlands during May. On 25 June, a flock of 37 was observed feeding
on a 24.7-ha permanent wetland in Sec. 35, T. 150 N., R. 76 W.
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Family Ardeidae
- Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias): Occasional summer visitor.
Single birds were observed foraging along the edge of seasonal and semipermanent
wetlands.
- Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax): Fairly
common migrant and nesting species. Largest nesting densities occurred in
the dense emergent vegetation along the periphery of semipermanent wetlands.
At least six nesting groups containing 38 pairs were located. Regularly
found foraging along the edge of seasonal wetlands during June. The breeding
population for the study area was estimated at 74 pairs.
- American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus): Rare nesting species;
first recorded on 21 April in emergent vegetation along the Sheyenne River.
During the nesting season, most frequently encountered in semipermanent
wetlands. One nest containing three young was found in a wet meadow in Sec.
20, T. 149 N., R. 75 W. The breeding population was estimated at 24 pairs.
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Family Anatidae
- Whistling Swan (0lor columbianus): Fairly common migrant.
Flocks of 30-50 whistling swans were regularly encountered on moderately
brackish to subsaline semipermanent and permanent wetlands during April.
- Canada Goose (Branta canadensis): Fairly common migrant;
rare and local nesting species. One hundred Canada geese were observed on
Sheyenne Lake on 10 October 1974 (Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, manager
files). Nesting pairs were apparently restricted to large permanent wetlands.
A pair and brood of three were observed on Coal Mine Lake (Sec. 32, T. 149
N., R. 74 W.) on 27 June. The breeding population was estimated at nine
pairs. Canada geese on the study area were apparently the giant subspecies
(B. c. maxima), and probably represented birds that have pioneered from
recent releases by both the State Game and Fish Department and the Fish
and Wildlife Service.
- White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons): Flocks of 16, 27,
and 54 were observed flying north over the study area on 25 April. Five
white-fronted geese were observed on Sheyenne Lake on 30 April 1976 (Audubon
National Wildlife Refuge, manager files).
- Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens): A flock of 68 was recorded
on 18 April flying over Sheyenne Lake. This species occurs abundantly during
migration throughout eastern and central North Dakota, and its status is
expected to be similar on the study area.
- Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos): Common migrant and nesting
species. Mallards occupied all available wetland classes during 1980. Highest
densities were associated with semipermanent wetlands. At least 11 broods
occupied Lonetree Lake (Sec. 7, T. 148 N., R. 74 W.) on 26 June.
- Gadwall (Anas strepera): Common migrant and nesting species.
Highest densities occurred on brackish or alkali wetlands. Most broods were
encountered on wetlands of similar water chemistry. On 22 May, 290 gadwalls
were observed on a 11.5-ha alkali wetland in See. 8, T. 149 N., R. 75 W.
- Pintail (Anas acuta): Abundant migrant and fairly common
nesting species. Highest densities occurred on brackish semipermanent wetlands.
On 25 June, an estimated 2,700 molting pintails were found in a marshy portion
of the Sheyenne River in See. 21, T. 149 N., R. 75 W.
- Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca): Uncommon migrant and nesting
species. Breeding pairs were most frequently encountered on semipermanent
wetlands. The breeding population was estimated at 71 pairs.
- Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors): Abundant migrant and common
nesting species. Breeding pairs and migrants occupied virtually all wetland
classes in the study area, although most breeding pairs occurred on permanent
wetlands.
- American Wigeon (Anas americana): Uncommon migrant, rare
and local during the nesting season. Most frequently encountered on moderately
brackish permanent wetlands. The breeding population was estimated at 10
pairs.
- Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata): Fairly common migrant
and nesting species. Most breeding pairs occupied either fresh semipermanent
wetlands or saline permanent wetlands.
- Redhead (Aythya americana): Fairly common migrant and nesting
species. Breeding pairs were restricted primarily to semipermanent wetlands.
On 24 June, 17 females and four nests were found in a 31.6-ha semipermanent
wetland in Secs. 17 and 20, T. 149 N., R. 75 W. The breeding population
was estimated at 144 pairs.
- Canvasback (Aythya valisineria): Fairly common migrant and
uncommon nesting species. Migrants and breeding pairs occupied semipermanent
and permanent wetlands. On 25 June, a group of 200 male canvasbacks was
observed on a 31.6-ha semipermanent wetland in Secs. 17 and 20, T. 149 N.,
R. 75 W. The breeding population was estimated at 77 pairs.
- Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris): Rare migrant and nesting
species, occurring primarily on permanent wetlands. The breeding population
was estimated at 13 pairs.
- Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis): Common migrant and rare nesting
species. Migrants occupied virtually all wetland classes although an apparent
preference was shown for permanent wetlands. Nesting pairs were found only
on permanent wetlands. The nesting population was estimated at 27 pairs.
- Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula): Flocks of 13 and
8 were observed on Coal Mine Lake on 17 April. Fifteen common goldeneyes
were observed on Sheyenne Lake on 12 May 1975 (Audubon National Wildlife
Refuge, manager files).
- Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola): Fairly common migrant, occupying
both semipermanent and permanent wetlands.
- Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis): Fairly common migrant and
nesting species. All nesting pairs observed occupied semipermanent wetlands.
- Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus): Two were observed
on Lonetree Lake on 22 April.
- Common Merganser (Mergus merganser): Two were observed on
Coal Mine Lake on 23 April.
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Family Accipitridae
- Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis): Rare nesting species.
One nest containing two fully feathered young was found in Sec. 3, T. 148
N., R. 74 W., on 24 June. The breeding population was estimated at two pairs;
both were found associated with shelterbelts and adjacent native prairie.
- Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni): The nesting population
was estimated at four pairs. One nest containing two young was found in
a shelterbelt in Sec. 10, T. 148 N., R. 74 W. Most nesting pairs were associated
with shelterbelts and adjacent cropland or upland prairie.
- Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus): One was observed on 17
April flying over upland native prairie.
- Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis): Uncommon nesting species.
The breeding population was estimated at two pairs which were regularly
observed hunting over upland native prairie.
- Marsh Hawk (Circus cyaneus): Only one nesting pair was known
to occupy the study area in 1980. This pair was found regularly during late
June in a large wet meadow in Sec. 21, T. 149 N., R. 75 W.
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Family Falconidae
- Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): One adult, probably
a female, was observed 21 May, hunting over a mudflat along the Sheyenne
River in Sec. 26, T. 149 N., R. 75 W.
- American Kestrel (Falco sparverius): Fairly common migrant
and rare nesting species. One pair was found in a prairie thicket in Sec.
16, T. 148 N., R. 74 W. on 23 June. Another nesting pair was found in a
grove of cottonwoods near an abandoned farmsite in Sec. 16, T. 148 N., R.
74 W. The breeding population in the study area was estimated at 10 pairs.
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Family Tetraonidae
- Sharp-tailed Grouse (Pedioecetes phasianellus): Uncommon
permanent resident. On 23 April, a grouse dancing-ground occupied by 30
males was found in Sec. 19, T. 149 N., R. 75 W. Another ground occupied
by 12 males in Sec. 25, T. 149 N., R. 75 W. was found by M. R. McEnroe on
16 April. Two broods, one containing six, the other four, were found in
upland prairie on 25 June. The study area breeding population was estimated
at 12 pairs.
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Family Phasianidae
- Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix): Probably an uncommon permanent
resident. One adult with a brood of 11 was found in Sec. 28, T. 149 N.,
R. 74 W. on 24 June. This group was occupying the edge of a roadside and
a wheat stubble field. A pair without a brood was found the same day in
Sec. 4, T. 148 N., R. 74 W. Because of its secretive habits during the nesting
season, this species is probably more common in the study area than available
records suggest. The breeding population was estimated at 23 pairs.
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Family Gruiidae
- Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis): Flocks of 17 and 44 were
observed flying over Lonetree Lake and another flock of 39 was seen over
Sheyenne Lake on 23 April. The study area is within 80 km of the Turtle
Lake, North Dakota region which typically supports several thousand cranes
during the migration periods. Thus, with increased observer intensity, the
Sheyenne Lake region may be found to support larger numbers of sandhill
cranes.
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Family Rallidae
- Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola): Rare nesting species.
The estimated breeding population of 18 pairs was restricted almost exclusively
to dense emergent vegetation associated with permanent wetlands.
- Sora (Porzana carolina): Fairly common nesting species.
Most breeding pairs were associated with the dense emergent vegetation of
semipermanent and permanent wetlands. Pairs were infrequently encountered
in wet meadows.
- Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis): Three were heard
calling in a brackish wet meadow in Sec. 5, T. 148 N., R. 74 W. on 26 June.
