Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan
BOREAL HARDWOOD TRANSITION

North American Bird Conservation Region 12
Please cite this document as:
Ontario Partners in Flight. 2008. Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition,
North American Bird Conservation Region 12. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Bird Studies
Canada, Environment Canada. 'UDIW9HUVLRQ
Front Cover: TOP: Barn Swallow Photo Ken Newcomb; BOTTOM: Blackburnian Warbler Photo
Ethan Meleg; INSET: Sedge Wren Photo Ethan Meleg
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan:
Boreal Hardwood Shield
North American Bird Conservation Region 12
December 2008
Draft
Version 2.0
Acknowledgements
This plan is the result of a collaborative planning, writing, consultation and review process that involved
numerous individuals, organizations and agencies with an interest in helping to coordinate landbird
conservation efforts in southern Ontario.
This project was funded and led by Environment Canada Ontario Region (EC) and the Ontario Ministry
of Natural Resources (OMNR) under the direction of a Project Steering Committee consisting of Rick
Pratt and Eleanor Zurbrigg (EC); Kevin Loftus, Deb Pella Keen, Eva Kennedy and Sandra Orsatti (all
OMNR); and Michael Bradstreet and George Finney (Bird Studies Canada). Bird Studies Canada (BSC),
a non-profit bird research organization, was contracted to carry out the technical analysis and plan writing
functions. Wildlife Habitat Canada provided in-kind contributions and coordination.
The Project Organizing Committee members played a crucial role in guiding and managing the plan
development and review process: Brigitte Collins, (EC), Lyle Friesen (EC), Cynthia Pekarik (EC), Julie
Simard (OMNR), Rebecca Zeran (OMNR), Martha Allen (OMNR), Peter Blancher (BSC and EC),
Audrey Heagy (BSC) and Jon McCracken (BSC). Copy-editing was done by Francine Geraci. Final
layout, editing and formatting was completed by Rebecca Zeran.
This plan benefited greatly from the contributions of the Technical Advisory Committee members
(Appendix A), who shared their knowledge and expertise at the technical workshop held in October 2004
and/or provided comments on the draft document. Valuable input was also received from members of
Partners in Flight (PIF) initiatives outside Ontario.
Newly revised PIF assessment scores and prioritization methods were provided by the PIF Science
Committee (Canada, US and Mexico). Brian Collins (Environment Canada) provided the BBS trend
analysis software that was used to generate BBS trends and indices for Ontario BCR 12. Denis Lepage
(BSC) provided data from the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, and Andrew Couturier (BSC) generated
habitat land cover data for atlas squares and for atlas point-count locations. Range maps in the species
accounts (Appendix F) were derived from shapefiles provided by NatureServe in collaboration with
Robert Ridgely, James Zook, The Nature Conservancy – Migratory Bird Program, Conservation
International – Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, World Wildlife Fund – US and Environment
Canada – Project WILDSPACE™. The Ontario PIF is grateful to all these individuals and organizations for
their assistance.
A big thank-you to all the volunteers who collected bird survey data (Breeding Bird Survey, Ontario
Breeding Bird Atlas/Boreal Forest Bird Program, Christmas Bird Counts and other surveys) that made the
analyses presented in this plan possible. A special thank-you to Saul Bocian, Michael Butler, Simon
Dodsworth and Genny Houghton for donating photographs for use in this plan
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) ii

Acronyms
ANSI – Area of Natural and Scientific Interest
BBA – Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas projects
BBA1 – Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, 1981-85
BBA2 – Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, 2001-05
BBS – Breeding Bird Survey
BCR – Bird Conservation Region
BFBP – Boreal Forest Bird Program
BMP – Best Management Practice
BSC – Bird Studies Canada
CAR – Census of Agricultural Regions
CBC – Christmas Bird Count
CCA – Canadian Census of Agriculture
CMMN – Canadian Migration Monitoring Network
COSARRO – Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario
COSEWIC – Committee on the Status of Endangered Species in Canada
CWS – Canadian Wildlife Service
dbh – diameter at breast height
EC – Environment Canada
EHJV – Eastern Habitat Joint Venture
ELC – Ecological Land Classification
ERNV – Estimated Range of Natural Variation
FBMP – Forest Bird Monitoring Program
FRI – Forest Resource Inventory
HMANA – Hawk Migration Association of North America
IBA – Important Bird Area
MAPS – Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship
NABCI – North American Bird Conservation Initiative
NHIC – Natural Heritage Information Centre
NWA – National Wildlife Area
OLC – Ontario Land Cover mapping
OMMAH – Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
OMNR – Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
ONRS – Ontario Nest Records Scheme
OnTAP – Ontario Terrestrial Assessment Program
PFW – Project FeederWatch
PIF – Partners in Flight
PPS – Provincial Policy Statement on Natural Heritage
PSW – Provincially Significant Wetland
SAR – Species at Risk
SARA – Species at Risk Act
SARO – Species at Risk in Ontario
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) iii
Executive Summary
The Boreal Hardwood Transition region in central Ontario is home to a great diversity of bird life, with species
richness rivalling anywhere else in Canada or the United States during the breeding season. The purpose of this
plan is to guide landbird conservation efforts to ensure that the distribution, diversity and abundance of birds
across this region are sustained within the estimated range of natural variability for this forest ecosystem.
The Planning Area

The plan covers Ontario’s share of the Boreal Hardwood Transition, Bird Conservation Region 12 (ON BCR
12) of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI). This BCR encompasses much of the Great
Lakes – St. Lawrence Forest Region, but also parts of the southern Boreal Forest Region.
This is the second of four landbird plans being developed by Ontario Partners in Flight (PIF). Each plan
focuses on Ontario’s share of a single Bird Conservation Region (BCR), planning regions developed by
NABCI. Together these four plans will contribute to continentwide efforts by PIF and NABCI to sustain the
distribution, diversity and abundance of all North American landbirds. Read Chapter 1 to learn more about the
scope and objectives of this plan and how it fits into continental conservation initiatives for birds. Chapter 2
provides a detailed look at this region, including an overview of its geography, vegetation, avifauna, current
land cover and land use patterns.
Most of the plan – Chapters 3 through 10 – is devoted to three topics:

x Identifying priority landbird species and habitats;
x Setting measurable objectives for the conservation of priority species; and
x Recommending conservation actions to achieve objectives.
Landbird Conservation Priorities

Fifty-one (31%) of the 167 species of landbirds that regularly breed or winter in ON BCR 12 are identified as
priority species (see Table 3 for a complete list) on the basis of a detailed species assessment (Chapter 3
outlines the approach; the appendices provide details). The high number of priority species occurs because this
region includes many species of high conservation concern, as well as many species of high conservation
responsibility. A few species (Canada Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler and Veery) are of high concern and
high responsibility.
Priority species are identified due to a combination of population declines, high vulnerability and future threats
and include species of Continental Concern (PIF Continental Watch List) with important populations in this
region (e.g., Bay-breasted Warbler), species with small global range and populations that are considered
vulnerable to future change (e.g., Golden-winged Warbler) and common widespread species that have
experienced population declines and face ongoing threats on their breeding or wintering grounds (e.g., Wood
Thrush).
Approximately half the priority species are landbirds for which ON BCR 12 has a high global responsibility
for the species’ population in combination with other concerns (e.g., Veery; Black-throated Blue,
Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided and Golden-winged Warblers). Several landbird Species at Risk occur within
this region, including notable local populations of Cerulean Warbler and Peregrine Falcon.
Twenty-nine priority species are forest species, associated with one of the following general forest types, each
of which is considered a priority habitat for attention:
x Deciduous forest – 15 priority species (see Chapter 5);
x Coniferous forest – seven priority species (see Chapter 6); and
x Successional forest – seven priority species (see Chapter 7).
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) iv

Twenty-two priority species are more closely associated with non-forested habitats:
x Wetland/riparian – 11 priority species and a priority habitat category (see Chapter 8); and
x Non-forested upland – 11 priority species, some of which are associated with priority rock barrens and
rock cliff habitats, and other species using non-priority anthropogenic habitats (agricultural grasslands)
(see Chapter 9).
An additional group of landbirds identified in this plan as a priority for attention are the aerial-foraging
insectivores – birds that feed “on the wing” on flying insects (see Chapter 10). This group includes swallows,
swifts and nighthawks. All nine aerial-foraging insectivores that breed regularly in ON BCR 12 are showing
signs of decline, though only three of these species are on the priority list (and are also included in the habitat
guilds).
Landbird Conservation Objectives

Overall objectives are set for each priority species to give general guidance to conservation efforts. For
Endangered or Threatened species, the overall objective is recovery, as determined by the SAR recovery
strategy for that species. For species that are poorly monitored in this region, the immediate objective is to
periodically assess status.
Objectives for most forest priority landbirds are consistent with current forest management objectives, which
aim to ensure that the supply of forest habitat types in each forest management unit and ecoregion is
maintained within the estimated range of natural variation (ERNV). For most forest species, a habitat-based
objective is set to maintain the supply of suitable habitat within the ERNV. A coarse filter approach to
measuring habitat supply is considered sufficient for most forest species, but fine filter direction involving
spatial habitat suitability models are needed for species with more specialized habitat needs.
The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA) data are used to set
and measure population objectives for a few species (e.g., Canada Warbler, Purple Finch) and one foraging
guild (aerial-foraging insectivores) that are of high continental concern and/or have experienced regional
population declines that do not appear to be linked to the supply of breeding habitat. A monitoring objective
only is set for three non-forested upland species (Bobolink, Brown Thrasher, Willow Flycatcher) that in this
region are often associated with anthropogenic habitats (agricultural grasslands and successional old-field
habitats) and for one wetland species (Sedge Wren) with inadequate quantitative information to set population
or habitat objectives.
See Chapter 3 for the approach to setting objectives, and Chapters 4 through 10 and the priority species
accounts (Appendix F) for the specific objectives set for each priority species.
Conservation Actions
The plan proposes a range of actions for the conservation of landbirds in ON BCR 12, including actions related
to monitoring, research and evaluation, planning and policy, outreach and education and applied conservation.
General actions that apply to many groups of landbirds are found in Chapter 4, actions specific to habitat and
foraging guilds are listed in Chapters 5 to 10 and actions specific to each priority species are contained in the
priority species accounts (Appendix F), which also contain details of species status, reasons for concern,
ecology and objectives.
The proposed actions are expected to be implemented by a range of conservation partners in coordination with
other bird conservation initiatives under the NABCI umbrella. Conservation actions outside Ontario may also
be necessary to contribute to these objectives, as almost all priority landbird species in ON BCR 12 are
migratory.
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) v

Résumé
La Transition de feuillus boréale du centre de l'Ontario est l'habitat d'une grande variété d'oiseaux et la richesse
de ses espèces durant la saison de reproduction peut rivaliser avec tout autre endroit du Canada ou des États-
Unis. Le Plan a comme objectif d'orienter les efforts déployés en matière de conservation des oiseaux terrestres
afin de s'assurer que la répartition, la diversité et l'abondance des oiseaux dans cette région sont maintenues
selon l'aire de distribution de variabilité naturelle estimée et caractéristique de cet écosystème forestier.
La zone d'aménagement
Le Plan englobe la région ontarienne de la Transition de feuillus boréale, soit la Région de conservation des
oiseaux 12 (RCO 12 de l'Ontario) définie dans le cadre de l'Initiative de conservation des oiseaux de
l'Amérique du Nord (ICOAN). Cette RCO comprend une bonne partie de la région forestière des Grands Lacs
et du Saint-Laurent, mais également des parties de la région sud de la forêt boréale.
Il s'agit du deuxième de quatre plans de conservation des oiseaux élaborés par les Partenaires d'envol-Ontario.
Chaque plan est axé sur la portion ontarienne d'une seule région de conservation des oiseaux (RCO), qui est
une région d'aménagement conçue dans le cadre de l'ICOAN. Ensemble, ces quatre plans appuieront les efforts
déployés par les Partenaires d'envol-Ontario et l'ICOAN à l'échelle du continent en vue d'assurer le maintien de
la répartition, de la diversité et de l'abondance des oiseaux terrestres de l'Amérique du Nord. Il faut lire le
chapitre 1 pour en apprendre davantage sur la portée et les objectifs du Plan et sur la façon dont il cadre avec
les initiatives de conservation des oiseaux à l'échelle du continent. Le chapitre 2 donne un tour d'horizon
détaillé de cette région, notamment un aperçu de sa géographie, de sa végétation, de son avifaune, de sa
couverture terrestre actuelle et des habitudes d'utilisation des terres qui lui sont propres.
La majeure partie du Plan, soit les chapitres 3 à 10, aborde trois sujets :
x La détermination des espèces d'oiseaux terrestres prioritaires et de leurs habitats;
x L'établissement d'objectifs mesurables pour assurer la conservation des espèces prioritaires;
x La recommandation de mesures de conservation pour l'atteinte des objectifs.
Priorités relatives à la conservation des oiseaux terrestres

Cinquante et une (31 %) des 167 espèces d'oiseaux terrestres qui nichent ou passent l'hiver régulièrement dans
la RCO 12 de l'Ontario peuvent être classées comme des espèces prioritaires (se reporter au tableau 3 pour la
liste complète) à la suite d'une évaluation détaillée des espèces (le chapitre 3 décrit brièvement cette approche
et l'annexe fournit davantage de données). On retrouve un grand nombre d'espèces prioritaires dans cette
région, car elle abrite beaucoup d'espèces très préoccupantes d'un point de vue de la conservation ainsi qu'une
multitude d'espèces auxquelles est associée une responsabilité élevée en matière de conservation. Quelques
espèces (Paruline du Canada, Paruline à ailes dorées et Grive fauve) sont très préoccupantes et sont associées à
une responsabilité élevée en matière de conservation.
Les espèces prioritaires qui sont définies comme telles en raison d'une combinaison de facteurs, soit le déclin
de leurs populations, leur grande vulnérabilité et les menaces futures, comprennent d'importantes populations
d'espèces continentales préoccupantes (liste de surveillance des espèces continentales des Partenaires d'envol-
Ontario) dans la région (p. ex. la Paruline à poitrine baie), des espèces dont l'aire de distribution géographique
globale et les populations sont considérées comme vulnérables aux changements futurs (p. ex. la Paruline à
ailes dorées) et des espèces communes très répandues dont les populations ont décliné et qui sont
continuellement menacées dans leur habitat de reproduction et d'hivernage (p. ex. la Grive des bois).
Environ la moitié des espèces prioritaires sont des oiseaux terrestres dont les populations et autres
préoccupations connexes relèvent de la responsabilité de la RCO 12 de l'Ontario (p. ex. la Grive fauve, la
Paruline bleue, la Paruline à gorge orangée, la Paruline à flancs marron et la Paruline à aile dorée). On retrouve
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) vi

plusieurs espèces d'oiseaux terrestres en péril dans cette région, y compris d'importantes populations locales de
Parulines azurées et de Faucons pèlerins.
Vingt-neuf espèces prioritaires sont des espèces forestières associées à l'un des types de forêt généraux
suivants, lesquels sont tous considérés comme des habitats prioritaires auxquels il faut porter une attention :
x Forêt de feuillus – 15 espèces prioritaires (se reporter au chapitre 5);
x Forêt de conifères – 7 espèces prioritaires (se reporter au chapitre 6);
x Forêt de succession – 7 espèces prioritaires (se reporter au chapitre 7).
Vingt-deux espèces prioritaires sont davantage associées à des habitats non forestiers :
x Habitat palustre/riverain – 11 espèces prioritaires et une catégorie d'habitat prioritaire (se reporter au
chapitre 8);
x Milieu sec non boisé – 11 espèces prioritaires, dont certaines sont associées à des habitats prioritaires telles
les landes rocheuses et les falaises, et d'autres qui occupent des habitats anthropiques non prioritaires
(pâturages agricoles) (se reporter au chapitre 9).
Un autre groupe d'oiseaux terrestres défini comme prioritaire et auquel il faut porter une attention dans le cadre
de ce Plan, les oiseaux insectivores en vol, sont des oiseaux qui se nourrissent d'insectes volants capturés en
« planant » (se reporter au chapitre 10). Ce groupe comprend les hirondelles, les martinets et les engoulevents.
Les populations des neuf espèces insectivores en vol qui nichent régulièrement dans la RCO 12 sont en déclin,
même si seules trois espèces figurent sur la liste des espèces prioritaires (et sont également comprises dans la
guilde des espèces partageant le même habitat).
Objectifs relatifs à la conservation des oiseaux terrestres

Des objectifs généraux sont établis pour chaque espèce prioritaire afin d'orienter de manière générale les
efforts de conservation. En ce qui concerne les espèces menacées ou en voie de disparition, l'objectif général
est le rétablissement des populations, tel qu'il est déterminé par la stratégie de rétablissement des espèces en
péril relative à ces espèces. Pour les espèces qui sont mal surveillées dans la région, l'objectif immédiat est
d'évaluer régulièrement l'état des populations.
Les objectifs définis pour la plupart des oiseaux terrestres forestiers prioritaires sont compatibles avec les
objectifs actuels en matière de gestion forestière visant à faire en sorte que la disponibilité des types d'habitats
forestiers dans chaque unité de gestion forestière et écorégion soit maintenue selon l'aire de distribution de
variabilité naturelle estimée. Pour la plupart des espèces forestières, un objectif axé sur l'habitat est défini
comme le maintien de la disponibilité d'habitats appropriés au sein de l'aire de distribution de variabilité
naturelle estimée. Une approche du filtre brut est suffisante pour mesurer la disponibilité des habitats pour la
plupart des espèces forestières, mais une orientation plus ciblée faisant intervenir des modèles spatiaux adaptés
aux habitats doit être adoptée pour les espèces qui requièrent des habitats plus spécialisés.
Les données du Relevé des oiseaux nicheurs (BBS) de l'Amérique du Nord et de l'Atlas des oiseaux nicheurs
de l'Ontario servent à établir des objectifs de population (puis à les évaluer) pour quelques espèces (p. ex. la
Paruline du Canada et le Roselin pourpré) et pour une guilde d'espèces partageant le même régime alimentaire
(oiseaux insectivores en vol), qui sont des espèces continentales très préoccupantes ou dont les populations de
la région sont en déclin pour une raison autre que la disponibilité des habitats de reproduction. Un seul objectif
en matière de surveillance est établi pour trois espèces des milieux secs non boisés (Goglu des prés, Moqueur
roux, Moucherolle des saules) qui, dans cette région, sont souvent associées à des habitats anthropiques
(pâturages agricoles et habitats non boisés de succession) et pour une espèce des milieux humides (Troglodyte
à bec court) dont les données quantitatives sont insuffisantes pour établir des objectifs de population ou
d'habitat.
Consulter le chapitre 3 pour obtenir des renseignements sur l'approche utilisée pour fixer les objectifs, et les
chapitres 4 à 10 et les relevés des espèces prioritaires (annexe F) pour connaître les objectifs précis établis pour
chaque espèce prioritaire.
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) vii
Mesures de conservation
Le Plan propose une panoplie de mesures de conservation destinées aux oiseaux terrestres de la RCO 12 de
l'Ontario, y compris des mesures en matière de surveillance, de recherche, d'évaluation, de planification, de
politiques, de sensibilisation, d'éducation et de conservation appliquée. Des mesures générales qui s'appliquent
à de nombreux groupes d'oiseaux terrestres sont présentées au chapitre 4, des mesures s'adressant aux guildes
d'espèces partageant le même habitat et le même régime alimentaire sont présentées aux chapitres 5 à 10, et
des mesures propres à chaque espèce prioritaire sont énumérées dans les relevés des espèces prioritaires
(annexe F) qui renferment également des données sur l'état des espèces, les raisons pour lesquelles elles sont
préoccupantes, l'écologie et les objectifs.
Les mesures proposées devraient être mises en œuvre par un ensemble de partenaires voués à la conservation
des oiseaux en coordination avec d'autres initiatives de conservation des oiseaux générales de l'ICOAN. Il
serait également peut-être nécessaire de mettre en œuvre des mesures de conservation à l'extérieur de la
province qui appuient ces objectifs puisque la plupart des espèces d'oiseaux terrestres prioritaires de la RCO 12
de l'Ontario sont des oiseaux migrateurs.
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) viii
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Purpose 1
1.2 Plan Objectives 2
1.3 The Importance of Landbird Conservation 3
1.4 The PIF North American Landbird Conservation Plan 4
1.5 PIF in Ontario 4
2 Overview of the Boreal Hardwood Transition Region (BCR 12) in Ontario 5

2.1 Description 5
2.2 Subregions of Ontario BCR 12 6
2.3 Physiography 6
2.4 Vegetation 7
2.5 Land Cover 8
2.6 Avifauna 12
2.7 Human Population 12
2.8 Land Ownership and Management 13
2.9 Landbird Conservation Planning in ON BCR 12 14
3 The PIF Ontario Planning Approach 15

3.1 Plan Development 15
3.2 Sources of Information 15
3.3 Assessing Species Vulnerability 16
3.4 Identifying Priority Species 16
3.5 Identifying Priority Habitats and Ecological Guilds 17
3.6 Setting Objectives 17
3.7 Identifying Factors affecting Landbirds and Conservation Action Needs 19
4 Landbird Conservation Priorities in ON BCR 12 22

4.1 Priority Species 22
4.2 Priority Habitats 25
4.3 Aerial-foraging Insectivore Guild 26
4.4 Monitoring and Evaluation 26
4.5 Landbird Conservation in ON BCR 12 26
4.6 Recommended Conservation Actions 27
5 Conservation of Deciduous Forest Landbirds 30

5.1 Deciduous Forest Landbirds 30
5.2 Deciduous Forest Priority Species 30
5.3 Deciduous Forest Habitats in ON BCR 12 32
5.4 Conservation Objectives 35
6 Conservation of Coniferous Forest Landbirds 42

6.1 Coniferous Forest Landbirds 42
6.2 Coniferous Forest Priority Species 43
6.3 Coniferous Forest Habitats in ON BCR 12 44
6.4 Conservation Objectives for Priority Coniferous Forest Landbirds 45
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) ix

7 Conservation of Successional Forest Landbirds 49
7.1 Successional Forest Landbirds 49
7.2 Successional Forest Habitats 50
7.3 Conservation Objectives for Priority Successional Forest Landbirds 52
7.4 Conservation Focus 53
8 Conservation of Landbirds in Wetland and Riparian Habitats 56

8.1 Landbirds Associated with Wetland and Riparian Habitats 56
8.2 Wetland/Riparian Habitats in ON BCR 12 57
8.3 Conservation Objectives for Priority Wetland/Riparian Landbirds 58
8.4 Conservation Focus 59
9 Conservation of Landbirds in Non-forested Upland Habitats 63

9.1 Landbirds Breeding in Non-forested Upland Habitats 63
9.2 Non-forested Landbird Habitats in ON BCR 12 64
9.3 Conservation Objectives for Priority Landbirds in Non-forested
Upland Habitats 65
10 Conservation of Aerial-foraging Insectivores 69

10.1 Aerial-foraging Insectivores 69
10.2 Limiting Factors and Threats 69
10.3 Conservation Objectives for Aerial-foraging Insectivores 70
11 Implementation Philosophy 73
11.1 Implementation Philosophy 73
11.2 Implementation Strategy 73
11.3 Evaluating Progress 73
11.4 Next Steps 74
12 References 75
13 Glossary 87
Appendix A: Ontario BCR 12 Landbird Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) 91
Appendix B: Avian Datasets and Data Analyses 93
Appendix C: Identifying Priority Species at a Regional Scale – the PIF Approach 95
Appendix D: Landbirds Occurring Regularly in Ontario BCR 12 during the

Breeding and/or Wintering Seasons 99
Appendix E: PIF Species Assessment Scores for Landbirds in ON BCR 12 105
Appendix F: Ontario BCR 12 Priority Species Accounts 113
Figure F1: Template for the Priority Species Accounts 115
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) x

Bald Eagle 116
Bank Swallow 117
Barn Swallow 118
Bay-breasted Warbler 119
Belted Kingfisher 120
Black-billed Cuckoo 121
Blackburnian Warbler 122
Black-throated Blue Warbler 123
Black-throated Green Warbler 124
Bobolink 125
Broad-winged Hawk 126
Brown Thrasher 127
Canada Warbler 128
Cerulean Warbler 129
Chestnut-sided Warbler 130
Chimney Swift 131
Common Nighthawk 132
Common Yellowthroat 133
Connecticut Warbler 134
Eastern Wood-Pewee 135
Field Sparrow 136
Golden-winged Warbler 137
Great Gray Owl 138
Kirtland’s Warbler 139
Least Flycatcher 140
Loggerhead Shrike 141
Louisiana Waterthrush 142
Mourning Warbler 143
Nashville Warbler 144
Northern Flicker 145
Northern Goshawk 146
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 147
Olive-sided Flycatcher 148
Peregrine Falcon 149
Prairie Warbler 150
Purple Finch 151
Red Crossbill 152
Red-headed Woodpecker 153
Red-shouldered Hawk 154
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 155
Ruffed Grouse 156
Rusty Blackbird 157
Sedge Wren 158
Short-Eared Owl 159
Swamp Sparrow 160
Veery 161
Whip-poor-will 162
White-throated Sparrow 163
Willow Flycatcher 164
Wood Thrush 165
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 166
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) xi

Appendix G: BBS-based Indices of Abundance, Precision, Population Estimates and
Accuracy Ratings for Priority Species Breeding in ON BCR 12 167
Appendix H: Evaluation of Current Monitoring Coverage for Landbirds in ON BCR

