Status and distribution of colonial nesting waterbirds in Idaho

Call Number:

Keywords:

Abstract:

Sixteen species of colonial nesting waterbirds breed in Idaho, and their distribution and status are reviewed. These species include the Eared Grebe, Western Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, White-faced Ibis, California Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Franklin's Gull, Caspian Tern, Common Tern, Forster's Tern, and Black Tern. New nesting localities for thirteen of these are presented. The American White Pelican formerly nested in Idaho and potentially may again if we can provide adequate protection for the species' nesting islands. Many of these species are shown to winter in Mexico, where they are probably exposed to DDT in the environment. Evidence is considered for recent population crashes and subsequent recovery of Black-crowned Night-Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Caspian Terns. It is thought that these species acquired pesticides on the winterinq grounds. The Franklin's Gulls in Jefferson County are suffering reproductive failure, and local pesticides are possibly responsible. The Common Tern has been found to be a new breeding species in Idaho. It is recommended that further work be done on those species showing signs of population instability and that protection from human disturbance be provided for all colonial nesting waterbirds.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology

Generic citation:
Trost, C. 1985. Status and distribution of colonial nesting waterbirds in Idaho. Report submitted to the Nongame Wildlife Program, Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Not paged.

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation:
Trost C. 1985. Status and distribution of colonial nesting waterbirds in Idaho. Unpaginated. Report submitted to the Nongame Wildlife Program, Idaho Department of Fish and Game.