This species is a rare migrant and nesting species throughout eastern and
central North Dakota. The nearest known nesting area is in Benson County,
about 65 km northeast of the study area (Stewart 1975).
- American Coot (Fulica americana): Abundant migrant and common
nesting species. Breeding pairs occupied all wetland classes except wet
meadows. Most breeding pairs were found in semipermanent wetlands. Nine
clutches averaging 11. 0 eggs and six broods with an average of 7.3 young
were found.
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Family Recurvirostridae
- American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana): Uncommon nesting
species, restricted in the study area to alkali wetlands. The breeding population
was estimated at 69 pairs. At least six broods were observed on the edge
of an alkali wetland in Sec. 7, T. 149 N., R. 75 W., on 27 June.
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Family Charadriidae
- Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus); On 22 May,
13 semipalmated plovers were found on an exposed mudflat along the Sheyenne
River (Sec. 26, T. 149 N., R. 75 W.) and 11 were found on the edge of an
alkali wetland in Sec. 8, T. 149 N., R. 75 W.
- Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus): On 23 May, two pairs
were observed at the edge of an alkali wetland in Sec. 7, T. 149 N., R.
75 W. An adult with a brood of four was found on an exposed mudflat in Sec.
26, T. 149 N., R. 75 W. These three pairs probably represented the total
nesting population in 1980. The entire breeding population in North Dakota
has been estimated to vary annually from 500 to 1,400 pairs, depending on
water conditions (H. A. Kantrud, unpublished data). This population is apparently
the largest remaining in North America.
- Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus): Common migrant and fairly
common nesting species. Breeding pairs were found primarily on the exposed
muddy shores of seasonal wetlands, and in fallow cropland. One nest containing
four eggs was found on 22 May, and four broods, with a mean of four young,
were found throughout the study area during late June.
- American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica): On 23 May,
134 American golden plovers were found foraging in a dried seasonal wetland.
,
- Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola): During 21 to
23 May, flocks of 8-10 black-bellied plovers were regularly encountered
along the exposed periphery of seasonal wetlands. One flock of 22 was found
along the edge of an alkali wetland in Sec. 24, T. 149 N., R. 75 W.
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Family Scolopacidae
- Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica): Flocks of 4 and 11
individuals were observed on the periphery of a permanent wetland in Sec.
36, T. 150 N., R. 76 W., on 19 April. On 21 May, one flock of 38 was found
in the drying basin of a seasonal wetland in Sec. 33, T. 149 N., R. 75 W.
- Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa): Fairly common migrant and
nesting species. Breeding pairs were most frequently observed near permanent
wetlands in late April. On 24 June, a female and brood of four was found
in a wet meadow in Sec. 20, T. 149 N., R. 75 W. At least seven other broods
containing at least one young were found during June. The breeding population
was estimated at 58 pairs.
- Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda): Fairly common nesting
species. The breeding population was estimated at 60 pairs; at least 40
pairs occupied wet meadows.
- Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleucus): Apparently a fairly
common migrant. During late April, 48 greater yellowlegs were found on seasonal
and permanent wetlands.
- Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes): Common migrant. During
late April and late May, 151 lesser yellowlegs were found on the exposed
muddy edges of seasonal wetlands.
- Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria): On 22 May, five solitary
sandpipers were found on the edge of a seasonal wetland.
- Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus): Most breeding pairs
were found on seasonal and permanent wetlands. The breeding population was
estimated at 18 pairs.
- Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia): Uncommon and local
nesting species. The breeding population was estimated at 33 pairs; primarily
associated with alkali or subsaline wetlands. A nest containing four eggs
was found in Sec. 24, T. 149 N., R. 75 W., on 24 June.
- Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres): Four ruddy turnstones
were observed on the edge of an alkali wetland on 22 May.
- Wilson's Phalarope (Steganopus tricolor): Fairly common
migrant and nesting species. Most breeding pairs occupied seasonal and semipermanent
fresh wetlands. Five broods were found on semipermanent wetlands during
late June.
- Northern Phalarope (Lobipes lobatus): Probably an abundant
migrant. On 22 May, a flock of 2,240 northern phalaropes was observed feeding
on an alkali wetland in Sec. 8, T. 149 N., R. 75 W. During late May, this
phalarope was very numerous on all alkali wetlands in the study area.
- Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago): Uncommon migrant and
rare nesting species. Most common snipes were found in seasonal and permanent
wetlands. The breeding population was estimated at 14 pairs.
- Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus): On 21 May,
three dowitchers of this species were found on a seasonal wetland. This
species is a rare and irregular migrant throughout North Dakota during both
spring and fall (C. A. Faanes, unpublished data).
- Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus): Apparently
a fairly common migrant. During late May, flocks of 8- 20 long-billed dowitchers
were regularly encountered on alkali wetlands throughout the study area.
- Red Knot (Calidris canutus): On 22 May, one red knot was
found on an exposed mudflat in the Sheyenne River in Sec. 26, T. 149 N.,
R. 75 W. This is a rare and irregular migrant throughout North Dakota (C.
A. Faanes, unpublished data).
- Sanderling (Calidris alba): Probably a common spring migrant.
During late May, sanderlings were regularly encountered on the periphery
of most wetland types of the study area. Largest numbers occurred on alkali
wetlands.
- Sernipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusillus): An abundant
migrant during late May. Largest populations occurred on the periphery of
alkali wetlands. On 22 May, 106 semipalmated sandpipers were found on one
of these wetlands.
- Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla): Fairly common migrant.
This sandpiper was regularly encountered on all wetland types during late
May. Largest numbers occurred on the exposed edges of seasonal wetlands.
- White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fusicollis): Common migrant
during late May. Largest numbers occupied the periphery of alkali wetlands.
- Baird's Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii): Common migrant occupying
all wetland types during late April and May. Most frequently observed on
the exposed periphery of seasonal wetlands.
- Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos): Fairly common migrant
occupying all wetland types during late April and May. Largest numbers were
observed on the exposed periphery of seasonal wetlands.
- Dunlin (Calidris alpina): Uncommon migrant in late May.
The largest number of dunlins observed (19) were occupying the periphery
of an alkali wetland.
- Stilt Sandpiper (Micropalma himantopus): Fairly common migrant
during late May. Most commonly observed on the exposed periphery of seasonal
wetlands.
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Family Laridae
- Herring Gull (Larus argentatus): Probably a fairly common
spring migrant during late March and early April. A group of three herring
gulls was found on the lower end of Coal Mine Lake on 18 April. Another
group of seven was found the same day on Lonetree Lake, and 16 were observed
on the Sheyenne River at the State Highway 14 bridge on 22 April.
- California Gull (Larus californicus): Fairly common migrant
and summer visitor. Most birds during the summer were observed foraging
on semipermanent wetlands.
- Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis): Fairly common migrant
and summer visitor. During migration, ringbilled gulls were found on semipermanent
and permanent wetlands, especially on Sheyenne Lake. During the nesting
season, they were found foraging on semipermanent wetlands.
- Franklin's Gull (Larus pipixcan): Common migrant and summer
visitor. During 17 to 22 April, flocks of 50 to 80 individuals were regularly
encountered on large permanent wetlands. During June, groups of 10-15 were
found on the Sheyenne River and Sheyenne Lake.
- Bonaparte's Gull (Larus philadelphia): On 21 May, a flock
of 17 Bonaparte's gulls was observed on Sheyenne Lake.
- Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri). Uncommon migrant and nesting
species. During June, Forster's terns were observed at the following sites:
six adults exhibiting territorial defense were observed flying over a large
marsh in Sec. 22, T. 149 N., R. 75 W.; one pair on a seasonal wetland in
Sec. 22, T. 149 N., R. 75 W.; one pair on an alkali wetland in Sec. 24,
T. 149 N., R. 75 W.; and one pair on a moderately brackish semipermanent
wetland in the same section; seven pairs and six nests were found in a loose
colony on a 31.6-ha semipermanent wetland in Secs. 17 and 20, T. 149 N.,
R. 75 W. The total breeding population was estimated at 18 pairs. Concern
has been expressed across North America about the status of this species.
Forster's Tern has been given Priority status in Minnesota, and Endangered
status in Wisconsin (Faanes 1981).
- Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). Six pairs of common terns
were observed on the Sheyenne River and two on Sheyenne Lake, on 23 May.
One pair remained at the Sheyenne River site through at least 27 June and
may have nested. This species, like the preceding, is experiencing significant
population declines throughout its breeding range (Arbib 1978, 1979).