12, and Proposed Monitoring-related Actions 171
List of Boxes
Box 1: Partners in Flight (PIF) 2
Box 2: The North American Bird Conservation Initiative (www.nabci.net) 3
Box 3: North American Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) 4
Box 4: Categories used for inclusion of species in PIF Regional Priority Species Lists 16
Box 5: Explanation of key forest wildlife habitat management concepts used in this plan 18
Box 6: Landbird monitoring objectives for Ontario BCR 12 20
Box 7: Conservation objectives for priority species and guilds in ON BCR 12 21
List of Figures
Figure 1: Boreal Hardwood Transition Bird Conservation Region (BCR 12) 1
Figure 2: Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) that fall within Ontario 1
Figure 3: Map of species richness of breeding landbirds in each lat–long block in
Canada and United States, from an overlay of range maps 3
Figure 4: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources ecoregions within Ontario BCR 12 5
Figure 5: Subregions of Ontario BCR 12 used in this plan 6
Figure 6: Distribution of general land cover in ON BCR 12 and by subregion 10
Figure 7: Location map of ON BCR 12 showing BCR boundaries, ecoregion
boundaries and general land cover 11
Figure 8: Average species richness from Breeding Bird Surveys, 1982–2002 12
Figure 9: Land ownership in ON BCR 12, by ecoregion 14
Figure 10: Ontario BCR 12 Landbird Conservation Plan development process 15
Figure 11: Distribution of priority species by reasons for priority status for ON BCR 12 22
Figure 12: Distribution of priority species by conservation objective 25
Figure 13: Deciduous forest cover in ON BCR 12 by ccoregion 33
Figure 14: Area of deciduous forest by provincial forest type, by ecoregion (satellite data) 33
Figure 15: Coniferous forest cover in ON BCR 12 by ecoregion (FRI data) 44
Figure 16: Area of coniferous forest by provincial forest type, by ecoregion (satellite data) 44
Figure 17: Proportion of forest in 0- to 20-year age class in ON BCR 12, by ecoregion (FRI) 51
Figure 18: Distribution of wetland habitats in ON BCR 12, by ecoregion 58
Figure 19: Non-forest habitats in ON BCR 12, by ecoregion (satellite data) 64
Figure 20: Population abundance objective for aerial-foraging insectivore guild
in ON BCR 12 70
List of Tables
Table 1: Relationship of the Ontario Land Cover classes with the general land
cover categories and landbird habitat categories used in the
ON BCR 12 plan 9
Table 2: Current general land cover (c. early 1990s) in ON BCR 12 and subregions 9
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) xii
Table 3: Priority landbird species in ON BCR 12 showing reasons for priority
status, overall objective and habitat guild designation 23
Table 4: Priority species guilds used in ON BCR 12 plan 26
Table 5: Anthropogenic factors affecting landbirds in ON BCR 12 27
Table 6: Deciduous forest landbirds with 10% of global population and/or
occurring at very high relative density in BCR 12 30
Table 7: Deciduous forest priority landbirds in ON BCR 12 showing reasons
for priority status 31
Table 8: Summary of habitat needs of priority deciduous forest landbirds in
ON BCR 12 38
Table 9: Summary of conservation objectives and conservation focus for
priority deciduous forest landbirds in ON BCR 12 40
Table 10: Coniferous forest landbirds with 10% of global population
breeding or wintering and/or occurring at very high relative
density in BCR 12. 42
Table 11: Coniferous forest priority landbirds in ON BCR 12 showing reasons
for priority status 43
Table 12: Summary of habitat needs of priority coniferous forest landbirds
in ON BCR 12 47
priority coniferous forest landbirds in ON BCR 12 48
Table 14: Successional forest landbirds with 10% of global population
density in BCR 12 49
Table 15: Successional forest priority landbirds in ON BCR 12, with
reasons for priority status 50
Table 16: Summary of habitat needs of priority successional forest landbirds in
ON BCR 12 54
priority successional forest landbirds in ON BCR 12 55
Table 18: Wetland and riparian landbirds with 10% of global population
density in BCR 12 56
Table 19: Priority landbirds in wetland and riparian habitats in ON BCR 12,
with reasons for priority status 57
Table 20: Summary of habitat needs of priority wetland/riparian landbirds in ON BCR 12 60
priority landbirds in wetland and riparian habitats in ON BCR 12 61
Table 22: Priority landbirds in non-forested upland habitats in ON BCR 12,
sorted by reasons for priority status 63
Table 23: Summary of habitat needs of priority landbirds in non-forested upland
habitats in ON BCR 12 67
Table 24: Summary of conservation objectives and conservation focus for priority
landbirds in non-forested upland in ON BCR 12 68
Table 25: Changes in the abundance and distribution of aerial-foraging
insectivores breeding in ON BCR 12 69
Table 26: Population distribution objectives for aerial-foraging insectivores in
ON BCR 12 70
Table 27: Summary of conservation objectives and conservation focus for priority
aerial-foraging insectivores in ON BCR 12 72
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) xiii
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this plan is to guide landbird
conservation efforts in those parts of Ontario that lie Figure 1: Boreal Hardwood Transition Bird
within the Boreal Hardwood Transition region, also Conservation Region (BCR 12).
known as Bird Conservation Region (BCR) 12
(Figure 1). This is the second of four such plans
being developed, to cover the four BCRs within
Ontario (Figure 2).
The conservation goals of this plan are twofold:

x To sustain the distribution, diversity and
abundance of native landbirds and their habitats
in Ontario portions of BCR 12 (ON BCR 12);
and
x To contribute to continentwide efforts to sustain
the distribution, diversity and abundance of all
North American landbirds.
This is a biological plan, aimed chiefly at:

x Identifying priority landbird species and habitats;
x Setting measurable and attainable objectives for
Source: www.bsc-eoc.org/international/bcrmain.html
the conservation of these priority species; and
x Recommending conservation actions to help
achieve those objectives.
The plan is complementary to, and does not duplicate

or replace, current recovery strategies and actions for
those landbird species that have been officially
designated as Endangered or Threatened, according
to federal or provincial Species at Risk legislation.
To be successful, this plan should be used to guide

the actions of a diversity of partners, including:
x Conservation planners at the federal, provincial
and municipal levels;
x Public and private land owners and managers;
x Project proponents, consultants and
environmental assessment practitioners;
x Scientists and volunteers involved in wildlife
research and monitoring; and
x Individuals and organizations interested in Figure 2: Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs)
making a difference for landbirds in their that fall within Ontario.
communities.
Landbirds include a broad variety of species that
These partners are the primary audience for this
rely primarily on terrestrial habitats throughout the
plan, as their actions will influence the fate of year, including: vultures, eagles, hawks, falcons,
Ontario’s landbirds. Many of these partners have grouse, quail, doves, cuckoos, owls, nightjars,
been directly or indirectly involved in the swifts, hummingbirds, kingfishers, woodpeckers
development of this plan. and passerines (songbirds).
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) 1

1.2 Plan Objectives Box 1: Partners in Flight (PIF).
The specific objectives of this plan are to use existing In 1990, Partners In Flight (PIF) was launched in the
data, information and expert knowledge to: United States in response to growing concerns about
x Identify priority landbird species by following a declines in the populations of neotropical migrant
comprehensive, objective, science-based landbirds (www.partnersinflight.org). Later, PIF
assessment process; expanded to include all landbirds, and PIF initiatives
x Provide concise summaries of relevant began in Canada and Latin America.
information on the status, ecology, management
and conservation needs of priority landbird At its broadest level, PIF is a coalition of countries,
species; government agencies, conservation groups, academic
x Describe the various habitats of importance to institutions, industry and concerned citizens who
different suites of priority species, and share a common vision: to maintain the health of
summarize factors affecting these priority landbird populations and their habitats.
habitats and the associated landbird guild;
x Establish realistic measurable objectives for the In Canada, PIF activities are coordinated by a
conservation of priority landbirds in this region; National Working Group, composed of
x Recommend conservation actions that will assist representatives from several national organizations
in achieving these objectives, including: and regional PIF groups. Activities and products of
o Monitoring; this group include the Framework for Landbird
o Research and evaluation; Conservation in Canada (PIF Canada 1996) and the
o Planning and policy; Canadian Landbird Monitoring Strategy (Downes et
o Outreach initiatives; and al. 2000). (See www.cws-
o Applied conservation actions; scf.ec.gc.ca/birds/lb_ot_e.cfm).
x Suggest an implementation strategy to foster
integration of this plan with other existing Landbirds are one of the four pillars under the North
regional and international conservation American Bird Conservation Initiative (NACI)
initiatives. framework (the other pillars are: waterfowl,
shorebirds and waterbirds). The landbird pillar is
The information in this plan is designed to guide the implemented chiefly through PIF activities which
conservation of landbirds in ON BCR 12 and will be support the conservation of migratory and resident
used to integrate and coordinate implementation of landbirds throughout their yearly ranges.
recommended actions with similar conservation
efforts directed at waterfowl, waterbird and shorebird PIF Mission
populations in ON BCR 12; international, all-bird
conservation efforts across BCR 12; and with the To sustain the distribution, diversity and abundance
continental-scale Partners in Flight (PIF, Box 1) and of landbirds in their natural numbers and natural
habitats, throughout their natural geographic ranges.
North American Bird Conservation Initiative
(NABCI, Box ) programs. 1) Keeping common birds common. Native
birds, both resident and migratory, must be
1.3 The Importance of Landbird retained in healthy numbers throughout their
Conservation natural ranges.
Birds are the most familiar and widely enjoyed forms 2) Helping species at risk. Species must be
of wildlife in North America, with more people conserved before they become imperiled:
watching and feeding birds than ever before. Birds allowing species to become threatened or
bring beauty, song and joy into the lives of many endangered results in long-term and costly
people. Birds fill critical roles in ecological systems: recovery efforts whose success is far from
guaranteed.
through seed dispersal, pollination, control of pest
species, and as prey for other wildlife. They also 3) Working in partnerships for birds, habitats
serve as a valuable early warning system for the and people. Conservation of landbirds and
health of the environment, as demonstrated by their habitats cannot be undertaken alone.
declines in populations of Peregrine Falcon, Osprey
and other birds in the DDT era. Landbirds are also
used as indicators of the health and biodiversity of
forest ecosystems.

BCR 12 lies along the ecozone between the eastern Box 2: The North American Bird Conservation
deciduous and northern boreal forests of North Initiative (www.nabci.net).
America and supports a rich assemblage of breeding The North American Bird Conservation Initiative
birds, including up to 150 landbird species per (NABCI) is a tri-national initiative involving
latitude–longitude block (Figure 3). Canada, the United States and Mexico. It was
launched in 1999 by the Commission for
Over the past several decades, populations of some Environmental Cooperation (an international
common landbirds have undergone long-term organization created by Canada, Mexico and the
declines, in this region and elsewhere. The reasons United States under the North American Agreement
for these declines are complex and not always well on Environmental Cooperation) to address the need
understood. In addition, this region supports a for coordinated bird conservation efforts that benefit
substantial proportion of the global population of “all birds in all habitats.” In 2005, the governments
several landbird species, and therefore has a high of Canada, United States and Mexico signed a
stewardship responsibility for ensuring the long-term NABCI Declaration of Intent to cooperate to
conservation of these species. conserve North American birds throughout their
ranges and habitats (www.nabci-
As a first step in addressing concerns regarding us.org/newsdoi.html).
declining landbird populations and ensuring the long-
term stewardship of all landbirds, PIF promoted the NABCI advocates an approach to bird conservation
development of regional landbird conservation plans. that is regionally based, biologically driven and
PIF also produced a major North American landbird landscape oriented. It draws together the major bird
conservation plan, establishing continental-scale conservation plans already in existence for
priorities (Rich et al. 2004). waterbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and landbirds (i.e.,
Partners in Flight plans such as this one), fills in
knowledge gaps and builds a coalition of groups and
Figure 3: Map of species richness of breeding agencies to execute the plans.
landbirds in each lat–long block in Canada and
United States, from an overlay of range maps. In Ontario, NABCI activities are coordinated through
the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV). It is
anticipated that conservation plans for landbirds and
other birds will be implemented through the EHJV
and other partnership initiatives.
Source: Rich et al. 2004.

1.4 The PIF North American Landbird Box 3: North American Bird Conservation
Conservation Plan Regions (BCRs).
The first iteration of the PIF North American A shared concept of geography and landscapes is
Landbird Conservation Plan was completed in 2004 critical to effective planning. To that end,
(Rich et al. 2004). This landmark document participants in the North American Bird
established a vision and planning framework for the Conservation Initiative (NABCI) have adopted a
conservation of all North American landbirds. A total map of North America (see below) that delineates a
of 195 Species of Continental Importance are set of 66 geographic areas called Bird Conservation
identified in the continental plan, including: Regions (BCRs) (US NABCI Committee 2000).
x PIF Watch List species, characterized by a high Each BCR encompasses landscapes having similar
level of vulnerability and concern; and bird communities, habitats and resource issues. The
x PIF Stewardship species, species for which a BCR framework is now widely used for PIF
region has high responsibility because a high planning and by other initiatives under the NABCI
percentage of its global population occurs in a umbrella.
single biome.
Twelve BCRs are entirely or partly in Canada. The
Key links between the North American PIF Plan and province of Ontario encompasses parts of four
this ON BCR 12 plan include: BCRs (Figure 2).
x Priority species list: Ontario’s BCR 12 list
includes Species of Continental Importance Like birds, BCRs cross political borders: the
identified in the PIF North American Plan (Rich success of current North American all-birds
et al. 2004), as well as Species of Regional conservation efforts will ultimately depend on
Importance or interest; cooperation among jurisdictions. Regional plans,
x Population objectives: This plan highlights such as this one, are intended to facilitate multi-
opportunities for this region to contribute jurisdictional and multi-species conservation
directly to achieving North America-wide efforts.
population objectives for Species of Continental
Importance that occur in significant numbers in
ON BCR 12.
1.5 PIF in Ontario

In 1995, a partnership of government and non-
governmental agencies produced a bird conservation
plan for Ontario that was published in 1997 as the
Ontario “Flight Plan” (Cheskey 1995; Lounds et al.
1997). The current plan builds on these earlier efforts
and puts them within the NABCI BCR planning
framework. The priority species list, objectives and
recommended actions in this plan will be used to
facilitate and evaluate the implementation of landbird
conservation efforts in ON BCR 12.
The current Ontario Partners in Flight planning

initiative is being led by Environment Canada
Ontario Region and Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources, in partnership with Bird Studies Canada.
This regional partnership is in keeping with PIF’s
grassroots approach, where regions develop their own
goals and strategies towards achieving the overall
goal of keeping common birds common (for more PIF
information see http://www.bsc-eoc.org/ PIF/
PIFOntario.html).

2 Overview of the Boreal Hardwood Transition Region
(BCR 12) in Ontario
2.1 Description
The Boreal Hardwood Transition Bird Conservation The Boreal Hardwood Transition BCR corresponds
Region, BCR 12, encompasses 611 300 km2 of generally to the southern portion of Environment
mostly forested lands along the southern edge of the Canada’s Boreal Shield Ecozone (Wiken 1986;
Canadian Shield, extending from the St. Lawrence Marshall and Schut 1999) and the southern portion of
River in Quebec west across the centre of the Great Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ (OMNR)
Lakes Basin to Minnesota (Figure 1Error! Ontario Shield Ecozone (Crins 2002) (which also
Reference source not found.). The Ontario portion encompasses the Canadian portions of BCR 8). At a
is the largest, comprising 33% of the total BCR. finer scale, the BCR boundaries are consistent with
Smaller portions lie within Quebec (28%), Michigan the national ecoregion boundaries (Ecological
(14%), Minnesota (14%), Wisconsin (8%) and Stratification Working Group 1995) but different
Manitoba (2%). from the OMNR ecoregion boundaries (Hills 1959;
Crins 2002) (Figure 4). ON BCR 12 encompasses all
The Ontario portion of BCR 12 (ON BCR 12) or most of four ecoregions: 4W (Pigeon River), 5S
encompasses 202 900 km2 in two disjunct areas. The (Agassiz Clay Plain), 4E (Lake Temagami) and 5E
larger eastern section extends from the eastern (Georgian Bay). It also includes the southern half of
shorelines of Lake Superior and Georgian Bay to the Ecoregion 4S (Lake Wabigoon), the southern third of
Ottawa River. The western section forms a 100-km– Ecoregion 3E (Lake Abitibi) and very small parts of
wide strip along the Ontario–Minnesota border. ON ecoregions 3W (Lake Nipigon) and 6E (Lake Simcoe
BCR 12 encompasses about one-fifth (21%) of the – Rideau).
total area of Ontario.
Figure 4: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources ecoregions within Ontario BCR 12.
Lake
Wabigoon
Pigeon
River
Lake Abitibi
Agassiz Clay Lake Temagami

Plain
Georgian
Bay
Source: Ecoregion boundaries from Crins 2002.

2.2 Subregions of Ontario BCR 12 topography is more varied than in the rest of Ontario,
Three subregions of ON BCR 12 have been defined frequently exceeding 100–200 m of relief but with
for purposes of this plan (Figure 5): West (W), some extensive flat-lying areas.
Northeast (NE) and Southeast (SE).
Minimum elevations range from 111 m above sea
The West subregion is not contiguous with the other level on the Ottawa River at Pembroke, to 176 m
subregions of ON BCR 12. It includes all of along the Georgian Bay shoreline and 183 m along
ecoregions 5S (Agassiz Clay Plain) and 4W (Pigeon the Lake Superior shoreline.
River), plus the southern half of Ecoregion 4S (Lake
Wabigoon). The highest point in the region (and the province) is
Maple Mountain near Temagami. Major highland
The two eastern subregions, SE and NE, are split areas in ON BCR 12 include:
along the boundary between OMNR ecoregions 4E x The dome-shaped Alqonquin highlands east of
and 5E (Crins 2002). The SE subregion corresponds Georgian Bay in the SE subregion with a
closely with OMNR’s Ecoregion 5E (Georgian Bay). maximum elevation of 587 m;
The NE subregion includes all of ecoregion 4E (Lake x The Algoma highlands east of Lake Superior in
Temagami) and the southern third of 3E (Lake the NE subregion with elevations of up to 650 m;
Abitibi). and
x The Nor’Westers and other mesas located west
The subregion and ecoregion units are used to of Lake Superior, with maximum elevations in
highlight regional differences of importance to excess of 600 m.
landbird conservation, such as differences in land
ownership, land cover and forest composition. The Bedrock Geology
three subregions are also used to describe landbird The entire area is underlain by Precambrian bedrock
distribution patterns and define distribution of the southern Canadian Shield. This region includes
objectives for some priority species. parts of three major geological regions of the Shield:
the Grenville Province in the SE subregion, bordered
by a narrow belt of the Southern Province in the SE
Figure 5: Subregions of Ontario BCR 12 and W subregions, and the extensive Superior
used in this plan. Province in the NE and W subregions. The Grenville
Province is dominated by acidic gneisses and granitic
rocks, but includes belts of marble and other
metamorphosed sedimentary and volcanic rocks. The
Southern Province includes a high proportion of
metasedimentary rocks with intrusions of basic
igneous rocks. The Superior Province is dominated
by acidic granitic rocks with belts of metavolcanic
rocks and diabase intrusions. In the W subregion,
resistant diabase intrusions form distinctive steep-
sided, flat-topped mesas. These differences in
bedrock influence topography, soils and vegetation
patterns.
Bedrock exposures are common throughout much of

2.3 Physiography the region. Extensive areas of exposed bedrock are
The following summary of the physiographic features present in a band along the eastern shore of Georgian
of the region that affect the distribution and Bay (including numerous coastal islands) and east
abundance of landbirds and their habitats is based on along the southern edge of the Canadian Shield.
information presented in Baldwin et al. 2000 and
OMNR 2002. Surficial Features
Glacial ice sheets that covered this entire region as
Topography recently as 10 000 years ago scraped soil from the
The overall topography of the Ontario portion of higher areas and deposited till and sediments in low-
BCR 12 consists of a rugged, rocky peneplain incised lying areas. Extensive post-glacial lakes covered
with numerous small lakes, rivers and streams. Local

large parts of the region following the retreat of the Red Maple, Red Oak, American Beech and
ice sheets. Basswood, reach the northern limit of their range
within this region. Boreal tree species such as Black
Thin glacial till is the most widespread surficial Spruce, White Spruce, White Birch, Balsam Fir and
material in the region. Bedrock, clay plains and Jack Pine are more frequent in the northern portions.
coarse sand and gravel deposits are present locally. White Pine, Red Pine and Yellow Birch are found
throughout the region.
Glaciation also resulted in a disrupted drainage
pattern. The entire region is dotted with lakes and The W subregion also shows a north–south gradient
ponds. Inland waters comprise 17% of the total area in tree species composition, with Red Pine and White
of ON BCR 12. Pine common only locally in the south (especially
Quetico and Lake of the Woods areas) and Black
The soils in the SE and NE subregions are mostly Spruce increasing to the north. Several species that
very well drained to excessively well drained are important components of the forests in the SE and
podzols. Well drained brunisols are present in the W NE subregions are rare or absent in the W subregion
subregion. Poorly drained gleysols are present (e.g., hemlock, Yellow Birch, Basswood, beech and
locally, most notably in the Agassiz Clay Plain area Black Cherry).
(Ecoregion 5S) and the Little Clay Belt near New
Liskeard. The major natural disturbances in the Great Lakes
forest include blowdown, fire, insect outbreaks and
This region has a humid continental climate that is forest disease (Thompson 2000; Fleming et al. 2000).
moderated by the Great Lakes. Winter temperatures Catastrophic fire is much less frequent in the Great
show a strong north–south gradient. Summer Lakes forest than in the Boreal Forest region to the
temperatures are affected more by elevation and north. Infrequent large-scale natural disturbances
proximity to the Great Lakes than by latitude. Annual (e.g., downbursts) have resulted in long-term
precipitation ranges from 500 to 1000 mm and landscape-level changes in forest stand age and
generally increases from southeast to northwest. composition in this region (Thompson 2000).
However, winter precipitation is particularly heavy in
the snowbelt areas located east of Lake Superior and 2.4.2 Human Influences on Vegetation
Georgian Bay. Historically, anthropogenic disturbances by
aboriginal peoples included burning and harvesting
2.4 Vegetation of forest materials (Thompson 2000). The impact of
This region lies within the Great Lakes – St. European cultures began to affect the natural
Lawrence forest region (Rowe 1972), which is landscape of large parts of this region some 350 years
characterized by mixed and deciduous forests. ago. White Pine was formerly a dominant super-
Common tree associations in the forest region canopy species in the Great Lakes forest, but this
include: species has not recovered from intensive harvesting
x Mixed hardwoods (Sugar Maple, Yellow Birch of mature White Pine for the British square-timber
and beech); trade in the 1700s (Thompson 2000).
x Mixed hardwoods with White Pine; Overexploitation of the beaver populations for the fur
x Trembling Aspen with Balsam Fir; trade resulted in the near extirpation of this
x Eastern Hemlock with Sugar Maple and Yellow ecologically important species by the early 20th
Birch; and century; unlike the White Pine forests, beaver
x White Pine and Red Oak (Thompson 2000). populations have since recovered.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the intensity
2.4.1 Natural Vegetation and scale of logging increased as a result of
increasing mechanization. In the 20th century, active
The natural landscape of this region is a mosaic of fire suppression became much more widespread and
deciduous, mixed and coniferous forest stands more effective (Carleton 2000). Compared to the
(OMNR 2002). Numerous small patches of non- natural disturbance regime, the historic combination
forested habitats, including open wetlands, riparian of logging and fire suppression has favoured the
meadows and rock barrens, as well as lakes and succession of fire-sensitive, shade-tolerant deciduous
streams, are scattered within the forest matrix. tree species relative to fire-dependent, shade-
intolerant conifers (Carleton 2000). The large-scale
Many of the deciduous hardwood tree species that are effects on forest composition of changes in forest
common in the SE subregion, such as Sugar Maple, management practices to more closely emulate

natural disturbance patterns (Crown Forest distribution of the general land cover categories in
Sustainability Act, 1994) will become more apparent ON BCR 12 is shown in Figure 7.
over the next several decades (Voigt et al. 2000).
Overall, almost 87% of the land cover in ON BCR 12
While forest management and fire suppression have is classified as forest, including 44% deciduous
had the most widespread influence on the vegetation forest, 41% coniferous forest and 2% treed wetlands
in this region, other significant human influences (Figure 6). The open forest category (less than 30%
include agricultural land clearing, canopy closure), comprising 19% of the land cover,
road construction, hydro-electric power includes habitats used by a range of forest and early
developments and urbanization. Atmospheric successional landbirds. An additional 7% of the land
pollution and climate change may also be causing cover is classified as regenerating forest that has been
insidious changes in regional vegetation and disturbed by past clear-cutting or burns and was in an
ecosystems (McLaughlin 1996). early to mid-successional condition during the 1990s.
The current and future vegetation cover in ON BCR Non-forested habitats comprise only about 6% of the
12 reflects the cumulative effects of past and present land cover and include open wetlands (primarily bogs
human activities as well as natural processes. and fens), rock barrens, agricultural lands, urban
areas and other developed lands.
2.5 Land Cover
The Ontario Land Cover (OLC) spatial database Total forest cover is similar in each of the three
provides a coarse-resolution but comprehensive subregions, but the SE subregion has a higher
snapshot of the extent and distribution of landbird proportion of deciduous and mixed deciduous forests,
habitats in this region (White in OMNR 2002). There the NE subregion has higher proportion of coniferous
are now two sets of OLC land cover data available and mixed coniferous forests, and the West subregion
covering this BCR. The first edition (1990s edition) has equal proportions of deciduous and coniferous
was derived from LandsatTM satellite images acquired forest (Table 2, Figure 6). Open forests are fairly
between 1990 and 1998 (Spectranalysis 1999). The evenly distributed across subregions. Regenerating
second edition (2000 edition) is based on forests created by clear-cuts and burns are rare in the
Landsat TM 7 imagery compiled between 1999 and SE subregion (less than 1% of total cover) and more
2002 (Spectranalysis 2004). frequent in the NE (9%) and W (13%) subregions.
Most land cover analyses in this plan use the 1990s

OLC data as it was available at the time.
Comparisons of 1990s and 2000 data at the ecoregion
level (as summarized in the State of the Forests
reports, OMNR 2002, 2006b) are also presented.
The 1990s provincial-scale OLC database uses 28

land cover classes, including vegetated (dense
deciduous forest, cropland) and non-vegetated
(bedrock outcrops, developed land, tundra) cover CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER
types. In this plan, the land cover classes that occur in

this region have been combined into 12 general land
cover categories (Table 1). The relationship of the
general land cover categories to the five landbird
habitat groupings used in the plan (Chapters 5 to 9) is
also shown in Table 1. Note that some land cover
groups fall into more than one landbird habitat group
(e.g., sparse deciduous forest is used by landbirds
© Simon Dodsworth
associated with either deciduous forest or

successional forest habitats).
Land cover information for the three subregions and

eight ecoregions within ON BCR 12 is summarized
in Figure 6 and Table 2, respectively. The

Table 1: Relationship of the Ontario Land Cover classes with the general land cover categories and
landbird habitat categories used in the ON BCR 12 plan.
General Land
Ontario Land Cover Classes Landbird Habitat Categories
Cover Categories
Dense Deciduous Forest Deciduous Forest
Deciduous Forest
Mixed Forest, mainly Deciduous Mixed Deciduous Forest
Deciduous Forest/
Sparse Deciduous Forest Open Deciduous Forest
Successional Forest
Dense Coniferous Forest
Coniferous Forest
Coniferous Plantation Coniferous Forest
Mixed Forest, mainly Coniferous Mixed Coniferous Forest
Coniferous Forest/
Sparse Coniferous Forest Open Coniferous Forest
Successional Forest
Recent cutover
Recent burns Regenerating Forest Successional Forest
Older cuts and burns
Treed Bog
Treed Fen
Treed Wetland
Deciduous Swamp
WetlandRiparian
Coniferous Swamp
(also Coniferous Forest and
Open Bog Deciduous Forest)
Open Fen Open Wetland
Freshwater Marsh
Rock Rock
Pasture and Abandoned Fields
Agriculture
Crops (row crops, open soil) Non-forested Upland
Settlement and Developed Land (includes major
Urban
transportation routes)
Source: Ontario Land Cover satellite data, 1990s edition.
Table 2: Current general land cover (c. early 1990s) in ON BCR 12 and subregions.
Ontario BCR 12 Subregions and Ecoregions*
General Land Cover
West Northeast Southeast
Category
4S 4W 3W 5S 4E 3E 5E 6E
2
Land Area (km ) 24,470 16,511 1,911 2,975 37,012 27,294 66,332 736
Deciduous Forest 19% 20% 18% 36% 12% 7% 19% 28%
Mixed Deciduous Forest 7% 18% 12% 6% 20% 19% 22% 7%
Open Deciduous Forest 7% 7% 2% 7% 10% 6% 14% 25%
Coniferous Forest 12% 9% 20% 5% 14% 16% 5% 2%
Mixed Coniferous Forest 21% 19% 15% 1% 25% 22% 22% 14%
Open Coniferous Forest 15% 6% 6% 1% 10% 14% 7% 4%
Regenerating Forest 13% 15% 19% 1% 6% 14% 1% 0%
Treed Wetlands 3% 3% 6% 9% 1% 2% 2% 3%
Open Wetlands 1% 0% 1% 3% 0% 0% 0% 1%
Rock 2% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 3% 2%
Fields & Crops 0% 2% 1% 31% 2% 0% 3% 15%
Urban 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 0% 1% 0%
Unknown 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
* Portion of the ecoregion within ON BCR 12 only.

