Decline, status and preservation of the yellow-billed cuckoo in California

Call Number:

URL:

Keywords:

Abstract:

The Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) , formerly a “fairly common” breeding species in "willows of fairly old growth, often mixed with cottonwoods ... on the broad flood-bottoms of larger streams" (Grinnell and MiIler 1944), has become one of California's rarest birds. The paucity of recent records justifies concern for its survival in the state. Between 1 June and 10 August 1977 we conducted surveys in floodplain riparian forests throughout California where the cuckoo has been reported in the past or where habitat appeared to meet the requirements of the species. We timed the surveys to coincide with the period between the onset of courtship, and the beginning of pre-basic molt, when cuckoos are most easily detected on the nesting grounds. ln this paper we present the results of the surveys and discuss the cuckoo's past and present status and survival prospects in California. The paper is divided into geographic sections discussing the North Coast, Klamath-Modoc, Central Coast, Sacramento Valley. San Joaquin Valley, Sierra Nevada, South Coast, Mojave Desert and Lower Colorado River regions. Concluding sections consider causes of decline and preservation and management of existing populations.

Notes:

Reference Code: A84GAI01IDUS

Full Citation: Gaines, D. and S. A. Laymon. 1984. Decline, status and preservation of the yellow-billed cuckoo in California. Western Birds 15(2): 49-80.

Location: ANIMAL EF: COCCYZUS AMERICANUS