- Black Tern (Childonias niger). Common migrant and nesting
species. During migration, the black tern was encountered primarily on semipermanent
wetlands. During the nesting season, black terns were observed in almost
equal numbers on semipermanent and permanent wetlands; occasional use was
made of seasonal wetlands. On 24 June, 78 adult black terns were found on
a 31.6-ha semipermanent wetland in Secs. 17 and 20, T. 149 N., R. 75 W.
A search revealed 16 nests on mats of floating vegetation and decaying muskrat
(Ondatra zibethica) houses. There were five black terns in juvenile
plumage swimming in the wetland on the same day. On 26 June, 28 adult and
17 immature black terns were observed foraging over an extensive marsh in
the Sheyenne River in Sec. 22, T. 149 N., R. 75 W.
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Family Columbidae
- Rock Dove (Columba livia): Occasional flocks were found
in both abandoned and active farm buildings throughout the study area. No
population data were collected. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura):
Breeding pairs were found in shelterbelts, upland native prairie and prairie
thickets; largest densities occurred in shelterbelts. Foraging birds were
frequently found in wheat stubble fields during May and June. Sixteen nests
were found.
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Family Cuculidae
- Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus): Uncommon
nesting species, occurring in both shelterbelts and prairie thickets. The
breeding population was estimated at 78 pairs. No nests were found.
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Family Strigidae
- Great Homed Owl (Bubo virginianus): One was heard calling
from a shelterbelt in Sec. 11, T. 148 N., R. 74 W., on 25 June. No other
population data were collected.
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Family Caprimulgidae
- Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor): Rare nesting species
restricted to upland native prairie. Although no population data were collected
from census plots based on extensive observations throughout the study area,
the population was estimated at 10 pairs.
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Family Alcedinidae
- Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon): Rare and local nesting
species. Two breeding pairs were found on the north and south shores of
lower Coal Mine Lake; nesting burrows were located at both sites. These
were probably the only two pairs nesting in the study area in 1980. The
lack of suitable exposed slopes elsewhere in the study area is probably
the most important limiting factor.
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Family Picidae
- Common Flicker (Colaptes auratus): Fairly common nesting
species in shelterbelts and tree groves around farmsites. The breeding population
was estimated at 73 pairs. One nest hole was found in a shelterbelt in Sec.
11, T. 148 N., R. 74 W., on 26 June.
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius): One migrant
was observed in a shelterbelt on 22 May.
- Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus): Rare nesting species.
Two pairs were found in shelterbelts on 25 June. No other population data
were collected.
- Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescem): Rare nesting species.
On 23 June, three males were found in separate shelterbelts. One pair was
found at an apparent nest hole in an abandoned farmsite on 25 June.
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Family Tyrannidae
- Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus): Common nesting species.
Highest densities of breeding pairs occurred in shelterbelts. Others were
found in prairie thickets and isolated shrubs in upland native prairie.
Two nests containing four young each were found on 24 June, one in a shelterbelt
and one in a wolfberry patch in upland native prairie.
- Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis): Common nesting
species; largest densities of breeding pairs occurred in shelterbelts. Four
nests were found on 24 June; three with three young and one with four young.
Upland native prairie and edges of cropland were regularly used for foraging.
- Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus): One male
was heard singing in a shelterbelt on 25 June. This species is rare and
local throughout this region of North Dakota (Stewart 1975).
- Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trailii): Fairly common nesting
species, restricted almost exclusively to prairie thickets. Only one pair
was found away from that habitat type. No nests were found.
- Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus): Rare and local nesting
species, found only in shelterbelts. One nest was found about 4.5 m from
the ground on 27 June. The breeding population was estimated at five pairs.
- Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens): One pair was found
in a shelterbelt on 26 June. No other Population data were collected.
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Family Alaudidae
- Horned Lark (Eremophila alpetris): Common nesting species
of cropland fields and heavily grazed native prairie. Recently fledged young
were found throughout the study area as early as 21 May.
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Family Hirundinidae
- Tree Swallow (Iridoprocne bicolor): Common migrant and rare
nesting species. During late April, up to 100 individuals per day were found
foraging over open areas of permanent wetlands. During the nesting season,
three pairs were observed; no nests were found.
- Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia): Uncommon migrant and rare
nesting species. On 24 June, 10 nesting burrows were found in an exposed
slope on the north side of lower Sheyenne Lake. This was the only habitat
suitable for bank swallow nests in the study area.
- Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis): Two birds
were observed foraging in a mixed-species flock of barn and cliff swallows
over the Sheyenne River at the Highway 14 bridge on 24 June. Stewart (1975)
found no evidence of rough-winged swallow nesting in Sheridan or Wells counties,
North Dakota. The lack of suitable cliff sites for nest placement is a major
limiting factor.
- Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica). Common nesting species;
pairs were restricted primarily to farmsites and highway bridges for nest
placement. Birds were regularly encountered foraging over all major habitats
in the study area.
- Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonata). Fairly common
nesting species; pairs were restricted almost exclusively to highway bridges
and other artificial structures for nest placement. Foraging birds were
regularly encountered over all major habitats. The largest nesting association
was 41 pairs beneath the Highway 14 bridge over the Sheyenne River.
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Family Corvidae
- Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata). Rare and local nesting species,
found primarily in dense groves of hawthorn, in prairie thickets and occasionally
in shelterbelts. No population data were obtained.
- Black-billed Magpie (Pica pica). An adult with three recently
fledged young was observed in See. 12, T. 148 N., R. 74 W., on 26 June.
A bulky stick nest, probably that used by the adults, was found in a nearby
prairie thicket. Stewart (1975) found the major range in North Dakota west
and north of the study area.
- Common Crow (Corvus brachyrynchos): Occasional small flocks
were observed throughout the study area during late April. One common crow
was found in a shelterbelt on 26 June. No other breeding season data were
collected.
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Family Paridae
- Black-capped Chickadee (Parus articapillus): Rare and local
during the breeding season; apparently occurring only in shelterbelts. The
breeding population was estimated at 10 pairs.
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Family Sittidae
- White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis): Rare and local
during the nesting season; two breeding pairs were found in shelterbelts
during June. No other population data were gathered.
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Family Certhiidae
- Brown Creeper (Certhia familiaris). One individual was found
in a shelterbelt on 17 April. This species is an uncommon migrant in areas
of North Dakota away from large riparian woodland tracts.
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Family Troglodytidae
- House Wren (Troglodytes aedon): Rare and local nesting species
occurring in shelterbelts, prairie thickets, and tree groves near farm buildings.
The breeding population was estimated at 38 pairs.
- Long-billed Marsh Wren (Telmatodytes palustris): Common
nesting species, restricted primarily to dense growths of cattail and hardstem
bulrush on the periphery of semipermanent and permanent wetlands. Eleven
nests were found on 24 and 25 June, of which four were active.
- Short-billed Marsh Wren (Cistothorus platensis): Rare and
local nesting species. Breeding pairs were found only in dense vegetation
in seasonal wetlands. The breeding population was estimated at five pairs.
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Family Mimidae
- Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis): Fairly common migrant
and nesting species. Breeding densities were similar in both prairie thicket
and shelterbelts.
- Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum): Uncommon nesting species
occurring in prairie thickets and brushy portions of shelterbelts. Two nests
containing three and four eggs were found in a prairie thicket on 26 June.
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Family Turdidae
- American Robin (Turdus migratorius): Fairly common nesting
species occurring in prairie thickets, shelterbelts, and farmsites. Recently
fledged young were found during late June, and four active nests, probably
second broods, were found in late June. The breeding population was estimated
at 146 pairs.
- Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttata): Two were found in a prairie
thicket on 18 April.
- Veery (Catharus fuscescens): Fairly common migrant during
late May, in prairie thickets and shelterbelts.
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Family Sylviidae
- Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa): Fairly common
migrant in prairie thickets and shelterbelts during late April.
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Family Motacillidae
- Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta): Fairly common migrant during
late May. Most frequently encountered on the exposed periphery of seasonal
wetlands, and in fallow fields.
- Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii): Uncommon nesting species.
Highest breeding densities occurred in wet meadows. Lesser numbers of breeding
pairs occupied upland native prairie. One nest containing three eggs was
found on 25 June in a wet meadow in See. 21, T. 149 N., R. 75 W. The breeding
population was estimated at 33 pairs.
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Family Bombycillidae
- Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum): A flock of 13 and another
of 22 was found in separate prairie thickets on 24 June. No other evidence
of possible breeding was obtained.
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Family Laniidae
- Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus): Rare and local
nesting species. The breeding population was estimated at 12 pairs based
on observations throughout the study area. All breeding pairs were found
in or near shelterbelts. Because of the declining status of this species
continentwide (Arbib 1979), it was encouraging to find this many pairs on
a relatively small area.