Source: Ontario Land Cover database, 1990s edition.

Figure 7: Location map of ON BCR 12 showing BCR boundaries, ecoregion boundaries and general land cover.
Source: Ontario Land Cover database 1990s edition; Crins 2002.

Wetlands are fairly evenly distributed across the Rusty Blackbird, Short-eared Owl, Yellow Rail,
region. All the upland non-forest categories (rock, Cerulean Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Red-
agriculture, urban) are most common in the SE headed Woodpecker) are currently designated as
subregion; however, the highest proportion of fields Species at Risk (SAR) in Canada (COSEWIC 2006a;
(31%) is in the small Agassiz Clay Plain ecoregion SARA 2007). These and three additional species
(5S) within the W subregion (Table 1). Urban and (American White Pelican, Black Tern, Bald Eagle)
developed lands comprise only 1% of the land cover, are on the Ontario Species at Risk (SARO) list
with the NE subregion having the lowest proportion (OMNR 2005). One species, Passenger Pigeon,
of developed lands. formerly bred in this region but is now extinct (Kirk
1985).
Open inland waters are not included as land cover in
Table 2 or Figure 6 but are widely distributed The avifauna of this region has undergone many
throughout the region and comprise about 15% of the major adjustments in the past, in response to radical
total area. changes in the biological environment. Glaciers
covered this entire area about 12 000 years ago.
Plants and birds rapidly colonized the land as it
2.6 Avifauna emerged from under the ice and melt-waters. Boreal
From a continental perspective, the avifauna of this coniferous forests developed first, followed by a
region exhibits relatively high species richness during sequence of pine, mixed and deciduous forests as the
the breeding season (Figure 8). This BCR is at the climate warmed (Karrow and Warner 1990). Great
transition of the eastern deciduous and northern Lakes–type mixed forest was established in parts of
boreal forests and contains elements of the distinctive this region by 9500 (Thompson 2000). Between 7000
avifauna of both forest regions. In addition, a few and 3000 years before present, the climate was
non-native species have become established, warmer than at present and the northern limit of the
particularly in urban settings. deciduous and Great Lakes–type forests were farther
north than at present (Thompson 2000). The present
The breeding birds in this region are largely distribution of forest regions in Ontario appears to
migratory. Winter bird diversity is much lower than have become established around 3000 years ago
in the summer, though still high by Canadian (Thompson 2000). The temporal succession of forest
standards. types in this region corresponds to the current
latitudinal gradient in forest types in Ontario. It is
likely that the historic avifauna shows a similar
Many birds typical of the Northern Forest Avifaunal relationship, with the breeding distribution of most
Biome (Rich et al. 2004) have more than 5% of their species shifting over time, in close association with
global population breeding in BCR 12. The species their preferred habitats.
with the highest proportion of their global population
breeding in BCR 12 are all landbirds: Kirtland’s Figure 8: Average species richness from
Warbler (100%), Golden-winged Warbler (76%), Breeding Bird Surveys, 1982–2002.
Black-throated Blue Warbler (43%), Chestnut-sided
Warbler (37%) and Veery (34%) (PIF Continental
Database).
In the Ontario portion of BCR 12, breeding and

wintering bird diversity generally decreases along a
south to north gradient across this region. Several
species present in the SE subregion are rare or absent
in the NE and W subregions (Cerulean Warbler,
Prairie Warbler, Field Sparrow, Red-shouldered
Hawk). A few of the landbirds breeding regularly in
ON BCR 12 (Appendix D) occur in the W subregion
only (e.g., Black-billed Magpie, Yellow-headed
Blackbird).
Twelve bird species breeding in ON BCR 12 (Piping

Plover, Loggerhead Shrike, Kirtland’s Warbler, Least
Bittern, Peregrine Falcon, Golden-winged Warbler,

The abundance and distribution of birds in this region 2.8 Land Ownership and Management
has continued to change over the past two centuries, Over two-thirds of ON BCR 12 is Crown land,
owing to a combination of natural ecosystem managed by the provincial government (OMNR
dynamics and human activities that directly or 2002, 2006b). Approximately 10% of the land base is
indirectly affected bird populations (e.g., hunting, specifically managed as conservation lands, which
toxins and habitat alteration). Bird population include national parks, provincial parks and
monitoring programs, such as the Breeding Bird conservation reserves (OMNR 2006b).
Survey (BBS) and Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA)
project, provide quantitative measures of the The distribution of private lands varies across the
direction and rate of change in recent decades (see region (Figure 9). Private lands are concentrated in
Appendix B for description of avian data sets). The the SE subregion (49% of Ecoregion 5E is private,
first and second BBAs have documented many First Nations or federal lands, including 45% of
dramatic changes––both increases and losses––in the productive forests), in parts of the W subregion
abundance and distribution of the avifauna of this (63.5% of Ecoregion 5S is private, First Nations or
BCR over the past two decades federal lands, including 73% of productive forests)
(www.birdsontario.org). and near urban areas and along highway corridors
throughout ON BCR 12 (OMNR 2002, 2006b).
2.7 Human Population Cottage and other recreational developments are
The current total population of the region is common in some areas, particularly the SE
approximately 700 000 people, representing 5.5% of subregion, but also in the Lake of the Woods area in
the total provincial population. About 50% of the the W subregion, and the Temagami area of the NE
population is in the SE, 30% in the NE and 20% in subregion.
the W subregions (based on information in Table 6 in
Ontario Ministry of Finance 2005). A high proportion of upland non-forest habitats
(agricultural fields, other developed lands) are on
The human population of ON BCR 12 is private lands. Municipal official plans are one of the
concentrated in several small cities and numerous primary instruments for influencing land use
small rural communities spread out along the road decisions on private lands. The 2005 Provincial
network. The SE subregion in particular also has Policy Statement with respect to the protection of
many more isolated rural dwellers. natural heritage in Ontario, issued under the Planning
Act, provides guidance to municipalities with respect
The overall population of this region is decreasing to conserving biodiversity (OMMAH 2005).
(down 4% between 1996 and 2004) and is projected
to continue to decline (down 3% over 2004–2031 Forestry is the predominant land use in ON BCR 12,
period). However, this pattern of declining with more than half of the landscape being used as
populations does not apply across the entire region. production forests (OMNR 2002, 2006b). While only
about 15% of the productive forest land in ON BCR
The populations of three of the five Census Divisions 12 is privately owned, this includes some very large
within the SE subregion (Haliburton, Muskoka, Parry tracts of privately managed forests (OMNR 2002,
Sound) are increasing (up 6% between 1996 and 2006b).
2004), and this increasing trend in the SE subregion
is expected to continue through 2031 (up 5% over 30- Approximately two-thirds of the lands in ON BCR 12
year period, 2001–2031). In contrast, the populations are Crown lands (including non-productive forest and
of the Census Regions in the NE and W subregions non-forested lands) managed by the OMNR under the
are expected to decline by 5–12% by 2031. Crown Forest Sustainability Act according to the
principles of sustainable forest management (OMNR
These figures compare to a 12% increase in the 2006b). Conserving biodiversity is one aspect of
provincial population between 1996 and 2004, and a forest sustainability. Considering the habitat needs of
projected increase of 33% between 2004 and 2031 forest landbirds in the forest management planning
(OMF 2005). The provincial trend is driven by rapid process (whether individually or as a component of a
growth in heavily populated parts of southern larger ecosystem) is an important step in ensuring the
Ontario, particularly around the Greater Toronto overall conservation of landbirds in this region. To
Area. facilitate coordination with the provincial forest
management planning process, various aspects of this
plan are intended to be consistent with the approach
taken through updated forest management guides, at

the landscape and at the site/stand levels, being
x Significant amounts of landbird habitat are
developed by OMNR to conserve wildlife habitat and
present on privately owned lands in ON BCR 12,
biodiversity (OMNR in prep. a,b).
and management of these private lands affects
landbird populations.
2.9 Landbird Conservation Planning in ON
Parks and other protected areas in ON BCR 12 also
BCR 12
provide important landbird habitat, particularly for
Managing Ontario’s Crown forests to conserve species requiring old-growth forest conditions.
biodiversity is necessary to ensure adequate Private land stewardship is essential, particularly for
conservation of landbirds in ON BCR 12. However, birds using agricultural habitats and some species
efforts to do so may be confounded for several whose range in ON BCR 12 is largely restricted to
reasons: the SE subregion.
x Most landbirds in this region are migratory and
are affected by conditions on their wintering Sustaining all landbirds in this region requires a
grounds and migration routes outside ON BCR broader landscape approach to conservation planning
12. that encompasses the entire land base (Crown
forests, parks and private lands). While the emphasis
x Forest management planning is focused on in this regional plan is on conservation action within
productive forests, which do not encompass the ON BCR 12, it also recognizes that the conservation
breeding habitat needs of all landbirds, of some species may require action on migration
particularly those that require non-forest habitats routes and wintering grounds in other countries.
(e.g., open wetlands, rock barrens) or non-
productive forest habitats (treed bogs).
Figure 9: Land ownership in ON BCR 12, by ecoregion.
16000
Crown Parks Other
14000
12000
(1000 ha)
10000
Areaha)
Area (1000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
3E 3W 4E 4S 4W 5E 5S
Ecoregion
Ecoregion
Crown Parks Other
Source: OMNR 2002. (Note: Data are for entire ecoregion, including areas outside of ON BCR 12).

3 The PIF Ontario Planning Approach
season data sets are particularly robust; few
3.1 Plan Development monitoring programs collect standardized data on the
This regional PIF plan focuses on the landbird distribution and abundance of wintering landbirds in
species and habitats in Ontario BCR 12 that are most this region. Standardized migration monitoring data
in need of conservation attention. Priority species sets are available for only one location within ON
include Species of Continental Importance (Rich et BCR 12 (Thunder Cape Bird Observatory), but
al. 2004) for which this BCR has a high several hawk watch and passerine monitoring stations
responsibility, Species of Regional Importance, located a short distance to the south track birds
designated Species at Risk and Additional Species of migrating to and from BCR 12.
Regional Management Interest (Box 4).
The main avian data sets used in preparing this plan
This document is the result of a staged development include:
process (Figure 10) designed to be objective, build x North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS);
consensus and develop support for landbird x First (BBA1) and second (BBA2) Ontario
conservation in Ontario. In keeping with the overall Breeding Bird Atlases; and
PIF approach, this plan was developed using the best x Christmas Bird Count (CBC).
available science, data and regional expertise.
These data sets, and the analyses done in support of
This planning initiative was led by Environment this plan, are outlined in Appendix B. While no
Canada – Ontario Region (EC) and the Ontario specific analyses of other relevant data sets, such as
Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) in the Ontario Nocturnal Owl Survey data (Crewe and
partnership with Bird Studies Canada (BSC). Bazinski 2006a), were undertaken, results of these
Members of the Ontario BCR 12 Landbird Technical surveys were reviewed and taken into consideration.
Advisory Committee (Appendix A) shared their An evaluation of current monitoring coverage in ON
knowledge and expertise at a technical workshop and BCR 12 is presented in Appendix H.
reviewed the draft plan. Wildlife Habitat Canada
(WHC) acted as the central banker for the first part of 3.2.2 Habitat Data Sets
this project. The primary habitat data sets covering this region are
the Ontario Land Cover (OLC) spatial database
3.2 Sources of Information (White 2002), as described in section 2.5, and the
Forest Resource Inventory (FRI) spatial database
3.2.1 Avian Data Sets (OMNR 2002). The FRI contains detailed, current
Information on the distribution, abundance and trends information on the configuration, composition and
of landbirds in the Ontario portion of BCR 12 is age of forest habitats for most parts of this region.
fairly good, especially in the SE subregion. Breeding However, the FRI does not include comparable
Figure 10: Ontario BCR 12 Landbird Conservation Plan development process.
Assess the
Identify
Vulnerability Identify Set
Habitats and
of all Species in Conservation Identify Review and
Other
Breeding and Greatest Need Objectives for Recommended Publication of
Ecological
Wintering of Priority Conservation Conservation
Needs of
Landbird Conservation Species and Actions Plan
Priority
Species in Attention Guilds
Species
ON BCR 12
Consultations with technical experts and potential partners throughout the process

information on non-forest habitat types (e.g., assessed. Species that do not regularly breed or
wetlands, agricultural areas). Also, neither the OLC winter in ON BCR 12 were screened off the species
nor the FRI contains information on forest list. The list of 167 landbird species that regularly
understorey floristics or forest structure (shrubs, breed (159 species) and/or winter (54 species) in ON
snags, downed woody debris), features that are BCR 12 is presented in Appendix D. Assessment
extremely important to bird habitat associations. scores for all breeding and wintering species are
presented in Appendix E. The status of species
3.3 Assessing Species Vulnerability passing through this region on migration was not
PIF species assessment methods (Panjabi et al. 2005; assessed.
Rich et al. 2004) were used to identify those landbird
species most in need of conservation attention. The 3.4 Identifying Priority Species
PIF methods use a standardized approach that Species were initially identified as priority species in
combines the best available data and expert BCR 12 if they met the PIF criteria for Species of
knowledge for six biological factors to objectively Continental or Regional Importance, because of high
assess the status and vulnerability of each species. conservation concern/vulnerability and/or high
The assessment methods used in this regional plan stewardship responsibility scores (Box 4; see
are described in Appendix C and are consistent with Appendix C for details of assessment methodology).
current continental PIF methods. The results of this initial BCR-wide assessment were
then reviewed by the Technical Advisory Committee
All landbirds with breeding or wintering ranges in an ON BCR 12 context. Some BCR 12 priority
overlapping with any part of BCR 12 were initially species (e.g., Bicknell’s Thrush, Henslow’s Sparrow)
Box 4: Categories used for inclusion of species in PIF Regional Priority Species Lists.
(See Appendix C for further details of the species assessment, scoring and prioritization methods.)
Species of Continental Importance:

Continental Concern Species: Species on the PIF Continental Watch List (Rich et al. 2004) for which the BCR
has some conservation responsibility.
Continental Stewardship Species: Species identified in Rich et al. (2004) as PIF Stewardship Species for which
the BCR has high stewardship responsibility.
Species of Regional Importance:

Regional Concern: Species of regional concern in this BCR because of a combination of regional population
decline and high threat score.
Regional Stewardship Responsibility: Species of regional stewardship responsibility in this BCR because of
high regional density score and/or the high proportion of the global population in this region.
Species at Risk:
National Species at Risk: Species at Risk as identified by COSEWIC and/or listed under the Canadian Species
at Risk Act (SARA).
Provincial Species at Risk: Species at Risk as identified by OMNR and/or regulated under Ontario’s
Endangered Species Act (ESA), also protected by other provincial legislation.
Additional Species of Regional Management Interest:

Species (or subspecies/populations) not included above that are of regional management interest or importance
for any of a variety of reasons. Species were included in this category if there was evidence of substantial local
(ON BCR 12) declines in abundance or distribution, combined with elevated threats to future conditions.

were screened out because they do not occur 3.6.1 General Approach
regularly in meaningful numbers in the Ontario In Ontario, as elsewhere, landbirds occupy a wide
portion of BCR 12. Others were added as priority variety of habitat types, each species showing
species because they are listed under federal or preferences for different combinations of habitats
provincial Species at Risk legislation (e.g., Cerulean (see Holloway et al. 2004). On a finite landbase,
Warbler, Great Gray Owl*) or because of regional increasing the supply of habitat for one species could
declines and other specific concerns identified by the therefore result in a decline for another. A logical,
Technical Advisory Committee (e.g., Common objective benchmark is needed to balance potentially
Nighthawk, Northern Goshawk, Prairie Warbler). conflicting habitat supplies for ON BCR 12.
PIF priority species include species of high As recommended by the Technical Advisory
conservation responsibility as well as species of high Committee, the general approach used in this plan to
concern, including Species and Risk with significant set conservation objectives for priority landbirds is
population in the region. Not all priority species based on the “estimated range of natural variation”
require immediate conservation attention. For some, (ERNV) approach recommended for Crown forest
ongoing monitoring and periodic assessments to management planning in Ontario (Box 6). The
ensure that populations remain stable are sufficient. estimated range of natural variation in landbird
Other priority species require more direct populations and habitats, based on the best available
conservation action to identify and remedy factors information and science, is used as the point of
causing population declines or limiting population reference for setting population and/or habitat
growth. objectives for most priority landbirds.
3.5 Identifying Priority Habitats and This approach is very similar to that used in the ON
Ecological Guilds BCR 8 (Boreal Softwood Shield) plan, but different
In the plan that follows, various guilds of priority from the approach taken in the landbird conservation
species that share habitats or other ecological needs plan for southern Ontario (ON BCR 13), where either
are identified. These ecological guilds serve to focus current conditions or conditions in the late 1960s
attention on priority habitats used by multiple priority were considered the primary points of reference for
landbirds, and to draw attention to conservation landbird populations and habitat (Ontario Partners in
issues or ecological factors that may be adversely Flight 2008. In prep.). This approach also differs
affecting many priority species. In addition, the from that used in the PIF North American landbird
guilds make it easier to identify conservation actions plan (Rich et al. 2004) and other regional BCR plans,
that will benefit multiple species, thereby increasing which take the late 1960s (beginning of the BBS) as
efficiency. the point of reference for landbird conservation.
As in other BCR plans, habitat is used as the primary

basis for structuring this plan’s contents. Habitat
provides a useful and efficient means of integrating
the conservation needs of landbirds with those of the
other bird groups and other wildlife.
3.6 Setting Objectives

This plan establishes conservation objectives for each
priority species in ON BCR 12. These objectives will
be used to focus conservation actions and evaluate
progress towards the goal of sustaining the
distribution, diversity and abundance of native
landbirds and their habitats in this region of Ontario.
*Note: Great Gray Owl was listed as a species of Special Concern in Ontario at the time this plan was written and
priority species selected; it has been downlisted as of June 30th, 2008.

Box 5: Explanation of key forest wildlife habitat management concepts used in this plan.
Several of the concepts and terminology in this landbird conservation plan are based on current directions
for forest wildlife habitat management planning for Crown forests in Ontario. A Glossary is also provided
(Chapter 13).
Coarse and Fine Filter Direction: The OMNR uses a combination of coarse and fine filter approaches in
developing forest management guides. Coarse filter direction (e.g., natural disturbance pattern guide,
OMNR 2001) provides the requirements of a broad array of species by maintaining a broad array of forest
conditions and supporting ecosystem processes. Fine filter direction is used for species with particular,
specialized requirements that may not be provided through the coarse filter.
Landscape, Stand and Site Scales: Both the coarse and fine filter can operate at a variety of spatial
scales, including the landscape, stand and site levels. For example, coarse filter guidelines for residual
trees, snags and downed woody debris (site-level features) could provide for the ongoing needs of
terrestrial salamanders and benefit a variety of other species. Fine filters are needed for Species at Risk
(e.g., protecting Bald Eagle nests at specific sites) and for species with specific habitat needs, such as
species considered “featured species” (e.g., Pileated Woodpecker habitat supply at landscape level).
Emulating Natural Disturbances and Natural Variability: For more than a decade, OMNR has been
using the emulation of natural disturbances as a coarse filter guide for setting objectives for biodiversity
conservation in managed forests (OMNR 1996). This approach is legislated by the Crown Forest
Sustainability Act (1994).
Estimated Range of Natural Variation (ERNV): The concept of emulating natural disturbance patterns is
now being broadly applied to the management of Ontario’s Crown forests, including a wide range of
major forest parameters (e.g., forest composition, age class distribution and landscape pattern) (OMNR
2002). The general ecological foundation underlying this approach is the concept of natural variability in
ecosystem processes and features. Two underlying assumptions are that disturbance-driven temporal and
spatial variability is an essential attribute of Ontario’s forest ecosystems, and that past conditions and
processes provide an appropriate benchmark for managing forest ecosystems today (Landres et al. 1999).
Long-term simulation models developed by OMNR (e.g., Strategic Forest Management Model (SFMM),
Boreal Forest Landscape Disturbance Simulator [BFOLDS] and TELSA) and historical information (e.g.,
survey records) are used to estimate the amount of natural variation in major forest parameters. Forest
management plans assess whether predicted future forest conditions will remain within the estimated
range of natural variation (ERNV) by modelling the effects of alternative forest harvesting scenarios.
Wildlife habitat models are used to estimate the amount of habitat available for particular wildlife species
and to assess future habitat availability. A major constraint to this approach is our lack of understanding
of past and current forest ecosystem conditions and processes, which affects our ability to develop
reliable models for estimating and predicting natural variability in Ontario’s forest ecosystems, including
landbird habitats and populations.

