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Current Status:

Threats to the yellow-shouldered blackbird include the loss of its upland nesting habitat for residential and tourist development, encroachments by illegal houses and houseboats in mangrove areas, and nest parasitism by the shiny cowbird.

Achievements:

Cowbird trapping, installation of nest structures, predator control, and habitat protection have increased the blackbird's reproductive success. The 1992 nesting season produced a record 257 fledglings, with regular roost counts indicating a stable or possibly increasing population. The small Roosevelt Roads Naval Station blackbird population in eastern Puerto Rico was hit by Hurricane Hugo, but other populations have been located near Jobos Bay and Salinas in the south-central part of the island, adding strength to blackbird numbers. In addition, formal section 7 consultations with the Army Corps of Engineers resulted in a jeopardy opinion regarding houseboats on off-shore cays in Parguera. Formal consultations with the Corps also determined that a Guánica residential development and a Montalva Bay marina would adversely modify critical habitat. Finally, the Fish and Wildlife Service worked with a landowner subdividing a large farm to ensure that forested areas identified as blackbird habitat would be left intact, and that the farms sold would be maintained for agricultural purposes. These restrictions were to be included on deeds of sale.

Current Recovery Needs:

Continued monitoring of blackbird populations, habitat protection, and cowbird trapping are needed.

Section 6 Funding and Activities:

The Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources received $53,000 in FY 1991 and $57,000 in FY 1992 to conduct a cowbird control program, install and monitor artificial nest structures, and monitor the blackbird's reproductive success.

Partnerships

Department of the Navy: An agreement between the Navy and the Fish and Wildlife Service has led to routine consultations on projects within a designated area of the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station as well as assistance with blackbird surveys. This cooperative effort is in the beginning stages.

Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources: The Department conducts a cowbird control program and monitors the blackbird's status. Specific activities include cowbird trapping, installation of nest structures, and predator control.

Recovery Plan Status:

Plan approved 5/25/83.