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Family Sturnidae
- Starling (Sturnus vulgaris): Uncommon and localized during
the nesting season. All observations were of pairs in tree groves near farm
buildings. No population data were obtained.
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Family Vireonidae
- Solitary Vireo (Vireo solitarius): Two solitary vireos were
found in a shelterbelt on 22 May.
- Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceous): One singing male was
found in a shelterbelt on 25 June.
- Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus): Uncommon nesting species,
found only in shelterbelts. The breeding population was estimated at 35
pairs.
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Family Parulidae
- Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia): Three birds were
found in separate prairie thickets on 21 and 22 May.
- Tennessee Warbler (Vermivora peregrina): Probably a common
migrant. During late May, this species was found regularly in nearly all
wooded habitats in the study area.
- Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata): Probably a common
migrant. Eleven orange-crowned warblers were found in shelterbelts during
late April, and one was found in a prairie thicket on 22 May. This was past
the normal period of peak migration for this species.
- Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia): Common migrant and
nesting species. Breeding pairs occurred in emergent vegetation around basin
wetlands, wet meadows, prairie thickets, shelterbelts, and in low, wet areas
of upland native prairie. Eleven nests were found during late June.
- Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia): One was found in
a prairie thicket on 22 May.
- Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata): Nine were found
in one prairie thicket, and four in a shelterbelt on 18 April. On 21 May,
one was found in a shelterbelt. Field work in 1980 did not coincide with
the usual peak migration period of this species.
- Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica fusca): Two males were found
in a prairie thicket on 22 May.
- Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata): Two males and one
female were found in a prairie thicket on 21 May.
- Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum): One was found at the
edge of a seasonal wetland on 23 April, and two were found in a prairie
thicket on 22 May.
- Northern Waterthrust (Seiurus noveboracensis): Probably
a fairly common migrant. During 21 to 22 May, 21 northern waterthrushes
were observed; 17 of these were in prairie thickets, the remainder in shelterbelts.
- Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas): Common nesting
species. Largest breeding densities occurred in the dense emergent vegetation
of semipermanent and permanent wetlands. Lower numbers were found in prairie
thickets, and occasional pairs occupied low, wet areas in upland native
prairie.
- Wilson's Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla): One was found in a
shelterbelt on 22 May.
- American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla): Three males and
two females were found in a shelterbelt on 21 May. One male was found in
a prairie thicket on 22 May.
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Family Ploceidae
- House Sparrow (Passer domesticus): Fairly common although
localized resident. Breeding pairs were found associated with farm buildings
throughout the study area.
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Family Icteridae
- Bobolink (Dolichonyx orzivorus): Fairly common nesting species,
restricted almost exclusively to wet meadows. Breeding pairs also occupied
wetter portions of dry seasonal wetlands. Two nests were found during late
June in wet meadows, both containing four eggs. Mean density in wet meadows
was 34.0 pairs/km.2
- Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta): Common nesting
species reaching largest density in upland native prairie. Breeding pairs
also occurred in drier portions of wet meadows. One nest containing four
nearly fledged young was found on 24 June.
- Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus):
Abundant nesting species, probably the most numerous breeding bird in the
study area. Highest densities occurred in the dense emergent vegetation
of semipermanent and permanent wetlands. Breeding pairs also occupied wet
meadows. During late May, 38 nests containing 149 eggs were found. Seventeen
nests containing 67 eggs were found in June. By late June, recently fledged
young were numerous in wetlands.
- Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus): Abundant nesting
species occupying virtually all habitats. Highest densities occurred in
semipermanent wetlands and prairie thickets. Twelve nests containing 51
eggs were found.
- Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius): Fairly common nesting
species in shelterbelts; not recorded in other habitats. The breeding population
was estimated at 113 pairs.
- Northern Oriole (Icterus galbula): Fairly common nesting
species in wooded habitats. Largest breeding densities occurred in shelterbelts.
The breeding population was estimated at 126 pairs. Two females were found
feeding young in separate nests on 25 June.
- Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus): A flock of 37 rusty
blackbirds was found foraging in the emergent vegetation of a semipermanent
wetland on 18 April.
- Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula): Common nesting species.
Highest breeding densities occurred in shelterbelts and prairie thickets.
Foraging birds were regularly found in wheat and sunflower fields during
May and June. Fifteen nests containing 49 young were found in shelterbelts
during late May. By late June, recently fledged young were numerous in most
habitats.
- Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater): Abundant nesting
species occupying virtually all habitats. Highest breeding densities were
found in semipermanent wetlands and upland native prairie. One brown-headed
cowbird egg was found in an American robin nest on 25 June.
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Family Fringillidae
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus): Rare and
local nesting species. Singing males were found in three separate shelterbelts
on 24 and 27 June. One female was found incubating on 27 June. No other
population data were collected.
- Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus): Three pine siskins were observed
in a shelterbelt on 17 April.
- American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis): Fairly common nesting
species. Highest densities occurred in prairie thickets. Occasional singing
males were found in shelterbelts scattered throughout the study area.
- Rufous-sided Towhee (Pipilo erythropthalmus): One male was
found in a prairie thicket on 22 May.
- Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys): Common nesting species
restricted to upland native prairie. Four nests, each containing four eggs,
were found during June.
- Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis): Abundant nesting
species in wet meadows. Less common and more localized in wetter portions
of dried seasonal wetlands.
- Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum): Common nesting
species, reaching highest densities in upland native prairie; less common
in drier portions of wet meadows. One nest containing two nearly fledged
young was found in upland prairie on 25 June.
- Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii): Uncommon nesting
species. Densities of breeding pairs were nearly equal in both upland native
prairie and drier portions of wet meadows. The breeding population was estimated
at 130 pairs.
- Le Conte's Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii): Uncommon nesting
species restricted exclusively to brackish wet meadows. The breeding population
was estimated at 84 pairs. One nest containing five eggs was found on 26
June. The largest density on a census plot was 43.2 pairs/km.2
Le Conte's sparrow is locally common in the Northwestern Drift Plain (Stewart
1975).
- Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta): Uncommon nesting
species reaching highest densities in brackish wet meadows. Breeding pairs
were also found in drier portions of seasonal wetlands. One singing male
was found in a small area of wet sedge vegetation in a prairie thicket.
The breeding population was estimated at 40 pairs. Sharptailed sparrows
apparently occur in highest density in North Dakota during years of extreme
drought (Stewart 1975).
- Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes graminus): Fairly common nesting
species reaching its highest density in cropland. Breeding pairs also occurred
in upland native prairie. The breeding population was estimated at 152 pairs.
- Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus): Four males and one
female were seen in upland native prairie below the inlet of the McClusky
Canal on 23 April. On 26 June, three males were heard singing in shelterbelts
in Sec. 8, T. 148 N., R. 74 W.
- Dark-eyed junco (Junco hymalis): Seven dark-eyed juncos
were observed feeding in a sunflower stubble field on 17 April.
- Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea): Five tree sparrows were
found with the dark-eyed juncos mentioned above on 17 April.
- Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina): Rare and local nesting
species. Singing males were found in two separate shelterbelts on 27 June.
- Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida): Fairly common nesting
species occurring in largest densities in dense patches of wolfberry in
upland native prairie. Breeding pairs were also found in scattered wolfberry
patches in prairie thickets. Two nests, each containing three eggs, were
found in upland native prairie, one on 24 June and one on 27 June.
- Harris' Sparrow (Zonotrichia querila): Two males and one
female were found in a prairie thicket on 21 May.
- White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys): Fairly common
during late May in prairie thickets and shelterbelts.
- White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis): Apparently
a common migrant in wooded habitats during late April. One female was also
found on 21 May.
- Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii): Probably a common
migrant. During late May, Lincoln's sparrows were regularly encountered
in prairie thickets, shelterbelts, and scattered willow clumps in larger
wetlands.
- Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia): Fairly common nesting
species occurring in highest density in prairie thickets. Breeding pairs
also occurred in shelterbelts and edges of semipermanent wetlands.
- Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus): Probably an abundant
migrant during the peak migration period during late March to mid-April.
During late April, flocks of 75-200 individuals were frequently observed
in fallow fields. On 21 May, one flock of about 300 was found at the edge
of a native prairie tract and a fallow field.
- Smith's Longspur (Calcarius pictus): On 21 May, two Smith's
longspurs were found with the flock of 300 lapland longspurs mentioned above.
This is a rare migrant in North Dakota away from the Red River Valley (R.
E. Stewart, personal communication).
- Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus): Common
nesting species, restricted to upland native prairie. During late June,
eight nests containing 23 young were found.
- Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis): Three snow buntings
were seen in a flock of lapland longspurs on 17 April.
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Next Section -- Appendix