3.6.2 Overall Objectives landscape-scale habitat objective (see Box 6) is
In keeping with the general approach used in this considered adequate for many forest species, but fine
plan, the overall objective for most priority landbirds filter ERNV habitat objectives are needed for priority
is natural variability, with the goal of ensuring that forest landbirds with spatial or other specific habitat
the species’ population and habitat supply in ON requirements.
BCR 12 are sustained within the ERNV.
ERNV-based population objectives (Box 7) are
Natural variability is not considered an appropriate proposed for some wetland/riparian and non-forested
objective for all priority species. Four other overall upland species, as quantitative habitat information is
objectives are used in the following situations: not available for non-forested habitats. Regional
population objectives are set for those priority species
x For priority species that are designated where the overall objective is to maintain current
Endangered or Threatened under federal or populations or to reverse decline. Regional
provincial Species at Risk (SAR) legislation, the population objectives are also set for some PIF
overall objective is recovery, as specified in Watch List species where this region has a particular
current or future SAR recovery strategies (see responsibility for contributing to PIF continental
www.sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm). population objectives.
x For other rare and uncommon species (including
Special Concern species) that are not monitored The explicit conservation objectives set in this plan
by general bird population surveys, the should help coordinate actions for landbirds with
immediate objective is to periodically assess other conservation efforts in this region, particularly
status. with forest management planning.
x For priority species that have experienced severe 3.7 Identifying Factors Affecting Landbirds
population declines in this planning region to the and Conservation Action Needs
point where the current population may be below Various methods were used to identify the general
the range of natural variability, the overall and specific factors affecting landbird populations
objective is to reverse decline, with the time- and habitats in ON BCR 12 and to develop a list of
frame being equivalent to the duration of the the recommended conservation actions needed to
decline (20 to 30 years). address these limiting factors and achieve the
x For other priority species that have experienced objectives set in this plan:
recent population declines but where it is not x The Technical Advisory Committee provided
considered necessary or reasonable to reverse input on key conservation issues affecting
these declines (e.g., where decline may be a landbirds in ON BCRs 12 and 8 at the initial
population fluctuation within the range of natural technical workshop held in October 2004
variability), the overall objective is to maintain (Appendix A);
current populations within the range of natural
variability. x BCR-wide threat scores for all landbirds in BCR
12 were reviewed by the Technical Advisory
3.6.3 Monitoring Objectives Committee at the technical workshop to
Our ability to set and evaluate quantitative determine whether threats in Ontario portions of
conservation objectives depends on comprehensive the BCR were higher or lower than in other parts
monitoring efforts for birds and their habitats. of BCR 12;
Therefore, this plan also proposes several monitoring x A literature and Internet search was carried out
objectives (Box 6). to identify and review relevant species accounts,
species management summaries, forest habitat
3.6.4 Conservation Objectives management documents and other relevant best
Measurable conservation objectives are set for many management practice documents; and
of the priority species identified in this plan (Box 7). x Additional input on limiting factors and action
For most forest species, populations are assumed to needs was provided by technical experts during
be linked to habitat availability, and ERNV-based their review of this plan in draft form.
habitat objectives are proposed that may be used to
set quantitative objectives once results of OMNR
habitat modelling work are available. A coarse filter,

Box 6: Landbird monitoring objectives for Ontario BCR 12.
(See Appendix H for additional details.)
Trend Monitoring Objectives:
Monitoring Objective 1: Maintain adequate monitoring coverage (ability to detect severe population decline)
for at least 80% of landbirds breeding regularly in ON BCR 12 (Relative Density > 1).
Monitoring Objective 2: Maintain current precision of BBS population abundance indices for all priority
species that are tracked by BBS.
Monitoring Objective 3: Periodic status assessments (at least every five years) for all other priority species not
currently tracked by BBS (includes several listed Species at Risk and a few other uncommon species).
Distribution Monitoring Objective:
Monitoring Objective 4: Maintain ability to detect moderate changes in breeding distribution for at least 80% of
landbirds breeding in ON BCR 12 (Relative Density >1) and an ability to detect a severe decrease in size of
breeding range for all priority species, including those with Relative Density = 1 (rare in ON BCR 12).
Demographic Monitoring Objective:
This plan does not set any demographic objectives.
Habitat Monitoring Objective:
Monitoring Objective 5: Measure and report changes in general land cover and land use, for the entire planning
area, at regular intervals (approx. five years), ensuring data are directly comparable among time periods.
© Genny Houghton
WOOD THRUSH

Box 7: Conservation objectives for priority species and guilds in ON BCR 12.
Measurable conservation objectives are proposed for many of the priority species identified in this plan. Progress in
achieving these objectives can be measured, provided that comparable monitoring information is available in the
future.
Habitat Objectives
Habitat rather than population objectives are proposed for most priority species associated with forest habitats.
OMNR forest habitat simulation models (currently under development) will be used to determine estimated range of
natural variation (ERNV) in habitat supply within each forest management unit and ecoregion. This habitat supply
modelling will be sufficient to set coarse filter, landscape-scale habitat objectives for many of the priority forest
landbirds. For some species, finer-scale and/or fine filter habitat objectives will be needed, including spatial habitat
suitability modelling for some species. Quantitative habitat objectives will be developed at an appropriate scale
(ecoregion and/or forest management unit) at a later date, once the results of habitat and wildlife-habitat models are
available.
Population Objectives
Data from the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas projects (BBA1 and BBA2) are used
to establish quantitative population abundance and distribution objectives for priority species of particular concern
due to regional or rangewide population declines.
Measures used to set and measure species abundance objectives include:

x Current population levels: Average BBS species abundance indices in 2000 to 2004.
x Past population levels: Average BBS species abundance indices during the 1970s.
x ERNV population threshold: A preliminary ERNV population threshold for non-forested species is set as
20% below the average BBS species abundance indices for the 1970–2004 period.
x Future population levels: Annual BBS indices will provide an indication of short-term progress. In the
longer term, the next BBA could provide a finer-scale measure of changes in abundance, by comparing point-
counts with those collected in the current atlas.
Species abundance indices have been converted to population estimates to show the magnitude of population
change needed to reach population abundance objectives, using methods described in Appendix B of the PIF
continental plan (Rich et al. 2004). An evaluation of the accuracy of population estimates for priority species in ON
BCR 8 is presented in Appendix G.
Distribution objectives have been provided based on preliminary data from the current atlas (BBA2, 2001–2005).
Only those atlas squares receiving at least 20 hours of atlas effort were used..
x Current distribution levels: The proportion of atlas squares (10 x 10 km) reporting breeding evidence during
BBA2 in each subregion of ON BCR 12.
x Past distribution levels: The proportion of atlas squares in each subregion reporting breeding evidence during
BBA1, 1981–85.
x ERNV distribution threshold: A preliminary ERNV distribution threshold for non-forest species is set as 5%
below the lower distribution level reported in BBA1 or BBA2.
x Future distribution levels: A third BBA, proposed for 2021–2025, will measure changes in bird distribution
over the next 20 years. In the interim, BBS trends will indicate the extent of progress being made on
distribution goals.

4 Landbird Conservation Priorities in ON BCR 12
4.1 Priority Species Ontario but not nationally. Two priority species
Fifty-one landbirds have been identified as priority (Golden Waarbler, Rusty Blackbird) are designated
species in ON BCR 12 (Table 3). This represents as Species at Risk natially but not provincially.
31% of the 167 landbird species that regularly breed Several of these at-risk priority species (Cerulean
or winter in this region (Appendix D). Warbler, Loggerhead Shrike, Louisiana Waterthrush,
Kirtland’s Warbler and Short-eared Owl) are
The reasons that these 51 species are considered marginal breeders in this region, occurring locally in
priorities, and the overall conservation objectives set small numbers at few sites in ON BCR 12.
in this plan, are summarized in Table 3 and discussed
below. Additional details are provided in subsequent Four of the priority species (Common Nighthawk,
chapters and in the individual priority species Northern Goshawk, Prairie Warbler and Red
accounts (Appendix F). Crossbill) are included because of regional
management interest due to regional declines or other
4.1.1 Residency Status concerns.
All 51 of the priority species occur in ON BCR 12
4.1.3 Conservation Objectives for Priority
during the breeding season (although several are
Species
found in only some parts of the region). Only two
priority species (Great Gray Owl and Ruffed Grouse) This plan identifies a range of conservation
are considered permanent residents, remaining in the objectives for priority landbird species in ON
same area throughout the year. Three priority species BCR 12. A descriptive population objective, referred
(Bald Eagle, Northern Goshawk and Short-eared to as the “overall objective,” is established for each
Owl) are partial migrants, with some birds present priority species (Table 3).
through the winter but many or most individuals
leaving the region. The two finch species (Purple
Finch and Red Crossbill) are nomadic species, whose Figure 11: Distribution of priority species by
residency status is considered erratic in that they may reasons for priority status for ON BCR 12.
be present locally at any time of year if there is an
adequate conifer cone crop. Most of the priority
species in ON BCR 12 (44 of 51 species, 86% of the
total) are migratory, spending the winter in the Continental
Continental
United States or neotropical countries—highlighting Concern
Concern
the need for coordinated, international conservation Regional
Regional
efforts. Concern
Concern
Continental
Continental
4.1.2 Reasons for Priority Status Stewardship
Stewardship
All the priority species fit in one or more of six Regional
Regional
priority categories described in Appendix C. Many of Stewardship
Stewardship
the priority species are included because they are of Species at
Species at
conservation concern at the regional (19 species) or Risk
Risk
continental (9 species) level (Table 3, Figure 11).
Management
However, a similar number of species are considered Management
Interest
priority species in this BCR because they are of high Interest
stewardship responsibility at the regional (18 species) 0
0
5
5
10
10
15
15
20
20
or continental (10 species) level (Table 3, Figure 11).
Number of
Number of Priority
Priority Species
Species
Seven of the priority species are designated Species
at Risk (SAR) in Canada and Ontario (Table 3).
Note: Some species are priorities for multiple
Three species (Bald Eagle, Great Gray Owl*, Red- reasons.
shouldered Hawk*) are listed as Species at Risk in
*Note: listed as a species of Special Concern in Ontario at the time this plan was written; they have since been downlisted.

Table 3: Priority landbird species in ON BCR 12 showing reasons for priority status, overall objective and
habitat guild designation.
Reason(s) for Priority Status
Aerial- foraging
Management
Stewardship
Stewardship
Continental
Continental
Insectivore
Priority Species Overall Objective Habitat Guild
At Risk –
At Risk –
Regional
Regional
Concern
Concern
Canada
Interest
Ontario
Recovery/ Assess
Bald Eagle EN/SC Wetland/Riparian
Status
Bank Swallow Y Reverse Decline Wetland/Riparian Y
Barn Swallow Y Reverse Decline Non-forested Upland Y
Bay-breasted Warbler Y Y Natural Variability Coniferous Forest
Belted Kingfisher Y Reverse Decline Wetland/Riparian
Black-billed Cuckoo Y Natural Variability Successional Forest
Blackburnian Warbler Y Y Natural Variability Coniferous Forest
Black-throated Blue
Y Natural Variability Deciduous Forest
Warbler
Black-throated Green
Y Y Natural Variability Coniferous Forest
Warbler
Bobolink Y Monitor Non-forested Upland
Broad-winged Hawk Y Natural Variability Deciduous Forest
Brown Thrasher Y Monitor Non-forested Upland
Canada Warbler Y Y Y Y UR Maintain Current Deciduous Forest
Cerulean Warbler SC SC Assess Status Deciduous Forest
Chestnut-sided Warbler Y Y Natural Variability Successional Forest
Chimney Swift Y UR Reverse Decline Non-forested Upland Y
Common Nighthawk UR Y Reverse Decline Non-forested Upland Y
Common Yellowthroat Y Natural Variability Wetland/Riparian
Connecticut Warbler Y Natural Variability Coniferous Forest
Eastern Wood-Pewee Y Natural Variability Deciduous Forest
Field Sparrow Y Maintain Current Non-forested Upland
Recovery / Maintain
Golden-winged Warbler Y Y TH Successional Forest
Current
Great Gray Owl* SC Assess Status Coniferous Forest
Kirtland's Warbler Y Y Y EN EN Recovery Successional Forest
Least Flycatcher Y Natural Variability Deciduous Forest
Loggerhead Shrike EN EN Recovery Non-forested Upland
Louisiana Waterthrush SC SC Assess Status Deciduous Forest
Mourning Warbler Y Y Natural Variability Successional Forest
Nashville Warbler Y Natural Variability Successional Forest
Northern Flicker Y Natural Variability Deciduous Forest
Northern Goshawk Y Natural Variability Deciduous Forest
Northern Rough-winged
Y Reverse Decline Wetland/Riparian Y
Swallow
Olive-sided Flycatcher Y Y UR Reverse Decline Wetland/Riparian

Aerial- foraging
Management
Stewardship
Stewardship
Continental
Continental
Insectivore
Priority Species Overall Objective Habitat Guild
At Risk –
At Risk –
Regional
Regional
Concern
Concern
Canada
Interest
Ontario
Peregrine Falcon TH TH Recovery Non-forested Upland
Prairie Warbler Y Assess Status Non-forested Upland
Purple Finch Y Maintain Current Coniferous Forest
Red Crossbill Y Natural Variability Coniferous Forest
Red-headed
Y Y SC SC Assess Status Wetland/Riparian
Woodpecker
SC Assess Status /
Red-shouldered Hawk* Deciduous Forest
(UR) Natural Variability
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Y Natural Variability Deciduous Forest
Ruffed Grouse Y Natural Variability Deciduous Forest
Rusty Blackbird Y Y SC Reverse Decline Wetland/Riparian
Sedge Wren Y Monitor Wetland/Riparian
Short-eared Owl SC SC Assess Status Wetland/Riparian
Swamp Sparrow Y Natural Variability Wetland/Riparian
Veery Y Y Natural Variability Deciduous Forest
Non-forested
Whip-poor-will Y Reverse Decline Y
Upland
Successional
White-throated Sparrow Y Natural Variability
Forest
Non-forested
Willow Flycatcher Y Monitor
Upland
Wood Thrush Y Y Natural Variability Deciduous Forest
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Y Y Natural Variability Deciduous Forest
Notes: Priority Reasons: See Box 4 and Appendix C for an explanation of the priority reasons categories. Overall
Objective: Overall conservation objective for the species as established by this plan, see Chapters 5 to 10 for
additional information. Habitat Guild: Breeding habitat guild; see sections 4.2 and 4.3, and Chapters 5 to 9 for
additional information. Aerial-foraging Insectivore: see chapter 10 for more information. EN: Endangered; TH:
Threatened; SC: Special Concern; UR: Status under review by COSEWIC.* listed as a species of Special Concern
in Ontario at the time this plan was written (as of June 30th, 2008, it has been downlisted).

fluctuations resulting from natural ecosystem
Figure 12: Distribution of priority species by
processes (fire, insect and disease outbreaks, climate
conservation objective.
variability, etc.).
Reverse decline – Populations of some priority

Reco very
species have undergone severe declines in the past
few decades that do not appear to be directly related
A ssess Status
to breeding habitat availability. For nine species
Reverse Decline
(Table 3), an overall objective of reversing observed
declines is established because there is reason to
M aintain Current suspect that current populations are below the ERNV.
This group includes the six priority aerial-foraging
Natural Variability insectivores, as well as Belted Kingfisher, Olive-
sided Flycatcher and Rusty Blackbird.
M o nito r
Maintain current – Population objectives are set for
0 5 10 15 20 25
three other species that have experienced marked
Num ber of Priority Species declines that are potentially of concern, but which
may be related to changes in breeding habitat
availability and/or may be within the ERNV. The
overall objective for Canada Warbler, Field Sparrow
The six overall objectives used in this plan are
and Purple Finch is to maintain current population
described in section 3.6. These descriptive objectives
levels. A fourth species, Golden-winged Warbler,
are used to set quantitative habitat and/or population
also has an interim objective of maintaining
objectives for most priority species. Population
population at or above current levels.
monitoring objectives are set for all priority species,
as monitoring results are needed to evaluate whether
Monitor – No population objectives are set for three
the goal of this plan is being achieved. Additional
declining priority species that in this region are
details are presented in the individual priority species
frequently associated with agricultural fields
accounts (Appendix F) and Chapters 5 to 10.
(Bobolink) or with successional old-field habitats
(Brown Thrasher, Willow Flycatcher) in the SE
Recovery – Species currently designated as Species at
subregion. Population declines in these three species
Risk (SAR) in Canada or Ontario are included in this
are attributed to loss of habitat through conversion of
plan to ensure that actions taken on behalf of all
agricultural grassland or to natural succession of
priority landbirds are coordinated with ongoing SAR
former fields to a more natural forested state.
recovery actions. For the five priority landbirds that
Population and/or habitat objectives for these species
are currently designated Endangered or Threatened
are not considered necessary. Population and habitat
(Table 3), this plan adopts an overall objective of
objectives are also not set for Sedge Wren, as its
recovery, as defined by specific recovery objectives
population and habitat are not well monitored and
in current SAR recovery strategies for these species
population levels undergo large fluctuations.
(see www.sararegistry.gc.ca/sar/recovery/recovery_e.cfm).
Assess status – The overall objective for seven 4.2 Priority Habitats
priority species that are uncommon to rare in ON Thirty-one (60%) of the priority landbird species
BCR 12 and are not monitored by general surveys is (Tables 3 and 4) are assigned to one of three broad
to require that the status of their population in ON forest habitat guilds:
BCR 12 be assessed periodically (preferably, every x Deciduous forest;
five years). Species with this objective include six x Coniferous forest; and
species of Special Concern (plus Bald Eagle, north of x Successional forest.
the French and Mattawa rivers) and Prairie Warbler
(Table 3). Twenty (40%) of the priority species are assigned to
non-forested habitats that are split into two broad
Natural variability – For 23 of the 51 priority habitat guilds:
landbirds in this BCR (Table 3), the overall objective x Wetland/riparian; and
is set as maintaining their population within the x Non-forested upland.
ERNV, that is, within the expected range of normal

The three forest habitat guilds, the wetland/riparian evaluation are presented in Appendix H, along with a
habitat guild and the upland non-forested habitat comprehensive list of proposed actions related to
guild are identified as priority habitats for landbird monitoring. An evaluation of the accuracy and
conservation in Ontario BCR 12. Non-forest habitats precision of the population abundance objectives and
support a disproportionate share of priority landbirds estimated population size for priority species is
in this forested landscape. presented in Appendix G.
The conservation of the landbirds associated with 4.5 Landbird Conservation in ON BCR 12
each of these five habitat guilds is the subject of a As indicated in Table 5, landbird populations and
chapter in this plan (Chapters 5 to 9). habitats in ON BCR 12 are potentially affected,
directly or indirectly, by a wide range of
4.3 Aerial-foraging Insectivore Guild anthropogenic factors, including activities occurring
One additional group of landbirds based on a outside this region. In many instances, these factors
foraging guild rather than a habitat guild is will result in habitat being more favourable for some
highlighted in this plan: aerial-foraging insectivores. species but less suitable for others. Natural processes
Aerial-foraging insectivores share a common feeding such as fire and insect outbreaks, and human
strategy of capturing and eating flying insects while activities that emulate these natural processes, also
in continuous flight. This particular guild of landbirds have a major effect on landbird habitats and
has recently been recognized as one of high populations, but their net effect is considered neutral
conservation concern in Ontario because of in terms of maintaining habitats and populations
widespread declines (Heagy and McCracken 2004, within the ERNV. Additional details of factors
2005). Six priority species (Table 3) are included in affecting particular habitats and species are presented
this priority foraging guild. The three other regularly in Chapters 5 to 9 and the priority species accounts
occurring landbirds in this guild are also showing (Appendix F), respectively.
alarming recent declines. The conservation of aerial-
foraging insectivores is the focus of Chapter 10. While forest harvesting activities are critically
important because of the extent of landbird habitat
4.4 Monitoring and Evaluation that is affected, most harvesting in this region occurs
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential on Crown lands as part of a comprehensive forest
elements of any conservation plan. Local monitoring management planning process governed by the
is needed to determine the outcomes of individual Crown Forest Sustainability Act and related policies,
conservation actions. Broad-scale monitoring is manuals and guidelines that ensure the protection of
needed to track the status of the conservation landbird populations and other wildlife values (see
objectives for priority species that are presented in http://ontariosforests.mnr.gov.on.ca/spectrasites/inter
the individual species accounts (Appendix F) and the net/ontarioforests/ontariosforests.cfm). Several of the
guild chapters (Chapters 5 to 10). Monitoring results examples listed in this section of Table 5 are the
must be regularly evaluated to determine whether legacy of past harvesting or land use activities that
conservation objectives are being achieved and have affected the composition and structure of
whether conservation actions need to be modified. today’s forests.
An evaluation of current landbird monitoring

coverage in ON BCR 12 was undertaken to
determine the status of the monitoring objectives
proposed in section 3.6.3 (Box 6). The results of this
Table 4: Priority habitat guilds used in ON BCR 12 plan.

Number of
Ecological Basis for the % of Priority
Habitat Guilds Priority Landbird
Grouping Species (N=51)
Species
Deciduous Forest 15 29%
Coniferous Forest 7 14%
Habitat Association
Successional Forest 9 18%
Wetland/Riparian 11 22%
Non-forested Upland 9 18%
Foraging Strategy Aerial-foraging Insectivore 6 12%

Table 5: Anthropogenic factors affecting landbirds in ON BCR 12.
Factor or Activity Examples of Outcomes Affecting Landbirds and Habitats in this Region
Past forest x Increase in amount of forest edge due to past forest harvest patterns
harvesting practices x Decrease in forest structure due to past logging practices. Loss of pine and spruce
forests following logging. Increase in poplar in regenerating forests (previously
harvested)
Suppression of x Alteration of habitats due to fire suppression, particularly decrease in fire-dependent

natural habitats such as recent burns, Jack Pine stands and open rock barrens
disturbances x Control, reduction or elimination of periodic insect outbreaks
Land use change x Natural succession of old-field and shrub habitats (mature into forest unless periodic
disturbance) particularly in SE subregion
x Increasing number of roads and utility corridors
x Loss of habitat due to intensive development
Spread of exotic and x Potential impact of invasive and exotic species (e.g., birds, insects, plants, fungi,
invasive species vertebrates) on natural habitats and food supply
x Impact of nest parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds on productivity in fragmented
landscapes (e.g., agricultural areas)
x Emerging avian diseases (e.g., West Nile virus, avian malaria)
Environmental x Bioaccumulation of toxins (e.g., mercury, organochlorine compounds), leading to

contaminants reduced productivity and longevity
x Indirect impact of toxins and environmental contaminants on food supply (pesticides
reduce availability of insect and weed seeds)
x Atmospheric pollution, including acid precipitation and smog, that have direct effect
on forest health and also indirect effects on bird populations (e.g., leaching of base
cations, affecting availability of calcium-dependent molluscs)
Climate change x Predicted changes in the pattern of temperature (hotter summers), precipitation
(decrease), number of extreme weather events (increase) and frequency and severity
of droughts (increase) affect habitat and food supply
x Predicted increased stress to vegetation could lead to increase in insect outbreaks and
disease
x Potential long-term (hundreds of years) shift in vegetation communities could affect
the distribution of associated bird communities
Conditions on x Loss and alteration of habitat at migration stopover sites

migration routes x Increase in buildings, towers and other tall structures on migration routes
and wintering x Loss and alteration of wintering habitat in United States and the neotropics
grounds
4.6 Recommended Conservation Actions 4.6.1 Monitoring

Conservation actions that apply to all priority Landbird monitoring coverage in ON BCR 12 is
landbirds in ON BCR 12 are summarized here. considered fairly good, particularly in the SE
Additional conservation actions specific to the subregion. Additional details are presented in
various habitat and foraging guilds are presented in Appendix H.
subsequent chapters. Species-specific conservation
actions are included in the individual species Proposed general monitoring actions:
accounts (Appendix F).
x Maintain BBS coverage at least at current
participation level in ON BCR 12, adding routes
in the NE and W subregions where feasible.

