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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa): Fairly common migrant in prairie thickets and shelterbelts during late April.
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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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