A survey for yellow-billed cuckoo in recorded historic and other likely locations in Idaho. Final report

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Historic records suggest that although yellow-bill cuckoo (YBCU) have been recorded in scattered locations throughout Idaho, YBCU have never been particularly abundant in the state. The few historic records prior to 2002 (78 records in > 100 years) suggest YBCU are extremely rare here. Although the authors tallied over 90 sightings in the past three years, many of these birds were likely migrants or transients, and some of the records were likely repeat sightings of the same birds. Hence, the authors conclude YBCU are indeed rare migrants and summer residents in Idaho. Historic records and the authors’ surveys both indicate YBCU are most abundant in southeastern Idaho, particularly along the Snake River corridor. No YBCU have recently been reported from the western side of the state. Whether historic records were of migratory or transient birds or whether there have been significant changes in YBCU habitat is unknown. Based on the dates the authors observed birds, it is likely YBCU nested in Idaho in five locations: 1) near Stanton Crossing in Blaine County in 2003 and 2004; 2) along the main stem of the Snake River below Tilden Bridge in 2003, 2004, and 2005; 3) near Menan at Deer Parks WMU in 2003 and 2004; 4) along the South Fork Snake River near Twin Bridges in 2003, 2004, and 2005; and 5) on Butler Island not far from the Railroad Bridge over the South Fork Snake River north of Archer in 2003, 2004, and 2005. The gallery cottonwood community along the Snake River above American Falls Reservoir and near Deer Parks Wildlife Mitigation Unit, and along the South Fork Snake River from below Heise to the Lorenzo Bridge, appear to be the stronghold for YBCU in Idaho. In 2004 and 2005, strong evidence was found to confirm breeding (copulations were observed) and suggest nesting (e.g., YBCU carrying nesting material) in these stronghold areas. The observation of a juvenile YBCU in 2005 near the Railroad Bridge on the South Fork Snake River confirms at least one successful nesting attempt. The authors’ intention for this project was to conduct surveys at sites where YBCU were historically recorded and, presumably, in the best remaining YBCU habitat in Idaho. But they also recognize the probability that other suitable habitat in the state was not surveyed. Nonetheless, they believe they have identified most, if not all, of the strongholds for the species in the state. Based on results, they estimate the statewide nesting population at fewer than 20 pairs, and, more likely, closer to 10 pairs in an average year. For long-term monitoring of YBCU status, they suggest weekly call-back surveys during June at the stronghold locations, following the established protocol.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Birds

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation (but revised since):
Reynolds TD, Hinckley CI. 2005. A survey for yellow-billed cuckoo in recorded historic and other likely locations in Idaho. Final report. Rigby (ID): TREC, Inc. 34 p. Idaho BLM Technical Bulletin 2005-05. Co-publisher listed as [Idaho Falls (ID]: Bureau of Land Management [Idaho Falls Field Office]. [accessed 2015 Jun 1]. http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/id/publications/technical_bulletin....

Full Citation: Reynolds, T. D., and C. I. Hinckley. A survey for yellow-billed cuckoo in recorded historic and other likely locations in Idaho. Final report. TREC, Inc., Rigby, ID, and Bureau of Land Management, [Idaho Falls Field Office, Idaho Falls?], ID. 34 p plus appendices. Idaho BLM Technical Bulletin 2005-05. Available at: http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/id/publications/technical_bulletin....