x Measure bias in landscape/habitat coverage by look at a limited number of species, habitats and/or
BBS routes across BCR 12. time periods.
x Rely on Breeding Bird Atlases at 20-year Proposed research and evaluation actions:
intervals to track long-term changes in
populations of landbird species that are not well x Conduct demographic research to identify factors
monitored by the BBS or other surveys, and to causing declines and/or limiting population
validate population changes in species with growth in the aerial-foraging insectivore guild
trends from BBS and other surveys. and the eight other priority species with
population objectives.
x Design and implement a new borealwide
breeding season bird monitoring survey, together x Evaluate the response of priority species to
with neighbouring jurisdictions, and include the recommended habitat management actions at
northern part of ON BCR 12 in the sampling demonstration sites.
frame.
x Encourage long-term species- and site-specific
x Continue to track migrants breeding in central studies that can be used to understand and assess
and northern Ontario at southern Ontario species response to fluctuating or long-term
migration monitoring stations, and report changes in environmental conditions (climate,
regularly on their status. food supply, etc.).
x Evaluate adequacy of trends from migration 4.6.3 Policy and Planning
hawk watches in southern Ontario to track
populations of migratory raptors. Provincial forest management policy has a major
influence on the landbird habitats in this region.
x Assess ability of Ontario Nocturnal Owl Survey Current forest management policy direction is
to track breeding populations of owl species in consistent with this plan in attempting to ensure that
central Ontario. forest management activities emulate natural
disturbances and maintain wildlife habitat within the
x Ensure that all priority species not adequately
ERNV:
monitored by the BBS are assessed regularly (at
least every five years), using all available x Ensure linkages with forest management
information to track changes in population status planning and policies.
and threats.
x Improve linkages between landbird conservation
x Assess the value and feasibility of setting needs and forest management guides.
demographic objectives for priority species,
other landbird species (focal species, biosentinel x Set coarse and/or fine filter quantitative habitat
species, representative species) and/or study objectives as needed for priority forest species,
areas of high management concern/interest. using information from OMNR forest habitat
models currently under development.
x Set coarse and/or fine filter quantitative habitat
objectives as needed for priority forest species, x Encourage all levels of government to include
using information from OMNR forest evaluative all-birds values in future land use plans and
indicator habitat models currently under policies.
development.
x Improve coordination of existing stewardship
x Maintain or improve habitat mapping across ON incentive programs for private landowners in ON
BCR 12, including regular updating of Forest BCR 12.
Resource Inventory data, so that habitat
change/trend through time can be assessed. x Coordinate implementation of this regional
landbird conservation plan with national and
4.6.2 Research and Evaluation international PIF and NABCI planning
processes, and with national and provincial SAR
Information on general habitat requirements is
planning processes.
available for most forest landbirds but lacking for
many non-forest species. Demographic information is x Help provincial and municipal governments
available for only a few Endangered/Threatened identify and protect areas of importance to
species or from a few site-specific projects that often landbird conservation, including breeding,

wintering and stopover habitat for regionally and x Work with partners to ensure that the needs of
continentally important priority species. landbirds, including priority species and their
habitats, are incorporated in relevant best
x Encourage municipalities in ON BCR 12 to
management practices documents (agricultural,
identify and protect natural heritage features,
silvicultural, pit-and-quarry and right-of-way
significant wildlife habitat and other important
BMPs, etc.).
natural areas in official plan documents, in
keeping with the current Provincial Policy x Facilitate communications between
Statement and existing guidelines (OMMAH researchers/conservation organizations and land
2005; OMNR 2000). owners/managers to promote the transfer of new
scientific knowledge and foster an adaptive
4.6.4 Outreach and Education management approach.
x Use existing communication tools and strategies x Promote landbird monitoring and support the
to deliver key landbird conservation messages development of new birders to maintain a trained
(keeping common birds common, links between corps of volunteer participants in bird monitoring
breeding and wintering areas, bird-friendly programs.
architecture, bird-friendly land use and land
management practices). 4.6.5 Applied Conservation
x Work with partners to develop and deliver x Determine whether it is feasible to restore rock
information for landowners, land managers, barrens, wetland and riparian habitats in
government agencies and funding organizations situations where they formerly occurred.
to help them identify and protect species,
habitats and areas of importance to landbird x Assess the distribution and abundance of PIF
conservation. priority species in current protected areas (parks,
wildlife areas), Important Bird Areas and other
areas of conservation interest to identify
management opportunities and gaps.
Promote the following practices throughout the

landscape of ON BCR 12:
x Maintain, restore or emulate natural processes
and disturbance regimes that are important to
priority landbirds and their habitats.
x Encourage the use and retention of native
vegetation and natural habitats.
x Encourage the retention of snags, downed woody
debris and leaf litter.
x Prevent and control the spread of invasive and
exotic species.
x Exclude livestock from stream banks and forests
and adjust the timing and duration of livestock
grazing in grassland and riparian habitats to
© Ethan Meleg
benefit landbirds and/or minimize adverse

impacts on them.
x Minimize the use of chemical pesticides.
VEERY

5 Conservation of Deciduous Forest Landbirds
zone at the northern limit of deciduous forests.
5.1 Deciduous Forest Landbirds Nonetheless, this BCR comprises a core breeding
The deciduous and mixed deciduous forests found range for several landbird species in the deciduous
throughout the Boreal Hardwood Transition BCR forest guild, including 20 species that occur at very
(BCR 12) provide habitat for a rich variety of high relative densities (RD=5) in this region and/or
landbirds. Most of these species, especially have 10% or more of their total population occurring
insectivores, are present during the breeding season in BCR 12 (Table 6). Six of these species have 10%
but migrate to warmer areas for the winter months. A or more of their total population breeding in the
few deciduous forest landbirds, such as Barred Owl, Ontario portion of BCR 12 (Table 6).
Pileated Woodpecker and Black-capped Chickadee,
are permanent residents of this BCR. No landbirds in 5.2 Deciduous Forest Priority Species
this guild occur only in winter. Fifteen (29%) of the priority landbirds in ON BCR 12
are associated with deciduous forest habitats (Table
As the name indicates, the Boreal Hardwood 7). Additional priority species associated with the
Transition BCR encompasses an ecological transition early successional stages of deciduous and mixed
Table 6: Deciduous forest landbirds with 10% of global population and/or occurring at very high relative
density in BCR 12.
Breeding Wintering
Species RD % G pop % G pop RD % G pop % G pop
Score BCR 12 ON BCR 12 Score BCR 12 ON BCR 12
Black-throated Blue Warbler 5 43% 20%
Veery 5 34% 16%
Black-and-white Warbler 5 21% 10%
Broad-winged Hawk 5 22% 10%
Ovenbird 5 26% 10%
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 5 23% 11%
Canada Warbler 5 23% 8%
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5 22% 8%
Red-eyed Vireo 5 16% 7%
American Redstart 4 14% 6%
Black-capped Chickadee 5 16% 5% 5 16% 5%
Cedar Waxwing 5 15% 5%
Great Crested Flycatcher 4 12% 5%
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4 12% 5%
Least Flycatcher 5 10% 4%
Ruffed Grouse 5 11% 4% 5 11% 4%
Scarlet Tanager 3 12% 4%
Blue Jay 4 18% 3% 5 11%
Hairy Woodpecker 5 7% 3% 5 7% 3%
Northern Flicker 5 5% 2%
Notes: Species are listed by decreasing % of global population in ON BCR 12. Priority species are shown in
Boldface. RD Score = Relative Density score, 5 being highest (see Appendix C). % G pop BCR 12 = Estimated %
of the global breeding or wintering population occurring in BCR 12 (see Appendix E). % G pop ON BCR 12 =
Estimate % of global breeding or wintering population occurring in Ontario portion of BCR 12.

forests are included in the successional forest guild Two of the deciduous forest priority species (Canada
(e.g., Black-billed Cuckoo). Warbler and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker) are
Continental Stewardship species (Tables 6 and 7) that
All 15 of the priority species in the deciduous forest occur at high densities in deciduous forests in BCR
guild are present during the breeding season. Only 12. Cerulean Warbler, Lousiana Waterthrush and
two of these species are also present in substantial Red-shouldered Hawk are also Continental
numbers in the winter: Ruffed Grouse is a permanent Stewardship species.
resident of ON BCR 12; Northern Goshawk is also
present year-round, although part of the population Eight of the 15 priority species in the deciduous
migrates annually and larger numbers move out of forest guild are considered conservation priorities
ON BCR 12 during low prey years. because this BCR supports globally important
breeding populations of these species and has a high
Two of the priority species in this guild, Wood responsibility for maintaining the healthy populations
Thrush and Canada Warbler, are Species of of these Regional Stewardship species (Tables 6 and
Continental Concern (PIF Watch List species), with 7).
high vulnerability scores and rangewide population
declines. Canada Warbler is a particularly high Three species identified as Species at Risk in the
priority because it is also of Regional Concern owing Special Concern category in Canada and/or Ontario
to a regional population decline, and is a Continental are included as deciduous forest priority species:
and Regional Stewardship species with more than Louisiana Waterthrush (occurs at only a few sites in
20% of its breeding population in BCR 12 (Appendix this region), Cerulean Warbler (restricted to the
F, Table 7). Wood Thrush is also of Regional southeastern margin of ON BCR 12) and Red-
Concern due to regional population declines (Table shouldered Hawk (restricted to SE subregion,
7). recently de-listed by COSEWIC).
Three additional species, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Northern Goshawk was added as a priority species of
Northern Flicker and Veery, are of Regional Concern Regional Management Interest in ON BCR 12 on the
owing to long-term regional population declines advice of the Technical Advisory Committee because
combined with moderate threats to future conditions of its small population size and specific habitat
(Appendix F, Table 7). requirements.
Table 7: Deciduous forest priority landbirds in ON BCR 12 showing reasons for priority status.
Concern Stewardship At Risk Add. Species
Priority Species
of Mgmt
Cont Reg Cont Reg CA ON
Interest
Black-throated Blue Warbler Y
Broad-winged Hawk Y
Canada Warbler Y Y Y Y UR
Cerulean Warbler SC SC
Eastern Wood-Pewee Y
Least Flycatcher Y
Louisiana Waterthrush SC SC
Northern Flicker Y
Northern Goshawk Y
Red-shouldered Hawk SC*
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Y
Ruffed Grouse Y
Veery Y Y
Wood Thrush Y Y
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Y Y
Notes: Cont = Continental level, Reg = Regional (ON BCR 12) level, CA = Canada, ON = Ontario, Add. Species of Mgmt
Interest = Additional Species of Regional Management Interest. SC = Special Concern, UR = Status under review by COSEWIC.
See Appendix C for details. *listed as Special Concern in Ontario at time of writing plan (since been downlisted).

Although all priority species in this guild are in the W subregion are classified as the poplar-
associated with deciduous and/or mixed deciduous dominated forest type. Poplar forests are also locally
forests, their specific habitat requirements differ in common in the NE and SE subregions (note that
terms of forest structure, age (development stage), Figure 14 includes all of Ecoregions 4S and 3E, and
composition and other features such as landscape most of the acreage of poplar in 3E is north of the
configuration, presence of snags, etc. (Table 8). Note BCR boundary). White Birch–dominated forest is
that the patch size requirements in the literature, as common in the NE and SE subregions but uncommon
presented in Table 8, are typically based on studies in the W subregion.
done in highly fragmented landscapes and may not
apply to the mostly forested landscape of ON BCR The distribution of some less abundant deciduous tree
12 (Wedeles and Donnelly 2004). species is also important to deciduous forest
landbirds (OMNR 2002). Black and White Ash are
5.3 Deciduous Forest Habitats in ON BCR common tree species in the W and SE subregions but
12 are much less common in the NE subregion. The
distribution of Sugar Maple and Yellow Birch
5.3.1 Description coincides with the areas of dense forest land cover in
As indicated by its name, the Boreal Hardwood the SE subregion, being concentrated along the
Transition BCR straddles the transition between eastern shore of Lake Superior and the highlands east
southern hardwood forests and northern boreal forest of Georgian Bay. Oak, soft maples and other
ecosystems. Consequently, there are marked hardwood species are most common along the
differences in the forests and landbird communities southern fringe of the Canadian Shield. Black Cherry,
occurring in different parts of ON BCR 12, reflecting beech, basswood and ironwood are present locally in
the BCR’s transitional nature. the SE subregion.
Dense deciduous, mixed deciduous and sparse Many of these deciduous tree species produce seed
deciduous forests combined comprise 44% of the and hard mast crops that are an important food source
land cover of ON BCR 12 (OLC 1990s edition). The for landbirds such as grouse, jays and finches (Naylor
sparse deciduous forest land cover category includes et al. 2004b). Several forest raptor species
a mix of open deciduous forest and early successional preferentially build their nests in large deciduous
habitats. trees, particularly maples and oaks (Naylor et al.
2004b).
Forests at the immature, mature and old development
stages (stand age) are included in this habitat guild. The age class structure of the deciduous forest in ON
Younger deciduous forests are included in the BCR 12 varies with forest type and location (OMNR
successional forest guild. 2002). For example, poplar forests are generally
younger than other deciduous forest types. In the W
The deciduous forest land cover categories are not subregion, where poplar is the prevalent deciduous
distributed evenly across the region (Figure 13). forest type, Forest Resource Inventory (FRI) data
Dense deciduous forests are concentrated in four indicate that the 0–20 years and 41–80 age classes are
areas. Two areas are in the SE subregion: the most frequent (OMNR 2002). In the NE subregion
highlands between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa (Ecoregions 3E and 4E), the most frequent age
River (Ecoregion 5E) and the eastern shore of Lake classes for deciduous forest types are between 41 and
Superior (5E). The other two areas are in the W 100 years. In the SE subregion (Ecoregion 5E), the
subregion: the Pigeon River area west of Thunder most common age classes of deciduous forests are
Bay (4W) and the Rainy River area (5S). Sparse the 61–80 and 81–100 year classes. Compared to the
deciduous is concentrated mostly in the SE other subregions, the SE subregion has a much
subregion, including along the southern edge of the smaller amount of deciduous forest less than 40 years
Canadian Shield (Ecoregion 5E), the northern shore old and more stands in the over-120–years age
of Lake Huron (5E) and east of Georgian Bay (5E classes. This difference in age structure in the
and 4E). deciduous forest is due to a combination of
The dominant deciduous forest types also vary across

the region (OMNR 2002) (Figure 14). Tolerant
hardwood forests that typically include a mix of
maple, oak and yellow birch are concentrated in the
SE subregion (Ecoregion 5E). Most deciduous forests

Figure 13: Deciduous forest cover in ON BCR 12 by ecoregion (satellite data).
60%
50%
40%
% land cover
30%
20%
10%
0%
3E 4E 5E 4W 4S 5S Total
by Ecoregion
Dense Deciduous Mixed Deciduous Sparse Deciduous
Note: The information presented in this chart is for the portion of each ecoregion within ON BCR 12.
Figure 14: Area of deciduous forest by provincial forest type, by ecoregion (FRI data).
3500
3000
2500
Area (1000 ha)
2000
1500
1000
500
0
3E* 4E 5E 4W 4S* 5S
Ecoregion
Tolerant Hardwoods White Birch Poplar Mixwoods
Notes: Data are for the entire extent of each ecoregion; substantial parts of Ecoregions 3E and 4S (indicated with *) are
outside the boundaries of ON BCR 12. Mixedwood includes mixed deciduous and mixed coniferous forests.
Source: OMNR 2002.

difference in forest types (mostly tolerant hardwoods sustain forest ecosystems and their biological
in SE) and interrelated differences in natural diversity, achieving this objective will require a much
disturbance patterns and forest management history. better understanding of the dynamics of natural
disturbance patterns. Additional research is also
5.3.2 Current Status needed to determine the degree and manner in which
Almost all deciduous forests outside of parks and present-day deciduous forests resulting from two
other protected areas, including most private forests centuries of forest management and fire suppression
and the extensive Crown forests, are “working differ from a natural forest condition resulting from
forests” that are logged on a regular basis. Past forest natural processes. Remaining old-growth forests and
management activities are the main determinant of deciduous forests in parks and protected areas will
the age and structure of present-day deciduous forest play an important role in establishing benchmarks for
habitats in this region. Forest management has also natural forest conditions, but few of these have not
strongly influenced the configuration and been affected to some degree by past logging activity
composition of deciduous forests, although and a history of fire suppression.
biophysical site, climate and landscape characteristics
are also major determinants. Overall, the legacy of Shelterwood cuts and selection cuts are the most
past logging and fire suppression has favoured shade- common harvesting methods in the tolerant
tolerant deciduous forests at the expense of fire- hardwood stands in this region. Clear-cutting of
dependent coniferous forests (OMNR 1998a,b; deciduous and mixed deciduous stands is much less
Carleton 2000). common.
Deciduous forests in this region continue to be In some parts of ON BCR 12, fairly extensive areas
strongly influenced by natural disturbances, including of forest were cleared for agricultural production,
high wind events, ice storms, grazing by herbivores, mostly during the 20th century. Many of these
disease and insect outbreaks. Fire is also an important farmlands have subsequently been abandoned and are
disturbance factor in this region, especially in terms now covered with immature second-growth
of favouring the regeneration of pine forests. Since deciduous forests resulting from natural regeneration
the 1950s, most wildfires in this region have been and succession.
effectively suppressed to prevent loss of standing
timber and to protect property. Over the past decade, 5.3.3 Factors Affecting Forest Landbirds
provincial forest management policy has placed Forest habitats in this region are affected to varying
increased emphasis on ensuring that forest degrees by a wide range of natural and anthropogenic
management practices on Crown lands more closely factors that have potential impact on landbird
emulate natural disturbance patterns to offset the loss populations. Current forest management guidelines
of natural fire processes. and practices (e.g., retention of snags, protection of
stick nests, maintaining old growth forest) are
The frequency and extent of natural disturbances in designed to ensure that forest management activities
deciduous forests varies geographically and do not negatively affect populations of landbirds and
temporally. In general, deciduous forests are less fire- other wildlife species. Factors identified of current or
prone than coniferous forests. Small local windfall potential importance to deciduous and coniferous
and windstorm disturbances are the most common forest landbirds in ON BCR 12 include:
disturbances in deciduous forests. However,
x Current forest harvesting prescriptions,
infrequent but large-scale events, in particular fire
especially the choice of harvest method, patch
and catastrophic wind events (e.g., hurricanes), are
size and configuration, and rotation cycles;
thought to have a major long-term influence in terms
of causing the replacement of tolerant hardwood x Pre- and post-harvest silvicultural treatments
stands (OMNR 1998b). In the Great Lakes forest (thinning, brush management) that affect forest
region, the frequency of natural disturbances varies structure;
considerably among different forest types and sites,
with estimates of the historical disturbance return rate x Deciduous tree diseases and hardwood dieback;
ranging anywhere from 50 years to more than 1000 x Frequency and control of insect outbreaks;
years (Thompson 2000).
x The legacy of past forest management practices,
Although current forest management practices which changed age class structure and did not
acknowledge the importance of maintaining or retain an adequate supply of important habitat
emulating natural disturbance patterns in order to

features such as snags, downed woody debris, set for only one species, Canada Warbler, which is of
etc.; particular conservation concern.
x Fire suppression, which has altered the forest
5.4.2 Habitat Objectives
composition and increased the potential for
catastrophic fires; For most of the deciduous forest priority species, the
main conservation objective is to:
x Forest type conversion to reverse past conversion
of pine and hemlock stands to deciduous and Maintain the supply of suitable deciduous forest
mixed forest types, which will result in a habitat in each ecoregion within the estimated range
decrease in deciduous forest habitat; of natural variation through a combination of
x Changes in overall forest cover, including natural disturbances and forest management
increased forest cover in the SE subregion due to practices that emulate natural disturbance patterns.
natural succession of abandoned agricultural
fields and decreased cover locally in parts of the This coarse filter, landscape-level approach assumes
NE and W subregions, where forest is being that the availability of suitable deciduous forest
converted to agricultural production on private habitats is the main factor limiting populations of
lands with suitable soil conditions; most deciduous forest landbirds in this region. As
long as their breeding habitat objectives can be
x Increased development, including roads, rural satisfied (i.e., the amount of suitable habitat exceeds
residential developments and wind power a minimum threshold and the structure and
developments, which is of concern in some parts composition of the landscape is maintained), and
of this region, especially in the SE subregion, conditions on their wintering grounds and migration
where private land faces the most intensive routes do not deteriorate, then presumably the
development pressure; species’ population will be adequately conserved
within its estimated range of natural variability.
x Impacts of climate change, including short-term
impacts of weather patterns that affect insect and
For some species with more specialized habitat needs
disease populations, and longer-term impacts on
(Table 8), additional habitat filters are needed as
disturbance regimes and forest conditions; and
habitat quantity is not an adequate measure. Coarse
x Atmospheric pollutants, including acid filter, stand-level objectives specifying the minimum
precipitation and smog, that have direct effect on number, size and condition of residual snags and
forest health and also indirect effects on bird living trees following logging operations are needed
populations (e.g., leaching of base cations, for woodpecker species, including Northern Flicker
affecting availability of calcium-dependent and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. A fine filter,
molluscs). landscape-level filter is needed for some other
species, such as Red-shouldered Hawk, to ensure that
5.4 Conservation Objectives the configuration of suitable habitat meets particular
Species-level objectives for priority deciduous forest spatial requirements (e.g., proximity of suitable forest
landbirds are presented in the species accounts patches of minimum patch size to wetland areas). The
(Appendix F) and summarized in Table 9. three forest raptor species all have fine filter, site-
level habitat objectives regarding protection of
5.4.1 Overall Objectives for Deciduous existing nest sites from disturbance and also ensuring
Forest Priority Species the future supply of potential nest sites.
For most of the priority deciduous landbirds the The forest management guides (OMNR in prep. a,b)
overall conservation objective is simply to: currently under development by OMNR will provide
updated habitat management guidelines at the
Maintain the abundance and distribution of priority landscape, stand and site levels for several of the
deciduous forest landbird populations in ON BCR priority deciduous forest species.
12 within the range of natural variation by
maintaining the overall supply of deciduous forest Spatially explicit habitat objectives are also needed
habitats in each ecoregion within the ERNV. for conserving Cerulean Warbler and Louisiana
Waterthrush populations in ON BCR 12, as these
To implement this conceptual objective, habitat and Special Concern species occur at a small number of
monitoring objectives are set for most priority sites in the SE subregion, mostly on private lands.
deciduous forest landbirds. Population objectives are

5.4.3 Population Objectives what would be expected due to changes in habitat
This plan establishes a population objective of at supply. Regular evaluations are particularly needed
least maintaining current abundance and distribution for those priority deciduous forest species with a
levels for Canada Warbler in ON BCR 12. This persistent pattern of decline, including Canada
species is the only priority landbird in ON BCR 12 Warbler, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Least Flycatcher,
that is of high concern and high stewardship Northern Flicker, Wood Thrush and Veery. While the
responsibility at both the continental level (Rich et al. immediate objective for these five declining species
2004) and the ON BCR 12 level (this plan). is to maintain habitat within the ERNV, these species
Furthermore, there is reason to believe that factors are also a high priority for research and monitoring to
other than the availability of suitable breeding habitat ensure that declines are related to breeding habitat
are contributing to the observed population declines supply rather than reduced food supply, reduced snag
(see Canada Warbler species account in Appendix F). availability, conditions on the wintering grounds or
other factors.
Species at Risk management plans (to be prepared by
2008) may establish population objectives for 5.4.5 Conservation Focus
Cerulean Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush. Any The conservation focus for each priority species is
future decline in populations of these species would provided in Table 9 and Appendix F.
be of concern.
Research to better understand factors causing
Any increase in regional populations of Canada rangewide and regional population declines is
Warbler or Wood Thrush populations in this region identified as the conservation focus for several
would contribute to PIF continental-level objectives deciduous forest priority species. At least part of the
of increasing continental populations of these Watch general decline in species such as Wood Thrush and
List species by 50% (Rich et al. 2004). This region Rose-breasted Grosbeak has been attributed to
has a particular responsibility for contributing to the maturation of second-growth forests (their preferred
Canada Warbler continental objective, as 8% of the habitat) following natural succession on abandoned
global breeding population occurs in ON BCR 12 farmland in southern Ontario through the northeast
(versus about 3% for Wood Thrush). United States (Droege 1999). If this research does
show that the regional declines in these deciduous
5.4.4 Monitoring Objectives forest species appear to be linked to similar decreases
Monitoring objectives are set for all priority in habitat availability in ON BCR 12, the
deciduous forest species (Table 9). For most species, conservation focus should be changed to periodic
the monitoring objective is to maintain current evaluation of trends, as for other adequately
monitoring capability, as indicated in Appendix H. monitored priority forest species. However, if
Current monitoring coverage is considered adequate research determines that population declines are
for evaluating whether the proposed ERNV habitat- being driven by factors other than breeding habitat
based conservation objective for these species is availability, than the conservation focus should be
indeed effective in achieving the overall objective. changed to address these factors.
For several of the species that are not adequately 5.5 Recommended Conservation Actions
monitored by the BBS, including the three deciduous
forest raptor species and Ruffed Grouse, an objective 5.5.1 Monitoring
of improving monitoring capability by periodically
conducting an integrated analysis of all available data x Maintain or enhance existing landbird
sources (e.g., hawk migration counts) is proposed. monitoring programs, especially the BBS and
BBA.
Cerulean Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush are too x Maintain or improve forest habitat mapping
rare in this BCR to be monitored by broad-scale across ON BCR 12, including regularly updating
surveys and therefore, periodic surveys of their core the Forest Resource Inventory data across the
breeding habitats are needed in order to assess their region and collecting data on stand- and site-
status. level features.
The status of all the priority deciduous forest species x Maintain or enhance the current precision of
should be periodically reviewed to ensure that other existing forest bird breeding season
population trends are not diverging significantly from surveys (e.g., Nocturnal Owl Survey).

x Improve the integration and/or analysis of results 5.5.4 Outreach and Education
from existing bird monitoring surveys (including
migration counts and winter season surveys), x Promote the development and use of forest
especially for species that are not well monitored management guides (e.g., site, stand and
by BBS, such as deciduous forest raptors. landscape guides, OMNR in prep. a,b) that
protect deciduous forest birds and other
x Periodically assess the status of species that are biodiversity. (Existing guides, and the guides
not adequately monitored by the BBS or other under development, must be used during forest
surveys, including Cerulean Warbler and management planning on Crown lands).
Louisiana Waterthrush.
x Promote the development of relevant educational
5.5.2 Research and Evaluation materials, organizations and activities for private
forest owners.
x Promote demographic and habitat research to
x Work collaboratively with forest management
identify cause(s) of the observed or apparent
planning initiatives to ensure that the use of the
declines in Canada Warbler, Eastern Wood-
OMNR forest management guides adequately
Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Northern Flicker, Rose-
addresses landbird conservation needs.
breasted Grosbeak, Veery and Wood Thrush.
x Work with partners in the United States and
x Promote research on the wintering grounds for Latin America to protect priority forest landbirds
declining species where non-breeding factors are during migration and on wintering grounds,
a concern (e.g., Canada Warbler, Cerulean making use of NABCI and PIF initiatives.
Warbler and Wood Thrush).
5.5.5 Applied Conservation
x Promote research to increase understanding of
the effects of current forest conditions, including x Identify and encourage appropriate management
landscape level (patch size, configuration and of habitat-supporting source populations of
heterogeneity), stand level (age, structure, Louisiana Waterthrush and Cerulean Warbler in
composition, health) and site level (snags, the SE subregion.
downed woody debris) on the abundance,
distribution and demographics of priority
deciduous forest birds.
x Promote research to increase ability to model
forest trajectories under expected range of
natural disturbance and forest management
scenarios.
5.5.3 Planning and Policy
x Support current and encourage future NORTHERN FLICKER

consideration of the needs of priority deciduous
forest landbirds within forest management
planning activities on Crown and private lands.
x Encourage the management of Crown forest
lands to maintain deciduous forest habitat across
the landscapes to within the ERNV by emulating
© Ken Newcombe
natural disturbance patterns.

x Encourage an adaptive management approach to
the conservation of deciduous forest landbirds,
with ongoing monitoring and research to
evaluate the effectiveness of forest management
guidelines and outcomes.

Table 8: Summary of habitat needs of priority deciduous forest landbirds in ON BCR 12.
Stand Age
Preferred Forest Landscape
Priority Species Breeding Habitat Description (Development Stand Features Site Features
Types Features*
Stage)
Dense, shrubby
Continuous forest tracts with well
Black-throated Blue Patch size Immature to understorey; Well
developed canopy and shrubby Deciduous or Mixed
Warbler >100 ha Old developed
undergrowth
canopy
Patch size
Continuous tracts of older dense >100 ha; Near Stick nest;
Broad-winged Hawk forest near riparian features, wetland Deciduous or Mixed wetland or Mature to Old Closed canopy Large nest
or other open areas other open trees
area
Minimum 30-
Large tracts of older lowland mixed Dense
Lowland Mixed ha patch size, Dense nest
Canada Warbler deciduous forest with well developed Mature to Old understorey;
Deciduous Forest prefers > 400 site cover
understorey Closed canopy
ha
Large tracts of mature tolerant

Patch size Broken canopy;
Cerulean Warbler hardwood forests with canopy gaps Tolerant Hardwoods Mature to Old
>100 ha Open understorey
and preferred tree species
Open canopy;
Eastern Wood- Open intermediate-aged forests with
Deciduous or Mixed Immature Sparse
Pewee little understorey
understorey
Semi-open
Semi-open forests with well Deciduous, Patch size Immature to canopy; Well
Least Flycatcher
developed understorey Hardwood or Mixed >100 ha Old developed
understorey
Louisiana Large swamp forests with some open Lowland Deciduous Patch size
Mature to Old Open water
Waterthrush water or Mixed >100 ha
Open forests and forest edges with Deciduous, Mixed or Immature to Open canopy or
Northern Flicker Snags >30 cm
large snags for nesting cavities Coniferous Old forest edge
Stick nest;
Extensive tracts of mature to old Large
Mixed, Deciduous or Mature or Old Closed canopy;
Northern Goshawk forest with selection of large nest >100 ha deciduous or
Coniferous Growth Open understorey
trees coniferous nest
trees

Stand Age
Preferred Forest Landscape
Priority Species Breeding Habitat Description (Development Stand Features Site Features
Types Features*
Stage)
Patch size of
Stick nest;
>100 ha; Near
Red-shouldered Large tracts of mature forest near Deciduous or Mixed Large
wetland or Mature to Old Little understorey
Hawk wetlands, lakes or riparian features Hardwood deciduous nest
riparian
trees
feature.
Rose-breasted Immature to
Young and mature deciduous forests Deciduous
Grosbeak Mature
Poplar or birch;
Dense canopy
Mix of open and closed deciduous and herbaceous
Fallen logs;
forest with herbaceous cover and Deciduous with Some Sapling to ground cover for
Ruffed Grouse Small clearings
drumming logs, close to area of Conifer Stands Immature summer;
(<0.4 ha)
dense conifer cover Coniferous
stands for winter
cover
Damp deciduous or mixed forests, Immature to Shrubby

Veery Deciduous or Mixed >100 ha
with shrubby understorey Old understorey
Moderate to
Deciduous or mixed forests within
Wood Thrush Deciduous or Mixed Mature to Old dense
large (100+ ha) forest patches
understorey
Poplar, birch,
Yellow-bellied Dry deciduous or mixed forest with Snag >25 cm
Deciduous or Mixed Mature to Old maple and
Sapsucker nest snags and live foraging trees with heart-rot
hemlock
Notes: See priority species accounts (Appendix F) for additional details and key references.
* The patch size requirements presented in this table are typically based on studies done in highly fragmented landscapes and may not apply to the mostly forested
landscape of ON BCR 12.

Table 9: Summary of conservation objectives and conservation focus for priority deciduous forest landbirds
in ON BCR 12.
Priority Population Habitat Objectives Monitoring Conservation
Species Objectives Objectives Focus
Maintain Current
Research:
Halt apparent decline Maintain current
Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain Investigate factors
and ensure breeding population
availability of suitable breeding habitat across causing
Canada population abundance
the landscape within ERNV as per the rangewide and
Warbler* abundance and monitoring
Landscape Guide and/or as predicted by regional
distribution levels do capability across
OMNR habitat models population decline
not decline below ON BCR 12
current BBS levels
Cerulean Habitat
Warbler Management:
Identify and
Conduct periodic
Assess Status Fine Filter; Stand Level: Identify large tracts of encourage
survey of suitable
mature deciduous forest capable of appropriate
Implement SAR breeding habitat
supporting source populations and protect management of
management plan in SE subregion
Louisiana occupied nests as per direction in the large tracts of
if/when available to assess current
Waterthrush Site/Stand Guide mature deciduous
population status
forests capable of
supporting source
populations
Fine Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain an Improve current

adequate supply of extensive tracts (>100 ha) population trend
of mature, closed-canopy mixed or deciduous monitoring
Assess Status
forest habitat near wetlands or lakes capability across
Red- Maintain population
Fine Filter; Site Scale: Protect occupied nests ON BCR 12 by
shouldered abundance and from disturbance during the breeding season improving BBA
Hawk distribution within
and retain sufficient suitable habitat and Red-
ERNV shouldered
associated with active nests to ensure Assess Status:
likelihood of re-occupancy, as per the Hawk Survey
coverage Periodically
Site/Stand Guide. assess population
status using all
Fine Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain supply
available data
and distribution of large tracts of mature to old
mixed deciduous forest) within ERNV
Northern Fine Filter; Site Scale: Protect occupied nests

Goshawk from disturbance during the breeding season
and retain sufficient suitable habitat
associated with active nests to ensure
likelihood of re-occupancy, as per the Improve current
Site/Stand Guide. population
Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain monitoring
Maintain within the
availability of suitable breeding habitat across capability across
ERNV
the landscape within ERNV as per the ON BCR 12 by
Landscape Guide and/or as predicted by integrated
Broad- No regional Evaluate Trend:
OMNR habitat models analysis of data
winged population objective Periodically
from existing
Hawk Fine Filter; Site Scale: Protect occupied nests monitoring evaluate regional
and retain sufficient suitable habitat programs population trend
associated with active nests, as per the relative to habitat
Site/Stand Guide availability in ON
BCR 12 using all
Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain available data
availability of suitable breeding habitat across sets
Ruffed
the landscape within ERNV as per the
Grouse
Landscape Guide and/or as predicted by
OMNR habitat models

Priority Population Habitat Objectives Monitoring Conservation
Species Objectives Objectives Focus
Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain

Black- availability of suitable breeding habitat across Evaluate Trend:
throated the landscape within ERNV as per the Periodically
Blue Warbler Landscape Guide and/or as predicted by evaluate regional
OMNR habitat models population trend
relative to habitat
availability in ON
Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain
BCR 12 using all
Yellow- availability of suitable breeding habitat across
available data
bellied the landscape within ERNV as per the
sets
Sapsucker* Landscape Guide and/or as predicted by
OMNR habitat models
Coarse Filter; Stand Scale: Maintain Maintain current
Maintain within the availability of suitable nest trees (e.g., snags population
Northern
ERNV and diseased trees) as per the ‘wildlife tree monitoring
Flicker
direction’ in the Site/Stand Guide capability across
No regional
population objective ON BCR 12
Wood
Thrush*
Eastern Research:
Wood- Investigate factors
Pewee Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain causing regional
availability of suitable breeding habitat across and rangewide
Least the landscape within ERNV as per the population decline
Flycatcher Landscape Guide and/or as predicted by
Rose- OMNR habitat models
breasted
Grosbeak
Veery
Notes: ERNV = Estimated Range of Natural Variation (see Box 6). SAR = Species at Risk. See also priority species
accounts in Appendix F for additional details. *Canada Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Wood Thrush also
have PIF continental population objectives.
© Simon Dodsworth
RUFFED GROUSE

6 Conservation of Coniferous Forest Landbirds
6.1 Coniferous Forest Landbirds 6.2 Coniferous Forest Priority Species

Coniferous and mixed coniferous forests are Seven (14%) of the priority landbirds in ON BCR 12
widespread in the Boreal Hardwood Transition BCR breed in coniferous or mixed coniferous forests
and support many landbird species. Most of these (Table 11). One is a permanent resident (Great Gray
species are present during the breeding season but Owl), while the other six species are migratory.
migrate to warmer areas for the winter months. A few Additional priority species associated with the early
coniferous forest landbirds, such as Spruce Grouse, successional stages of coniferous forests are included
Black-backed Woodpecker and Boreal Chickadee, in the successional forest guild (e.g., Kirtland’s
are permanent residents of this BCR. No landbirds in Warbler, White-throated Sparrow).
this guild occur only in winter.
Bay-breasted Warbler is a priority species of both
BCR 12 comprises core breeding and/or wintering Continental Concern (PIF Watch List species) and
range for 11 coniferous forest landbird species, Regional Concern owing to high vulnerability scores
including eight breeding species and five wintering and rangewide and regional population declines
species that occur at very high relative densities (Table 11). Two additional species, Connecticut
(RD=5) in BCR 12 and/or have 10% of more of their Warbler and Purple Finch, are of Regional Concern
total population there (Table 10). Blackburnian because of long-term regional population declines
Warbler is the only coniferous forest landbird with combined with moderate threats to future conditions
more than 10% of its total population breeding in ON in this region. Blackburnian Warbler and Black-
BCR 12, and more than 10% of the global throated Green Warbler are Continental and Regional
populations of Evening Grosbeak, Purple Finch and Stewardship species (Northern Forest Avifaunal
Red-breasted Nuthatch winter there (Table 10). Biome) that occur at high relative densities in BCR
12.
Table 10: Coniferous forest landbirds with 10% of global population breeding or wintering and/or
occurring at very high relative density in BCR 12.
Breeding Wintering
Species % G pop % G pop
Relative % G pop Relative % G pop
ON BCR ON BCR
Density BCR 12 Density BCR 12
12 12
Blackburnian Warbler 5 27% 14%
Cape May Warbler 4 13% 9%
Black-throated Green Warbler 5 22% 8%
Evening Grosbeak 4 11% 5% 5 19% 6%
Blue-headed Vireo 4 13% 5%
Purple Finch 4 12% 5% 5 21% 7%
Winter Wren 5 7% 2%
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 4% 1%
Red-breasted Nuthatch 5 11% 5%
Pine Grosbeak 5 9% 5%
Common Redpoll 5 8% 3%
Notes: Species are listed by decreasing % of global population in ON BCR 12. Priority species shown in Boldface. % G pop
BCR 12 = Estimated % of the global breeding or wintering population occurring in BCR 12 (see Appendix B for additional
information). % G pop ON BCR 12 = estimate % of global breeding or wintering population occurring in Ontario portion of BCR
12.

Table 11: Coniferous forest priority landbirds in ON BCR 12 showing reasons for priority status.
Priority Species
of Mgmt
Cont Reg Cont Reg CA ON
Interest
Bay-breasted Warbler Y Y
Blackburnian Warbler Y Y
Black-throated Green Warbler Y Y
Connecticut Warbler Y
Great Gray Owl SC*
Purple Finch Y
Red Crossbill Y
Interest = Additional Species of Regional Management Interest. SC = Special Concern. See Appendix C for additional
details. *listed as Special Concern in Ontario at time of writing plan (since been downlisted).
Two additional priority species are recognized in ON The dominant coniferous forest types also vary across
BCR 12: Great Gray Owl is designated as Special the region (OMNR 2002) (Figure 16). The lowland
Concern in Ontario (at the time the plan was written) conifer forest type, consisting predominantly of
and Red Crossbill is of Regional Management Black Spruce on poorly drained sites, is concentrated
Interest due to combination of an apparent severe along the northern edge of BCR 12 (note that Figure
decline, moderate threats to future conditions and a 16 includes all of Ecoregions 4S and 3E, and that
lack of knowledge of the status and requirements of most of the acreage of lowland conifer in 3E is north
the various populations and types that occur in this of the BCR boundary). Jack Pine forests are patchily
region. distributed, being most extensive near the western
boundary of ON BCR 12 in Ecoregion 4S and east of
6.3 Coniferous Forest Habitats in ON BCR Lake Superior in Ecoregion 4E. Upland conifer
12 forests, consisting predominantly of spruce and
spruce/Jack Pine stands on upland sites, are found
6.3.1 Description across ON BCR 12. White and Red Pine forests are
Dense coniferous, mixed coniferous and sparse most widespread in the eastern section of ON BCR
coniferous forests combined comprise 41% of the 12, particularly in Ecoregions 5E and 4E.
land cover of ON BCR 12 (OLC data, 1990s edition).
The sparse coniferous forest category (30–40% The age class structure of the coniferous forests
canopy closure) includes some shrub/successional varies with forest type and location (OMNR 2002).
habitat in a matrix of coniferous forest. For example, Jack Pine forests are generally younger
than other coniferous forest types. In all ecoregions,
Forests at the immature mature and old development the age classes between 40 and 100–120 years are
stages (stand age) are included in this habitat guild. most frequent for coniferous forests. Coniferous
Younger deciduous forests are included in the forests over 120 years are infrequent. Ecoregion 4S
successional forest habitat guild. also includes a large area of Jack Pine forest in the 0–
20–year age class.
These coniferous forest land cover categories are not
distributed evenly across the region (Figure 15 and Pine and spruce produce seed crops, which vary
OMNR 2002). Dense coniferous land cover generally considerably from year to year, that are an important
increases from south to north in this region, as well as food source for certain coniferous
away from the Great Lakes shoreline. Mixed
coniferous forests are broadly distributed across the
BCR. Sparse coniferous land cover is patchily
distributed, with concentrations in the SE and NE
subregions including the eastern shore of Georgian
Bay (Ecoregion 5E), the west-central parts of
Ecoregions 4E and 5E and the northern edge of
Ecoregion 4S.

Figure 15: Coniferous forest cover in ON BCR 12 by ecoregion (satellite data).
60%
50%
40%
% land cover
30%
20%
10%
0%
3E 4E 5E 4W 4S 5S Total
by Ecoregion
Dense Coniferous Mixed Coniferous Sparse Coniferous
Figure 16: Area of coniferous forest by provincial forest type, by ecoregion (FRI data).
7000
6500
6000
5500
5000
4500
Area (1000 ha)
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
3E* 4E 5E 4W 4S* 5S
Ecoregion
Lowland Conifers Jack Pine Upland Conifers White & Red Pine
Notes: Data are for the entire extent of each ecoregion; substantial parts of Ecoregions 3E and 4S (indicated
by *) are outside the boundaries of ON BCR 12. Mixedwood includes mixed deciduous and mixed coniferous
forests.
Source: OMNR 2002.

forest landbirds, particularly finches. Coniferous trees x Pre- and post-harvest silvicultural treatments
also provide winter cover for some permanent (prescription fires, brush management) that
resident landbirds, including grouse and owls (Naylor affect conifer regeneration;
et al. 2004b; OMNR 1998a). Some forest raptors x Frequency and control of budworm and other
preferentially build their nests in conifers such as insect outbreaks;
super-canopy pine trees (OMNR 1998a). x Amount of mature and old-growth forest;
x Legacy of past forest management practices,
The distribution of some less abundant coniferous which changed age class structure and did not
tree species (OMNR 2002) is also important to retain adequate supply of important habitat
coniferous forest landbirds because of links to food features such as snags, downed woody debris,
and/or habitat preferences. Balsam Fir, a key factor in etc.;
spruce budworm outbreaks, is common throughout x Fire suppression, which has altered the forest
ON BCR 12. Hemlock is most common in Ecoregion composition and increased the potential for
5E and is rare or absent elsewhere. Larch is catastrophic fires;
widespread but patchy. White Cedar is present x Forest type conversion to reverse past conversion
locally in lowland areas. of pine and hemlock stands to deciduous and
mixed forest types; and
6.3.2 Current Conditions and Outlook x Impacts of climate change, including short-term
The current coniferous forest composition and age impacts of weather patterns that affect insect and
class structure in most parts of this region is a legacy disease populations, and longer-term impacts on
of past forest management, which did not necessarily disturbance regimes and forest composition.
seek to emulate natural disturbance regimes. The
distribution of White Pine forests in particular has 6.4 Conservation Objectives for Priority
been affected, as this species has been intensively Coniferous Forest Landbirds
harvested since the 1700s and many areas in eastern
Species-level objectives for priority coniferous forest
Ontario that were formerly dominated by pine forest
landbirds are presented in the priority species
currently support mixed hardwood forests
accounts (Appendix F) and summarized in Table 13.
(Thompson 2000). Remnant stands of old-growth
pine forest have been protected in parts of BCR 12. It
6.4.1 Overall Objectives
will take many decades before the overall forest
composition, configuration and age classes reflect the For most of the priority coniferous landbirds, the
1994 change in forest management policy that overall conservation objective is simply to:
required Crown forest harvesting to emulate natural
disturbance patterns. Maintain the abundance and distribution of priority
coniferous forest landbird populations in ON BCR
Fire and effective forest management are particularly 12 within the range of natural variation by
important to the regeneration of upland coniferous maintaining the overall supply of coniferous forest
forests, including White Pine, Red Pine and Jack Pine habitats in each ecoregion within the ERNV.
forests. Spruce budworm cycles, which greatly
influence landbird populations, are driven by the To implement this conceptual objective, habitat and
availability and distribution of mature Balsam Fir and monitoring objectives are set for most priority
spruce forest. coniferous forest landbirds. Regional population
objectives (section 6.4.3) are set for only one
6.3.3 Factors Affecting Coniferous Forest coniferous forest species: Purple Finch.
Habitat
Many of the factors affecting deciduous forest habitat
(see section 5.3) also affect coniferous forests. For most of the priority species in this guild, the main
Factors affecting coniferous forest habitats that are conservation objective is to:
particularly relevant to landbird populations (Table
12) in the region include: Maintain the supply of suitable coniferous forest
x Current forest harvesting prescriptions, habitat in each ecoregion within the estimated range
especially choice of harvest method, patch of natural variation through a combination of
size/configuration and rotation cycles; natural disturbances and forest management
practices that emulate natural disturbance patterns.

This coarse filter, landscape-level approach assumes This region has a high responsibility for contributing
that the availability of suitable coniferous forest to PIF continent-level population objectives for two
habitats is the main factor limiting populations of Species of Continental Importance with more than
most coniferous forest landbirds in this region. As 5% of their global population in ON BCR 12: the
long as their breeding habitat objectives (i.e., the continental objective for Blackburnian Warbler and
amount of suitable habitat exceeds a minimum Black-throated Green Warbler is to maintain their
threshold) can be satisfied, then presumably the current populations in North America. This region
species’ populations will be adequately conserved has a lower responsibility for contributing to the PIF
within their ERNV. continent-level population objective for Bay-breasted
Warbler (increase population in North America by
Fine filters are needed only for the Great Gray Owl to 50%), as only about 3% of its global population
ensure that the configuration of suitable habitat meets breeds in ON BCR 12.
its particular spatial requirements (e.g., proximity of
suitable mature forest patches to open hunting areas) 6.4.4 Monitoring Objectives
and nest site requirements (stick nests or large broken The monitoring objective set for most priority
snags). coniferous forest species is to maintain current
monitoring capability, as indicated in Appendix H.
6.4.3 Population Objectives Current monitoring coverage is considered adequate
Purple Finch is the only priority species in this guild for evaluating whether the proposed ERNV habitat-
with a regional population objective. This species is based conservation objective for these species is
of high regional concern as it has experienced a indeed effective in achieving the overall objective.
severe population decline in ON BCR 12 and Red Crossbill is poorly monitored by BBS because of
moderate rangewide declines during the past 35 its nomadic tendencies and atypical nesting period.
years, with reasons for this decline unknown. This Great Gray Owl is not monitored by the BBS and is
plan establishes a population objective of halting this only poorly monitored by the Ontario Nocturnal Owl
decline and at least maintaining current abundance Survey, so an objective of improved monitoring has
and distribution levels for Purple Finch in the Ontario been set for this species.
portion of BCR 12 (Table 13).
6.4.5 Conservation Focus
No specific population objectives have been set for Research is needed to determine the cause of
the Great Gray Owl but any long-term decline would population declines in Purple Finch and to identify
be of concern. actions to halt these declines. The regional population
status of the two poorly monitored species, Great
Gray Owl and Red Crossbill, should be assessed
every five to 10 years. Population trends for the other
priority coniferous forest species should be
periodically reviewed to ensure that population trends
are not diverging significantly from habitat supply.
6.5 Recommended Conservation Actions

Many of the conservation actions for deciduous forest
© Michael Butler
landbirds (section 5.5) also apply to coniferous forest

landbirds. Only additional actions are listed here.
6.5.1 Monitoring
x Periodically assess the status of species that are
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER
not adequately monitored by the BBS or other

surveys, including Great Gray Owl and Red
Crossbill.
6.5.2 Research and Evaluation

x Promote demographic and habitat research to
identify cause(s) of the severe long-term decline
of Purple Finch in this region.

Table 12: Summary of habitat needs of priority coniferous forest landbirds in ON BCR 12.
Preferred Forest Landscape Site

Priority Species Breeding Habitat Description Stand Age Stand Features
Types Features* Features
Conifer or mixed forest, with Balsam Fir Coniferous or Mature Balsam Fir,
Bay-breasted Warbler Mature to Old
and Black Spruce Mixed Black Spruce
Mixed, coniferous or deciduous forest, with Mixed or

Blackburnian Warbler Mature to Old Mature hemlock
a preference for mature hemlock Coniferous Patch size >50 ha
Black-throated Green Dense mixed forest, also coniferous or Mixed or Well developed
Patch size >30 ha Mature to Old
Warbler open woods and wet cedar swamps Deciduous understorey layer
Mature lowland coniferous and deciduous Coniferous Well developed
Connecticut Warbler Lowland sites Mature to Old
forests with well developed understorey Lowland or Mixed understorey layer
Stick nests or
broken
Patch size
snags;
Mature spruce and poplar stands adjacent >100 ha;
Coniferous or Mature spruce or Hunting
Great Gray Owl to open fens, bogs, meadows or clear-cuts Proximity to open Mature to Old
Mixed poplar stands perches;
with hunting perches wetlands or
Prey (voles,
meadows
rodents,
birds)
Prefers coniferous woodland, but will also

breed in mixed forest, edge of bogs, Coniferous, Mixed
Purple Finch Mature to Old
deciduous forests and a range of or Deciduous
plantations or open woodland settings
The type that breeds in ON BCR 12

prefers mature to old coniferous forest with
Coniferous or Immature to White Pine
Red Crossbill >70% White Pine, but will also breed in >40% White Pine
Mixed Coniferous Old seed crop
younger pine forests with a large (>40%)
White Pine component
Notes: See species accounts, Appendix F, for additional details and key references.
* The patch size requirements presented in this table are typically based on studies done in highly fragmented landscapes and may not apply to the mostly
forested landscape of ON BCR 12.

Table 13: Summary of conservation objectives and conservation focus for priority coniferous forest landbirds in ON BCR 12.
Priority
Population Objective Habitat Objective Monitoring Objective Conservation Focus
Species
Fine Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain adequate
supply of suitable habitat across the landscape as
per the Landscape Guide and/or as predicted by Improve current Assess Status:
Great Gray Assess Status monitoring capability by Periodically assess population status
OMNR habitat supply models
Owl No regional population objective improving the Ontario using all available data sets (Owl
Fine Filter; Site Scale: Protect active primary, Nocturnal Owl Survey Survey, BBA, CBC)
alternate and inactive nests as per direction for rare
stick-nesting raptors in the Site/Stand Guide
Maintain Current Maintain current
Halt decline and maintain current population monitoring
Purple Finch
(2000-04) BBS (2000–04) and BBA capability across ON
BCR 12 Research:
(2001-05) breeding populations Investigate factors causing regional
population decline
Maintain or enhance
Connecticut current population
Warbler monitoring capability
Maintain within the ERNV across ON BCR 12
Contribute to PIF continental objective Evaluate Trend:
of increasing population by 50% Maintain current Periodically evaluate the population
No regional population objective population monitoring status of this species in ON BCR 12
Bay-breasted
capability in ON BCR using all available data (BBS, BBA
Warbler
Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain availability 12 and improve BBS and migration monitoring data) and
of suitable breeding habitat across the landscape data analysis compare to trends in budworm
within ERNV as per the Landscape Guide and/or as outbreaks and habitat availability
predicted by OMNR habitat models
Maintain current
Blackburnian population monitoring
Warbler Maintain within the ERNV capability across ON Evaluate Trend:
BCR 12 Periodically review and evaluate
Contribute to PIF continental objective
population trend relative to habitat
of maintaining current population
Black- Maintain or improve availability using current BBS and
throated No regional population objective current population BBA data
Green monitoring capability
Warbler across ON BCR 12
Assess Status:
Improve current
Maintain within the ERNV Periodically assess the status of this
population monitoring
Red Crossbill species in ON BCR 12 using all
No regional population objective capability in ON BCR
available data (BBS, BBA, CBC,
12, if feasible
PFW)
Note: ERNV: Estiamted Range of Natural Varitation (see Box 6). See priority species accounts (Appendix F) for additional details.

7 Conservation of Successional Forest Landbirds
population occurring in BCR 12 (Table 14). Three of
7.1 Successional Forest Landbirds these species have 10% or more of their total
Early successional forests provide habitat for population breeding in the Ontario portion of BCR 12
landbird species that prefer open forests with dense (Table 14). The Kirtland’s Warbler breeding range is
shrub layers and open shrubby areas, including post- completely within BCR 12, but does not regularly
fire and post-logging forest habitats. There is some extend into the Ontario portion of the BCR.
overlap in habitat use between early successional
forest landbirds and some of the landbirds associated 7.1.1 Priority Landbirds Breeding in
with non-forested upland sites, as described in Successional Habitats
Chapter 9. Seven (14%) of the priority landbirds are included in
the successional forest guild (Table 15). Other
The species in this guild rely on disturbed forest priority species that use non-forested
habitats and therefore are vulnerable to forest shrub/successional habitats, including old fields and
management practices that change disturbance natural rock barrens, are covered in Chapter 9.
regimes. Fire suppression limits the creation of early
successional habitats, but this is offset by forest All priority species in this guild are migratory,
harvesting. Intensive silvicultural management to occurring regularly in ON BCR 12 during the
hasten forest regeneration may also result in a net breeding season only.
reduction in the amount of early successional habitat
but is not currently considered a significant threat. If BCR 12 has a very high stewardship responsibility
intensive forest management becomes more for Kirtland’s Warbler because the entire breeding
widespread in this region, threat scores for many range of this Endangered species is restricted to this
species in this guild may need to be upgraded (from BCR (Tables 14 and 15). Although breeding has not
low to moderate). been confirmed in the Canadian portion of BCR 12,
the species is considered a potential breeder in ON
This BCR comprises a core breeding range for eight BCR 12, and any breeding pairs in Ontario would be
successional landbird species that occur at very high of high conservation concern and in need of
relative densities (RD=5) in this region and/or have protection.
10% of more of their total
Table 14: Successional forest landbirds with 10% of global population breeding or wintering and/or
Breeding Wintering
Species Relative % G pop % G pop Relative % G pop % G pop
Density BCR 12 ON BCR 12 Density BCR 12 ON BCR 12
Kirtland’s Warbler 5 100% 0%
Chestnut-sided Warbler 5 37% 17%
Golden-winged Warbler 5 76% 16%
Black-billed Cuckoo 5 22% 10%
Mourning Warbler 5 20% 7%
Nashville Warbler 5 24% 7%
White-throated Sparrow 5 11% 3%
Chipping Sparrow 5 6% 2%
Notes: Except for Kirtland’s Warbler, species are listed by decreasing % of global population in ON BCR 12. Priority species
shown in Boldface. % G pop BCR 12 = Estimated % of the global breeding or wintering population occurring in BCR 12. % G
pop ON BCR 12 = Estimated % of global breeding or wintering population occurring in Ontario portion of BCR 12.

Table 15: Successional forest priority landbirds in ON BCR 12, with reasons for priority status.
Concern Stewardship At Risk
Priority Species Add. Species of
Cont Reg Cont Reg CA ON Mgmt Interest
Black-billed Cuckoo Y
Chestnut-sided Warbler Y Y
Golden-winged Warbler Y Y TH
Kirtland’s Warbler Y Y Y EN EN
Mourning Warbler Y Y
Nashville Warbler Y
White-throated Sparrow Y
Interest = Additional Species of Regional Management Interest. EN = Endangered, UR = Under review by COSEWIC. See
Appendix C for details on priority assessment methods.
Golden-winged Warbler is of Continental Concern Some areas are inherently more prone to certain types
owing to its high vulnerability and rangewide of natural disturbances, but there is a high degree of
population decline, and is also a Regional uncertainty and unpredictability associated with
Stewardship species because a high proportion (16%) large-scale disturbances, which are very infrequent
of its global breeding population occurs in ON BCR but ecologically important in the Great Lakes – St.
12. In 2006, this species was designated Threatened Lawrence Forest Region (Thompson 2000).
in Canada by COSEWIC (2007a).
Many successional forest habitats in this region are
Four other successional forest species (Table 15) are the result of anthropogenic disturbances, particularly
Continental Stewardship species found in the as a result of extensive forest management, and also
Northern Forest Avifaunal Biome. Two of these in managed rights-of-way crossing through forested
(Chestnut-sided Warbler, Mourning Warbler) are also areas. Post-logging successional communities differ
Regional Stewardship species because of a greatly depending on the site, forest type, harvest
combination of high relative density and declining or method and post-harvest silvicultural treatments.
uncertain population trend scores. Several of the species in this guild are also found in
other anthropogenic or natural shrubby upland
Black-billed Cuckoo is a Regional Stewardship habitats, such as old fields and rock barrens, that are
species owing to a combination of high relative included in Chapter 9.
density and elevated vulnerability scores.
7.2.2 Current Conditions
Two of the priority species in this guild (Kirtland’s Information on the current extent of successional
Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler) have specific forest habitat in this region is less complete than for
habitat requirements, but most will use a wide range more mature forest habitats because it is harder to
of shrub-dominated habitats created by natural or measure and can quickly become outdated. Many
anthropogenic disturbances (Table 16). successional habitat patches are too small to be
distinguished in land cover classifications derived
7.2 Successional Forest Habitats from satellite data, and are often included in the
sparse deciduous and sparse coniferous land cover
7.2.1 Description classes (see Figures 13 and 15 in Chapters 5 and 6).
As used in this plan, the term successional forest
includes all regenerating forests at the pre-sapling Large blocks of disturbed forest, including recent and
and sapling development stages. Successional forest old cuts and burns, comprised about 7% of the land
habitats are particularly varied, as they can result cover in ON BCR 12 in the 1990s (OLC data, 1990s
from one or more disturbance processes affecting any edition). Across the region, the proportion of
of the deciduous or coniferous forest types described disturbed (cut and burn) forest ranges from just over
in Chapters 5 and 6. 1% in the SE subregion to about 10% in the NE
subregion and closer to 15% in the W subregion.

Successional forest habitats are inherently ephemeral, 7.2.3 Issues Affecting Successional Forest
maturing into forest after a period ranging from about Species
10 to 30 years, depending on the site conditions and The two main issues facing successional forest birds
management treatments. Many of these disturbed and their habitats are:
land cover areas present in the 1990s mapping will x Forest management practices that directly
have matured into young forest by now, and many influence the amount, distribution and
new disturbed areas will have been created. composition of successional forest habitats; and
x Fire suppression practices that limit the amount
The proportion of forest in the 0- to 20-year age of fire-dependent successional habitat created,
class, according to Forest Resource Inventory (FRI) including the early successional Jack Pine forest
data, is also quite variable across ON BCR 12, type required by Kirtland’s Warbler.
ranging from 5% in the SE subregion (Ecoregion 5E)
to more than 15% in the W subregion (Figure 17). Further research is needed to better understand how
differences between natural and anthropogenic
Temporal variation in the amount of successional disturbances affect the resulting successional forest
habitats must also be considered, as the extent and habitat and successional forest bird populations.
nature of natural and anthropogenic disturbances Issues that may become more important in the future
have varied considerably in the past. High variability include:
in the amount of successional forest habitats, and the
x Intensive forest management practices, such as
landbirds that depend on them, is to be expected
the use of herbicides to control shrub growth
given current understanding of the variability in
following harvesting; and
natural disturbance rates in this region. Most
x The impact of climate change on forest
landbirds in this guild have adapted to this variability
regeneration.
and are quick to colonize newly created habitat
patches.
Figure 17: Proportion of forest in 0- to 20-year age class in ON BCR 12, by ecoregion (FRI data).
30%
25%
20%
Percentage
15%
10%
5%
0%
3E * 4E 5E 4W 4S * 5S
E c o re g io n
"0 -20 A g e C la s s "
Note: The information presented in this chart is for the entire extent of each ecoregions: substantial parts of Ecoregions 3E and 4S
(indicated with *) are outside the boundaries of ON BCR 12.
Source: OMNR 2002.

7.3 Conservation Objectives for Priority distribution of this species’ preferred habitat is not
Successional Forest Landbirds available. Kirtland’s Warbler has very specialized
Conservation objectives for the priority landbird habitat needs that require fine filter habitat objectives
species in this guild are presented in the species (to be determined in the SAR recovery strategy).
accounts (Appendix F) and summarized in Table 17.
7.3.3 Population Objectives
7.3.1 Overall Objectives Regional population objectives are proposed for one
For most of the priority landbirds in this habitat suite, priority species in this guild: Golden-winged
the overall conservation objective is simply to: Warbler.
Maintain the abundance and distribution of priority Golden-winged Warbler is a high conservation
successional forest landbird populations in ON BCR priority in ON BCR 12, as it is a species of
12 within the range of natural variation by Continental Concern due to a rangewide population
maintaining the overall supply of successional forest decline (Rich et al. 2004), of high regional
habitats in each ecoregion within the ERNV. stewardship responsibility and now designated as
Threatened in Canada. Pending completion of a
To implement this conceptual objective, habitat and recovery strategy for this species, this plan
monitoring objectives are set for most priority early establishes an interim population objective of at least
successional forest landbirds. Population objectives maintaining the current abundance and distribution
are set for only one priority successional forest levels for Golden-winged Warbler in ON BCR 12.
landbird, Golden-winged Warbler. The current population estimate for ON BCR 12,
based on the 2000–2004 average BBS Index, is
The overall objective for Kirtland’s Warbler is estimated at 18 000 birds (accuracy of the population
recovery, in accordance with objectives established in estimate is considered poor; see Appendix G). The
the national recovery strategy for this Endangered regional population trend is uncertain, but the BBS
species. Since there are no confirmed historic or indices suggest that the population increased between
current breeding records for this species in Ontario 1970 and 1996 and has since declined (see species
(probable breeding evidence at best), the discovery of account in Appendix F). Breeding distribution
a breeding population in ON BCR 12 would indicate changes since the first atlas (1981–85) indicate a
a significant expansion of the breeding range of this decline, particularly in the SE subregion, where the
globally Threatened species. distribution has dropped from 38% to 23% of atlas
squares.
Any increase in regional populations of Golden-
For most of the successional forest priority species, winged Warbler or Kirtland’s Warbler would
the main conservation objective is to: contribute to PIF continent-level objectives of
increasing continental populations of these Watch
Maintain the supply of suitable successional forest List species by 50% (Rich et al. 2004). This region
habitat in each ecoregion within the estimated range has a particular responsibility for contributing to the
of natural variation through a combination of
Golden-winged Warbler continental objective, as
natural disturbances and forest management 16% of the global population occurs in ON BCR 12.
practices that emulate natural disturbance and
regeneration patterns.
7.3.4 Monitoring Objectives
This coarse filter, landscape-level approach assumes Monitoring objectives are set for all priority
that the availability of suitable successional forest successional forest species (Table 17). For most of
habitats is the main factor limiting populations of the priority species in this guild, current BBS
most successional forest landbirds in this region. As monitoring coverage (see Appendix H) is considered
long as the breeding habitat objective (i.e., the adequate for evaluating whether achieving the ERNV
amount of suitable habitat exceeds a minimum habitat-based conservation objective set for these
threshold) can be satisfied, then presumably the species is effective in maintaining their population
species’ populations will be adequately conserved within the ERNV. The monitoring objective for these
within their ERNV. species is to maintain current monitoring capability
(as measured in Appendix H).
No habitat objective is set for Golden-winged
Warbler, as information on the amount and

Two species in this guild, Kirtland’s Warbler and 7.5.3 Outreach/Education
Golden-winged Warbler, are not well monitored by
the Breeding Bird Survey. The monitoring objective x Promote the development and use of best
for Kirtland’s Warbler is to conduct periodic surveys management practice guidelines for the
of suitable habitat to detect the presence of a breeding conservation of priority shrubland birds, such as
population. Monitoring of Golden-winged Warbler Golden-winged Warbler, on managed shrublands
populations is difficult because of song sharing and (e.g., roadsides and utility corridors).
hybridization with the closely related Blue-winged x Promote the development of educational
Warbler. More detailed surveys of the core breeding materials for rural landowners and land
range are needed to assess the status of Golden- managers to raise public awareness of the
winged Warbler populations. conservation value of “scrubby” lands (e.g.,
Birds on the Farm booklet by McGauley 2004).
The status of all the priority successional forest
species should be reviewed periodically (every five to x Encourage ranchers to adjust the timing and
10 years) to ensure that population trends are not duration of livestock grazing to minimize
diverging significantly from habitat supply. adverse effects on shrubland birds and habitats.
7.4 Conservation Focus

The main conservation focus for the priority
landbirds in this guild is to evaluate population trends
relative to habitat availability to ensure that these
trends are not diverging. Recovery planning is
needed for Kirtland’s Warbler. Improved monitoring
is the conservation focus for Golden-winged Warbler.
7.5 Recommended Conservation Actions
7.5.1 Monitoring
x Maintain or enhance existing landbird

monitoring programs, especially the BBS and
BBA.
x Maintain or improve successional forest habitat
mapping across ON BCR 12.
x Periodically assess (every five years) the
population status of Kirtland’s Warbler and
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO
Golden-winged Warbler.
x Research habitat partitioning between Blue-

winged Warbler and Golden-winged Warbler in
areas of overlap, and conduct genetic analyses to
assess degree of interbreeding.
© Simon Dodsworth
x Promote research to better understand how

differences between natural and anthropogenic
disturbances (e.g., fire versus logging) affect the
resulting successional forest habitat and
successional forest bird populations.

Table 16: Summary of habitat needs of priority successional forest landbirds in ON BCR 12.
Preferred Forest
Priority Species Breeding Habitat Description Landscape Features Stand Age Stand Features Site Features
Types
Early successional deciduous forests,

Pre-sapling to Prey (caterpillar)
Black-billed Cuckoo deciduous thickets, riparian and forest Deciduous
Immature abundance
edge settings
Shrubby, early successional deciduous

woodlands near mature forest stands;
Chestnut-sided includes regenerating shelterwood cuts, Pre-sapling to Dense shrub
Deciduous
Warbler clear-cuts, burns, forest edges, riparian Sapling layer
thickets and successional old-field
habitats
Disturbed or natural shrub and early

Small, open
successional habitats, including
Golden-winged Deciduous or Pre-sapling to shrubby patch Dense patches of
regenerating abandoned fields, clear
Warbler Mixed Sapling with treed forbs and shrubs
cuts, utility rights-of-way, alder thickets
perimeter
and bogs
Minimum patch size of Jack Pine clumps

Extensive stands of young, even-aged Coniferous, Fire- >20 ha; higher 2–7 m high,
Kirtland’s Warbler Sapling
Jack Pine dependent productivity in patches interspersed with
>200 ha grassy areas
Shrubby, mesic forest clearings and

forest edges, including burned or cut- Dense ground
Mixed, Deciduous Pre-sapling to
Mourning Warbler over areas with saplings and brambles, cover and shrub
or Coniferous Sapling
utility rights-of-way, margins of swamps layer
and riparian areas
Wet, open, regenerating coniferous,

deciduous or mixed woods; will also Coniferous,
Pre-sapling to
Nashville Warbler breed in cedar or spruce swamps and Deciduous or
Sapling
dry or moist overgrown pastures with Mixed
scattered trees and shrubs
A wide range of settings, including

coniferous or mixed, semi-open forests,
Semi-open older
White-throated old burns and cutovers with some Coniferous or Pre-sapling to
forest with low
Sparrow regeneration and slash piles, brushy Mixed Sapling
understorey layer
clearings and borders of bogs and
beaver meadows

Table 17: Summary of conservation objectives and conservation focus for priority successional forest landbirds in ON BCR 12.
Priority Monitoring
Population Objective Habitat Objective Conservation Focus
Species Objective
Fine Filter; Landscape Level: Maintain supply of
suitable habitat within the ERNV (or as specified in
the recovery strategy) using a spatial habitat
Recovery Periodic surveys to
suitability model Recovery:
To be determined in SAR recovery strategy check for presence
Kirtland’s Implement a SAR national
Fine Filter; Stand Level: Maintain supply of preferred of breeding birds in
Warbler Contribute to PIF continental population recovery strategy for this
habitat (young stands of Jack Pine >20 ha) using areas of suitable
objective of recovery plans Endangered species
appropriate stand management prescriptions habitat
Fine Filter; Site Level: Protect breeding habitat as per
direction in the Site/Stand Guide
Recovery
Periodic surveys of
Recovery, as determined by a national recovery
suitable breeding
strategy for this species (to be prepared) Monitoring:
habitat and/or
Improve monitoring by
Interim Objective: Maintain Current improve current
Golden-winged promoting participation in
Halt decline and maintain population abundance No regional habitat objective population
Warbler Golden-winged Warbler atlas
and distribution levels at or above current BBS monitoring
project and/or conducting
(2002-04) and BBA (2001-05) levels capability in SE
periodic surveys
subregion of ON
Contribute to PIF continental objective of
BCR 12
increasing population by 100%
Maintain current Evaluate Trend:

Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain availability landbird monitoring Periodically review and
Black-billed Maintain within the ERNV of suitable breeding habitat across the landscape capability in ON evaluate population trend
Cuckoo No regional population objective within ERNV as per the Landscape Guide and/or as BCR 12 and relative to habitat availability
predicted by OMNR habitat models improve BBS data and insect outbreaks using
analysis current data
Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain availability
of suitable breeding habitat across the landscape
within ERNV as per the Landscape Guide and/or as
Chestnut-sided predicted by OMNR habitat models
Warbler
Maintain within the ERNV Coarse Filter; Stand Scale: Maintain availability of Maintain current Evaluate Trend:
suitable nest trees per the ‘wildlife tree direction; in population Periodically review and
Contribute to PIF continental population
the Site/Stand Guide abundance evaluate regional population
objective of maintaining current population
Mourning monitoring trend in relative to habitat
Warbler capability in ON availability using all available
No regional population objective Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain availability BCR 12 data sets
Nashville of suitable breeding habitat across the landscape
Warbler within ERNV as per the Landscape Guide and/or as
predicted by OMNR habitat models
White-throated
Sparrow
Notes: ERNV = Estimated Range of Natural Variation (see Box 6). See priority species accounts (Appendix F) for more details.

8 Conservation of Landbirds in Wetland and Riparian Habitats
8.1 Landbirds Associated with Wetland and All priority wetland/riparian species are present
Riparian Habitats during the breeding season. Small numbers of some
Relatively few landbird species in this region are species (Short-eared Owl, Bald Eagle) may be
closely associated with non-forested lowland areas present during the winter.
such as open and treed wetlands (marshes, bogs,
fens), beaver meadows, riparian areas and shorelines. Three of the priority species in this guild (Olive-sided
Fish-eating landbirds, such as Osprey, Bald Eagle Flycatcher, Red-headed Woodpecker and Rusty
and Belted Kingfisher, are the most dependent on Blackbird) are of Continental and Regional Concern
wetland and riparian habitats. owing to a combination of high vulnerability scores
and rangewide and regional population declines
Several forest-associated landbirds (e.g., Red- (Table 19). Red-headed Woodpecker and Rusty
shouldered Hawk, Connecticut Warbler) prefer forest Blackbird are already identified as a Species at Risk
habitats that are close to wetland and riparian in the Special Concern category. And a new status
features. Wetland and riparian habitats are also report on Olive-sided Flycatcher is currently under
important to landbirds that forage in open areas (e.g., review by COSEWIC.
Peregrine Falcon and aerial foragers). Most
wetland/riparian landbirds are migratory. The two riparian swallow species (Table 19) are of
Regional Concern owing to severe population
Shoreline and riparian habitats, particularly along the declines for unknown reasons, as is the case with the
shores of the Great Lakes, are also critically overall aerial-foraging insectivore guild to which
important to many landbird species during migration. they belong (see Chapter 10).
BCR 12 comprises a core breeding range for four The four wetland/riparian species with high relative
wetland/riparian landbird species that occur at very densities (Table 18) are all priority species for
high relative densities in this region (Table 18). None stewardship reasons, including a Continental
of these species has at least 10% of its total Stewardship species: Swamp Sparrow (Table 19).
population in ON BCR 12.
Bald Eagle and Short-eared Owl are Species at Risk
8.1.1 Priority Landbirds in Wetland and that are associated with wetland and riparian areas.
Riparian Habitats Short-eared Owl also is found in agricultural areas in
this BCR.
Eleven (22%) of the priority landbirds are associated
with wetland, riparian and/or shoreline habitats Several species in this guild have specialized habitat
(Table 19). This small guild comprises a needs, including special nest site requirements (Table
disproportionately high number of priority species. 20).
Table 18: Wetland and riparian landbirds with 10% of global population breeding or wintering and/or
Breeding Wintering
Species RD % G pop % G pop ON RD % G pop % G pop ON
Score BCR 12 BCR 12 Score BCR 12 BCR 12
Swamp Sparrow 5 12% 5%
Common Yellowthroat 5 11% 4%
Belted Kingfisher 5 7% 3%
Sedge Wren 5 21% 1%
Notes: Species are listed by decreasing % of global population in ON BCR 12. Priority species shown in Boldface. % G pop
BCR 12 = Estimated % of the global breeding or wintering population occurring in BCR 12. % G pop ON BCR 12 = Estimate %
of global breeding or wintering population occurring in Ontario portion of BCR 12.

Table 19: Priority landbirds in wetland and riparian habitats in ON BCR 12, with reasons for
priority status.
Priority Species
Cont Reg Cont Reg CA ON of Mgmt
Interest
Bald Eagle EN/SC
Bank Swallow Y
Belted Kingfisher Y
Common Yellowthroat Y
Swallow Y
Olive-sided Flycatcher Y Y UR
Red-headed Woodpecker Y Y SC SC
Rusty Blackbird Y Y SC
Sedge Wren Y
Short-eared Owl SC SC
Swamp Sparrow Y
Interest = Additional Species of Regional Management Interest. EN = Endangered, SC = Special Concern, UR = Under review by
COSEWIC. See Appendix C for details.
8.2 Wetland/Riparian Habitats in ON BCR 12 limited, as these habitats are not included in the
Forest Resource Inventory. Ontario Land Cover data
8.2.1 Description provide a snapshot of wetland distribution in the
Wetland habitats included in this guild consist of 1990s, although small wetland features are under-
marsh and meadow marsh, treed and open bogs and detected by the satellite data.
fens. These are all considered non-forest, or at least
non-productive forest, habitats. Treed wetlands with Wetland and riparian habitats generally are
commercially productive forests (e.g., lowland considered fairly stable elements of the landscape.
coniferous forests or swamps) are included as forest Small, shallow wetland habitats, such as wet
habitats rather than wetlands. meadows, are affected by short- and long-term
fluctuations in precipitation and climate. Dams and
Treed and open wetlands comprise only 3% of the other water control structures affect upstream and
overall land cover in ON BCR 12 and are widely downstream shoreline and riparian habitats.
distributed across the region (Figure 18). Wetlands in
this region typically occur as small isolated inliers 8.2.3 Factors Affecting Wetland and
within the forested landscape and are often associated Riparian Habitats and Landbirds
with riparian or shoreline features. Natural and anthropogenic factors affecting wetland
and riparian habitats in this region:
Riparian and shoreline habitats are linear features
x Shorelines are under intensive development
defined by the landscape, and can include forest and
pressure in some areas, particularly for cottages
non-forest habitats. Innumerable inland lakes and
in the SE subregion.
streams dot the landscape, and inland open waters
comprise 17% of the total area of ON BCR 12. x Riparian habitats are affected by flood control
Beaver meadows are riparian features of particular and hydro-electric developments and by the
importance to non-forest landbirds. cumulative impacts of habitat alteration in the
watershed.
8.2.2 Current Conditions
x Climate change models indicate that wetland and
Information on the amount and distribution of riparian habitats in this area could be affected by
wetland and riparian habitats in ON BCR 12 is greater fluctuations in precipitation, stream flow,

an increased number of high flow and storm 8.3.1 Overall Objectives
events and lower lake levels. Fine filter conservation objectives have been set for
x Increased ultraviolet radiation and acid rain may many of the priority wetland/riparian species. These
affect amphibian and aquatic insect populations, objectives differ from the coarse filter habitat-based
including the aquatic stages of many flying objectives that were set for most priority species in
insects. the forest habitat guilds.
x Water clarity directly affects the suitability of The overall objective for the six species that have
aquatic habitats for foraging by fish-eating experienced severe declines (Bank Swallow,
landbirds. Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Belted Kingfisher,
x The concentration of persistent contaminants in Olive-sided Flycatcher, Rusty Blackbird and Red-
the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems (and headed Woodpecker) is to reverse these declines.
wintering grounds) is of particular concern to
long-lived raptors, including Bald Eagle and The overall objective for the Bald Eagles breeding
Peregrine Falcon populations. south of the French and Mattawa River system is
recovery. The objective for Bald Eagle north of this
x Forest management guidelines that leave buffer boundary and Short-eared Owl is to periodically
strips of mature forest along all riparian and assess status of their populations.
shoreline features do not adequately emulate
natural disturbance processes, which The overall objective for the other three priority
occasionally cross over these features creating species (Common Yellowthroat, Sedge Wren and
successional shrub and tree growth in riparian Swamp Sparrow) is to maintain populations within
zones that is important to beaver, waterfowl and the ERNV, using population levels over the past 35
some landbirds. years as an indication of the range of variation.
8.3 Conservation Objectives for Priority 8.3.2 Habitat Objectives

Wetland/Riparian Landbirds Habitat objectives cannot be set for most species in
Conservation objectives for the priority landbird the wetland/riparian guild, as information on the
species in this guild are presented in the species amount and distribution of their preferred habitat
accounts (Appendix F) and summarized in Table 21. types is not generally available. The one exception is
Figure
8%
18: Distribution of wetland habitats in ON BCR 12, by ecoregion.
7%
6%
5%
% land cover
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%
3E 4E 5E 4W 4S 5S
by Ecoregion
Treed Wetland Open Wetland

Bald Eagle, where spatial habitat models can be used breeding season, such as loss or alteration of
in combination with land cover or Forest Resource wintering habitat.
Inventory data to identify areas of potential habitat.
For the other priority species in this guild, the
Fine filter site- or stand-level objectives are needed to conservation focus is to track their status, including
protect existing nest sites and ensure supply of periodic status assessments for the three species at
potential nest sites for several wetland/riparian risk, and to monitor breeding population trends for
species. the three stewardship species that are not
experiencing severe declines.
8.3.3 Population Objectives
This plan establishes regional population objectives 8.5 Recommended Conservation Actions
for five declining species in this guild. In each
instance, the proposed population objective is based 8.5.1 Monitoring
on past population abundance and distribution levels,
as measured by BBS abundance indices during the x Maintain or enhance existing landbird
1970s, and the BBA1 distribution during 1981–85. monitoring programs, especially the BBS and
BBA.
Any increase in regional populations of Olive-sided x Improve monitoring of wetland-associated birds,
Flycatcher, Rusty Blackbird, Red-headed including Olive-sided Flycatcher and Rusty
Woodpecker and Short-eared Owl would contribute Blackbird, by conducting off-road point-count
to PIF continent-level objectives of increasing surveys to sample remote wetland habitats as
continental population of each species by 100% (Rich part of a boreal bird monitoring program.
et al. 2004). This region has a relatively low
conservation responsibility for these Watch List x Periodically assess (every five to 10 years) the
species. population status of Bald Eagle, Red-headed
Woodpecker and Short-eared Owl.
8.3.4 Monitoring Objectives
Monitoring objectives are set for all priority
wetland/riparian landbirds. For most species, the x Research is needed to understand the factors
monitoring objective is to maintain or improve causing regional and rangewide declines in
current monitoring capability, as indicated in several wetland/riparian species, including Bank
Appendix H. Breeding season surveys in remote Swallow, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Rough-
wetland habitats are needed to improve regional winged Swallow, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Rusty
monitoring capability for several wetland species, Blackbird and Red-headed Woodpecker.
including Olive-sided Flycatcher and Rusty
Blackbird. x Evaluate effectiveness of the OMNR beaver
habitat supply model in tracking habitat supply
Demographic monitoring is proposed for the two for priority wetland/riparian landbirds.
declining swallow species (see Chapter 10 for
additional details). 8.5.3 Outreach/Education
The monitoring objective for Short-eared Owl is to x Include guidelines for the protection of bank-
conduct periodic surveys of suitable habitat to assess nesting species, such as Bank Swallow, Belted
status of breeding and wintering populations. Kingfisher and Northern Rough-winged
Monitoring objectives for Bald Eagle may be Swallow, in best management practices for
established by a recovery strategy or other guidelines. municipalities and operators of sand and gravel
pits.
8.4 Conservation Focus
8.5.4 Applied Conservation
Research to better understand factors causing
rangewide and regional population declines is x Identify and protect specialized nesting sites,
identified as the conservation focus for the five including areas containing Bald Eagle nest trees
priority wetland/riparian landbirds of high or large Bank Swallow nesting colonies.
conservation concern. For some of these species,
declines may be due to factors occurring outside the

Table 20: Summary of habitat needs of priority wetland/riparian landbirds in ON BCR 12.
Preferred Habitat
Priority Species Breeding Habitat Description Landscape Features Stand Features Site Features
Setting
>250 ha mature forest

Extensive breeding area in mature deciduous or mixed woods with Super-canopy
patch within 5 km of
Bald Eagle super-canopy trees for nest site and hunting perches near large Shoreline/Riparian trees for nests
large body of open
lakes or rivers and roosting
water
Colonial nester associated with water features as it nests in steep Eroding sand or
Bank Swallow gravel, sand or clay river banks or lakeshore bluffs; also nests in Riparian/Shoreline Near water clay banks for
excavated quarry faces, forages over open land and water nesting
Nests in eroded sand, clay or gravelly banks, usually near open Eroding sand or
Nest site within 1.5 km
Belted Kingfisher water; also found in excavated road cuts or gravel pits near water; Riparian/Shoreline clay banks for
of open water with fish
forages on small fish in clear running or still water nesting
Open wetlands (marshes, bogs, fens) with scattered shrubs, or Riparian (also early
Common Dense shrub
dense riparian thickets; also found in thickets in early successional successional old
Yellowthroat thicket
old fields and regenerating clear-cuts fields and cutovers)
Nests and forages along streams, lakeshores or other open water Horizontal
Northern Rough- features; nests in burrows in gravel pits, river banks, road banks burrow, pipes,
Riparian/Shoreline Near water
winged Swallow and quarries; often nests in drain pipes in bridges or other crevices for
structures nesting
Breeds in semi-open conifer forest edges near water source, such Forest opening,
Olive-sided as a lake, pond or river; also found in other edge and forest forest edge or Hunting perches
Open Wetland Near open area
Flycatcher opening situations in coniferous and mixed forest including bogs, open treed in open areas
burns, beaver meadows and small clear-cuts wetland
Beaver
Beaver meadows and other open wetland with standing dead
Red-headed meadows, open Snags >40 cm
trees; also found in open deciduous forest with little understorey, Open Wetland Near open area
Woodpecker wetlands with dbh
small woodlots or forest edges and groves of dead or dying trees
snags
Openings in conifer woodlands bordering a body of water,
Forest near open
Rusty Blackbird including tree-bordered marshes, beaver meadows, bogs, fens, Treed Wetland
standing water Treed wetland
muskegs or wooded swamps
Shallow, wet sedge fens, grass marshes, wet meadows or old Sedge or grass
Sedge Wren Wetland/Agricultural
fields with scattered shrubs meadow
>100 ha patch of open
Large (>100 ha) grasslands, open areas or bushy or grassy wet Sedge or grass
Short-eared Owl Wetland/Agricultural marsh, meadow or
meadows as well as marshes or bogs meadow
grassland
Wetlands, including cattail marshes, wet meadows, bogs, fens and
Swamp Sparrow carrs; also found in low swampy shores of lakes and stream Wetland/Shoreline Shrub thicket
banks, deciduous riparian thickets and moist woodland

Table 21: Summary of conservation objectives and conservation focus for priority landbirds in wetland and riparian habitats in ON BCR 12.
Priority
Species
Recovery: (Southern ON BCR 12) Fine Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain an
objectives to be determined by provincial adequate supply of preferred nesting habitat near As determined by provincial Assess Status:
recovery strategy water using a spatial habitat suitability model. recovery strategy for southern ON Periodically assess
BCR 12 population status
Assess Status: (Northern and Western parts Fine Filter; Site Scale: Protect existing active and
Bald Eagle compared to the
of ON BCR 12) potential nest sites from disturbance, and ensure Improve current population availability of suitable
No regional population objective for northern an adequate supply of super-canopy nest trees in monitoring capability elsewhere in habitat using all available
population (unless objective set by areas of suitable habitat, as per direction in the ON BCR 12 data
provincial SAR management plan) Site/Stand Guide
Maintain current population
Fine Filter; Site Level: Identify and protect sites monitoring capability across ON Research:
Bank Swallow
capable of supporting large nesting colonies BCR 12 Investigate potential
Reverse Decline Annual census plus demographic causes of population
Northern monitoring at select study sites decline
Rough-winged Restore population abundance to 1970–79
BBS levels and distribution to 1981–85 BBA across ON BCR 12 for minimum
Swallow of 5 years
levels No regional habitat objective
Maintain current population
Belted
monitoring capability across ON
Kingfisher
BCR 12
Olive-sided Reverse Decline

Flycatcher Improve current population
Restore population abundance to 1970–79
monitoring capability across ON
BBS levels and distribution to 1981–85 BBA Fine Filter; Stand Scale: Increase/maintain supply Research:
BCR 12 through improvements to
levels of early successional forest adjacent to water Investigate factors
BBS and/or off-road
Rusty Blackbird Contribute to PIF continental population forest/wetland bird surveys causing severe
objective of Increasing population by 100% rangewide and regional
population decline
Implement SAR management plan when
Reverse Decline available
Implement national SAR management plan Coarse Filter; Stand Level: Maintain sufficient Maintain current population
Red-headed
when available supply of snags >25 cm dbh for this and other monitoring capability in ON BCR
Woodpecker
cavity nesters 12
Contribute to PIF continental objective of
increasing continental population by 100% Fine Filter; Stand Level: Protect breeding habitat
as per direction in the Site/Stand Guide
Assess Status
Implement SAR management plan when Assess Status:
Conduct periodic survey of
Implement SAR management plan when available Periodically assess
suitable breeding and wintering
Short-eared Owl available. population status using
Fine Filter; Stand Level: Protect breeding habitat habitat to assess current
all available data every 5
Contribute to continental objective of as per direction in the Site/Stand Guide population status
years

Priority
Species
Maintain within the ERNV
Maintain population abundance and
Common
distribution within ERNV, using available
Yellowthroat
time series data (BBS and BBA) as the best
available benchmark for natural variation Evaluate Trend:
Maintain current population Periodically review and
Maintain within the ERNV
monitoring capability across ON evaluate regional
Maintain population abundance and
BCR 12 population trend relative
distribution within ERNV, using available No regional habitat objective
time series data (BBS and BBA) as the best to population objectives
Swamp Sparrow
available benchmark for natural variation using current BBS and
BBA data
Contribute to PIF continental population
objective of maintaining current levels
Monitor Improve current population

Sedge Wren monitoring capability in ON BCR
No regional population objective 12
Note: ENRV: Estimated Range of Natural Variation. See priority species accounts, Appendix F, for additional details.

9 Conservation of Landbirds in Non-forested Upland Habitats
9.1 Landbirds Breeding in Non-forested 9.1.1 Priority Landbirds in Non-forest

Upland Habitats Upland Habitats
This chapter covers those landbirds that breed in The 11 priority species in this habitat guild (Table
various non-forested upland habitats, including 22) all occur in ON BCR 12 only during the breeding
natural rock barrens and anthropogenic sites such as season. Four species (Barn Swallow, Chimney Swift,
agricultural fields, successional old fields and urban Common Nighthawk and Whip-poor-will) are also
and other developed settings. Although the natural included in the aerial-foraging insectivore guild (see
and anthropogenic open habitats included in this Chapter 10).
grouping appear to be radically different, several
species breed in both natural and anthropogenic Willow Flycatcher is the only species in this guild
settings. For example, Field Sparrow breeds in that is of Continental Concern (PIF Watch List, Rich
shrubby pastures and successional old fields, in et al. 2004), but it reaches the northern limit of its
addition to natural shrubby rock barrens. Peregrine range in ON BCR 12 (breeds at very low densities in
Falcon, Chimney Swift and Common Nighthawk the SE subregion) and is not of high regional
breed in natural or urban settings, if suitable nest sites responsibility.
are available.
Six of the priority species are of Regional Concern
There is some overlap in habitat use between some of due to steep declines and continued threats to their
the successional forest landbirds (Chapter 7) and future circumstances in this region (Table 22). Non-
some of the non-forested upland landbirds included forest Species at Risk include Loggerhead Shrike,
in this chapter. which is almost extirpated as a breeding species in
this region, and Peregrine Falcon, whose status has
Non-forested habitats are not extensive in this region, improved considerably during the past 20 years.
and Bobolink is the only non-forested upland
landbird that has more than 5% of its global
population in ON BCR 12.
Table 22: Priority landbirds in non-forested upland habitats in ON BCR 12 showing reasons for priority
status.
Priority Species Concern Stewardship At Risk Add. Species of
Cont Reg Cont Reg CA ON Mgmt Interest
Barn Swallow Y
Bobolink Y
Brown Thrasher Y
Chimney Swift Y UR
Common Nighthawk UR Y
Field Sparrow Y
Loggerhead Shrike EN EN
Peregrine Falcon TH TH
Prairie Warbler Y
Whip-poor-will Y
Willow Flycatcher Y
Interest = Additional Species of Regional Management Interest. See Appendix C for details. EN = Endangered, TH =
Threatened.

Figure 19: Non-forested habitats in ON BCR 12, by ecoregion (satellite data).
9%
8%
7%
6%
% land cover
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%
3E 4E 5E 4W 4S 5S
by Ecoregion
Rock Fields & Crops Developed
Two non-forested upland species of regional 9.2 Non-forested Landbird Habitats in

management interest are included as priority species ON BCR 12
for differing reasons: Common Nighthawk Non-forested habitats in ON BCR 12 are very diverse
populations in this region have declined steeply; the and include upland and wetland sites, and also
small Prairie Warbler population in the SE subregion cutovers and burns, old fields with natural
is thought to be fairly stable but is of high biological regeneration or young plantations, fields, linear
interest, as this population is isolated from the main shrub/successional habitats along power-line rights-
breeding range of this species in the eastern United of-way and other utility and transportation corridors.
States. These habitats comprise only 15% of the land cover
in ON BCR 12 and are unevenly distributed (Figure
The habitat requirements of the priority species in 19).
this guild are diverse, but can be grouped into four
habitat categories: Cutovers and burns are more common in the northern
x Natural rock barren habitats (Common ecoregions and are infrequent in ecoregions 5E (SE
Nighthawk, Field Sparrow, Prairie Warbler, subregion) and 5S (Rainy River) (Figure 19). Fields
Whip-poor-will); and agricultural lands are concentrated in the Rainy
x Agricultural habitats (Barn Swallow, Bobolink, River area (Ecoregion 5S) and near Thunder Bay in
Loggerhead Shrike); the W subregion, the Little Clay belt in the NE
x Upland shrub thicket habitats, including subregion and the North Bay area in the SE
successional old fields (Brown Thrasher, Willow subregion. Rock barrens occur only locally in ON
Flycatcher, also Field Sparrow); and BCR 12, including in the SE subregion (north of
x Other specialized habitat requirements (Chimney Lake Huron, east shore of Georgian Bay and along
Swift, Peregrine Falcon) (Table 23). the southern fringe of the Canadian Shield, all in
Ecoregion 5E) and in the W subregion (near Kenora
Common Nighthawk and Field Sparrow also are in Ecoregion 4S). At most, 1% of the land cover in
found in anthropogenic settings (urban areas and any subregion consists of urban and developed areas.
shrubby agricultural fields, respectively).

9.3 Conservation Objectives for Priority The supply of suitable nest sites is a limiting factor
Landbirds in Non-forested Upland for Peregrine Falcon and Chimney Swift, and
Habitats existing sites should be protected from disturbance.
Conservation objectives for the priority landbird
species in this guild are presented in the species 9.3.4 Monitoring Objectives
accounts (Appendix F) and summarized in Table 21. Several of the priority species in this guild are not
well monitored by existing programs because of their
9.3.1 Overall Objectives specialized habitat needs. Most of the monitoring
As with the wetland/riparian guild, the non-forested objectives for these species involve specialized
priority species in this guild require fine filter surveys, including habitat-specific surveys. BBS and
conservation objectives because of their specific BBA results may be adequate for evaluating whether
habitat requirements and/or association with conservation actions have been effective for some
anthropogenic habitats (Tables 23 and 24). species, particularly the aerial-foraging insectivores.
The overall objective for Loggerhead Shrike and 9.3.5 Conservation Focus
Peregrine Falcon is recovery to a more secure status, Research to better understand factors causing
as directed by federal and provincial SAR recovery rangewide and regional population declines is
strategies. Assess status is the objective for Prairie identified as the conservation focus for aerial-
Warbler. The four aerial-foraging insectivores in this foraging insectivores.
group have undergone significant long-term declines
and the immediate objective for these species is to Implementation of SAR recovery strategies is the
reverse these declines. The objective for Field conservation focus for Loggerhead Shrike and
Sparrow is to maintain current population levels in Peregrine Falcon.
its preferred rock barren breeding habitat. The overall
objective for the other three species (Bobolink, For the other priority species in this guild, the
Brown Thrasher and Willow Flycatcher) is to conservation focus is to track their status, including:
monitor their population levels. x Periodic status assessments for Prairie Warbler;
x Tracking Field Sparrow abundance and
9.3.2 Population Objectives distribution in rock barren habitat compared to
Population objectives for Loggerhead Shrike and the population objective.
Peregrine Falcon are to be determined in the SAR
recovery strategies that are currently under 9.4 Recommended Conservation Actions
development.
9.4.1 Monitoring
This plan establishes regional population objectives
for the four declining aerial-foraging insectivores in x Develop a crepuscular survey to monitor
this guild. In each instance, the proposed population Common Nighthawk and Whip-poor-will across
objective is based on past abundance and distribution ON BCR 12 as part of a larger nightjar survey.
levels, as measured by BBS abundance indices x Improve monitoring of priority species in rock
during the 1970s, and the BBA1 distribution during barren habitats.
1981–85.
x Periodically assess (every five to 10 years) the
Population trends for Brown Thrasher, Sedge Wren population status of Prairie Warbler.
and Willow Flycatcher should be reviewed
periodically to determine whether additional 9.4.2 Research and Evaluation
conservation objectives are needed.
x Identify the cause(s) of the observed or apparent
9.3.3 Habitat Objectives declines in the population and/or distribution of
Barn Swallow, Chimney Swift, Common
Fine filter habitat objectives are needed to ensure an
Nighthawk and Whip-poor-will.
adequate supply of suitable habitat for the rock
barren specialist species. Further work is required to x Research is needed to determine the extent of
establish how much habitat is needed and how this existing and restorable rock barren habitat,
supply could be measured. especially in the SE subregion, as well as
methods for restoring and maintaining these fire-
dependent habitats.

9.4.3 Outreach/Education
x Promote the development of educational
x Promote the development and use of best materials for rural landowners and land
management practices for agricultural grasslands managers to raise public awareness of the
and croplands as appropriate for the protection of conservation value of “scrubby” lands (e.g.,
priority grassland birds in ON BCR 12 (e.g., Birds on the Farm booklet by McGauley 2004).
Solymar 2005; McGauley 2004).
x Encourage ranchers to adjust the timing and
x Promote the development and use of best duration of livestock grazing to minimize
management practice guidelines for the adverse effects on shrubland birds and habitats.
conservation of priority shrubland birds such as
Golden-winged Warbler on managed shrublands 9.4.4 Applied Conservation
(e.g., roadsides and utility corridors).
x Identify and protect Peregrine Falcon nesting
sites and large breeding and roosting sites for
Chimney Swift.
© Simon Dodsworth
FIELD SPARROW

Table 23: Summary of habitat needs of priority landbirds in non-forested upland habitats in ON BCR 12.
Natural Habitat Anthropogenic Landscape

Priority Species Breeding Habitat Description Site Features
Settings Habitat Settings Features
Nests in small or large colonies, almost always

Anthropogenic sites Builds mud nest on vertical
associated with barns, bridges or other Rarely nests on Open areas for
Barn Swallow including bridges, surface or small ledge under
structures; forages in open areas, including cliffs foraging
barns and buildings an overhang, bridge or roof
agricultural fields, meadows and open wetlands
Large blocks of moderately tall, dense Agricultural Prefers large

Bobolink
grassland with high grass-to-forb ratio grasslands and fields patches
Breeds in shrub thickets, regenerating old fields Shrubby pastures and

Regenerating
and cutovers, shrubby pastures, shrubby old fields, hedgerows
Brown Thrasher burns and forest Open shrubby areas
clearings in open deciduous forest and forest and regenerating
edges
edges cutovers
Nests singly in unlined chimney or hollow tree; Hollow tree or chimney for
Hollow trees in any Unlined chimneys in
Chimney Swift flocks roost in chimneys or hollow trees during nest site and post-breeding
setting urban or rural setting
post-breeding period roosts
Nests on the ground on gravel or rock in open Nests on gravel roof

Common Nighthawk settings, also on flat gravel roof tops; forages Rock barrens tops in urban and
low over water and also high rural settings
Agricultural
Dry shrub-dominated areas associated with
Field Sparrow Rock barrens grasslands, especially Open shrubby areas
rock barrens or grasslands
old fields
Dense prickly shrubs or small
Moderately grazed pastures with scattered Grazed agricultural
Loggerhead Shrike Large patches tree for nesting, also hunting
trees and shrubs (hawthorn or Red Cedar) pastures
perches
Natural rock cliffs
Forages in open areas, especially over water, Tall buildings or Large open areas Vertical rock face or building
Peregrine Falcon overlooking water
marshes, urban areas and shorelines towers in urban areas for hunting with nest ledge
or other open areas
Open oak–pine–juniper communities on rock
Prairie Warbler Rock barrens Open shrubby areas
barrens
Nests on the ground in rock or sand barrens
with scattered trees, savannas, and open
Whip-poor-will Rock barrens
deciduous or mixed forests with sparse
understorey or ground cover; forages high
Deciduous shrub lands, especially riparian
Riparian shrub Successional old
Willow Flycatcher thickets, swamp thickets and successional Deciduous shrub thickets
thickets fields
fields

Table 24: Summary of conservation objectives and conservation focus for priority landbirds in non-forested upland habitats in ON BCR 12.
Priority
Species
Loggerhead
Shrike Recovery Recovery: Implement national
Peregrine Achieve goals and objectives set by national recovery strategy recovery strategy
Falcon
Assess Status:
Fine Filter; Stand Level:
Periodically assess status using
Maintain adequate supply of
Prairie Assess Status current BBS and BBA data, plus
preferred rock barren habitat Maintain current monitoring capability in
Warbler any data from proposed rock barren
in core breeding areas in SE ON BCR 12 bird survey or species-specific
subregion of ON BCR 12
Develop rock barren bird survey using surveys
Maintain Current point-counts to monitor relative abundance Evaluate Trend:
Maintain current relative abundance and and distribution in rock barren habitat in SE Periodically review and evaluate
Fine Filter; Stand Level:
distribution in rock barren habitats in SE subregion regional population data relative to
Field Sparrow Maintain supply of recently
subregion of ON BCR 12, using BBA2 population objectives using current
disturbed rock barren habitat
point-count data or other data to set BBS and BBA data, plus data from
habitat-specific population objectives proposed rock barren bird survey
Fine Filter; Site Level: Identify Improve current monitoring capability in ON
and, where feasible, protect BCR 12
Chimney Swift active and potential nest and
roost sites, including hollow Conduct annual census at select post-
trees and unlined chimneys breeding roost sites
Research:
Reverse Decline Maintain current population monitoring
Investigate factors causing
capability across ON BCR 12
Restore population to 1970–79 BBS levels rangewide and regional population
Barn Swallow Nest census plus demographic monitoring decline
and distribution to 1981–85 BBA levels
at select study sites across ON BCR 12 for
No regional habitat objective minimum of 5 years
Common Improve current population monitoring
Nighthawk capability across ON BCR 12 by
Whip-poor-will developing a crepuscular nightjar survey
Monitor
Monitor population abundance and
Evaluate Trend:
distribution in SE subregion of ON BCR 12 Maintain or improve current population
Willow Periodically review regional
No regional habitat objective monitoring capability in SE subregion of ON
Flycatcher Contribute to PIF continental population population trend using current BBS
BCR 12
objective of increasing population by 50% and BBA data
No regional population objective
Bobolink Evaluate Trend:
Monitor Maintain or improve current population Periodically review population
No regional habitat objective
Brown No regional population objective monitoring capability in ON BCR 12 trend using current BBS and BBA
Thrasher data
Note: See priority species accounts (Appendix F) for additional details.

10 Conservation of Aerial-foraging Insectivores
10.1 Aerial-foraging Insectivores The various species in this guild have diverse and
The abundance and distribution of most aerial- somewhat specialized nesting requirements, but are
foraging insectivorous landbirds breeding in BCR 12 generally widespread in ON BCR 12. Two species
and the Ontario portion of the BCR have undergone reach the northern limit of their breeding range in this
severe declines over the past two to three decades region: Northern Rough-winged Swallow and Purple
(Table 25). The general decline in aerial foragers in Martin.
Ontario has only recently become apparent, and the
causal factors are as yet unknown (Heagy and Six of the nine landbirds in this foraging guild have
McCracken 2004, 2005). been identified as priority species: Bank Swallow and
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (wetland/riparian
The nine landbirds in this guild (Table 25) are habitat guild), Barn Swallow, Chimney Swift,
taxonomically and ecologically diverse. All forage Common Nighthawk and Whip-poor-will (non-
“on the wing” (in flight), capturing and eating flying forested upland habitat guild). Their habitat needs are
insects. Most are diurnal feeders, but the two described in the respective habitat chapters (Tables
nightjars (Common Nighthawk and Whip-poor-will) 20 and 23).
are crepuscular, feeding mostly at dawn and dusk. All
aerial-foraging insectivores require large open areas 10.2 Limiting Factors and Threats
for foraging, such as marshes, agricultural fields or Information on the proximate cause(s) of the
urban settings. All species in this guild require a observed decline in aerial-foraging insectivores is not
steady supply of flying insects and are, therefore, available; research is urgently needed. Food
highly vulnerable to periods of cold, wet or windy availability on the breeding grounds is suspected to
weather that can impede foraging and reduce their be a possible common factor causing the recent
food supply. Flying insect populations also are population declines because the species in this guild
sensitive to pesticides and pollution affecting the share a common feeding strategy but are otherwise
land, air or water. dissimilar.
Table 25: Changes in the abundance and distribution of aerial-foraging insectivores breeding in ON
BCR 12.
BBS Trend BBS Trend, BBA Distribution
BCR 12, ON BCR 12, ON BCR 12
Species 1966–2002 1970–2004 (% of squares)
(%/year) (%/year) BBA1 BBA2
Bank Swallow –6.0% * –10.8% * 51% 21%
Barn Swallow –3.0% * –5.7% * 91% 63%
Chimney Swift –4.6% * –10.5% * 67% 32%
Cliff Swallow –0.5% –7.2% * 62% 21%
Common Nighthawk –3.4% * –6.4% * 65% 31%
Purple Martin –4.0% * –3.5% 30% 7%
Northern Rough-winged Swallow –3.3% * –4.7% 36% 18%
Tree Swallow –1.6% * – 4.5% * 98% 83%
Whip-poor-will –1.8% –3.7% 60% 33%
All Aerial-foraging Insectivores –0.2% –1.3% *
Note: * Significant trend (p<0.05). Priority species shown in Boldface.

Aerial-foraging insectivores are unable to feed and restore populations to their former abundance
effectively in severe weather and are therefore and distribution levels.
vulnerable to mass mortality during prolonged
periods of severe weather, particularly early in the 10.3.2 Population Objectives
breeding season. An increase in the frequency of Population objectives for the three priority species in
severe weather, by chance or due to other causes such this guild are found in Table 27 and Appendix F.
as climate change, could be responsible for the Population objectives for the aerial-foraging
observed population declines, although this insectivore guild are described here.
hypothesis has not been tested.
The population abundance objective for the aerial-
Another possible explanation would be a decline in foraging insectivore guild is based on the average
the availability of flying insects. Factors that have the BBS guild indices for the 1970s (Figure 20).
potential to contribute to such a decline in flying
insect populations include: The population distribution objective is based on
x Climate change (insect productivity and survival restoring aerial-foraging insectivore species richness
rates are influenced by temperature and moisture to the 1981–85 BBA1 level in each subregion (Table
conditions); 26).
x Degradation of aquatic habitats used by insect
larvae and nymphs (e.g., dragonfly nymphs are Figure 20: Population abundance objective for
sensitive to water quality); aerial-foraging insectivore guild in ON BCR 12.
x Increased ultraviolet radiation, which may be
Smoothed BBS
adversely affecting the aquatic phase of various Index
Aerial Foraging Guild
40
flying insects including dragonflies, mayflies,
midges, etc.; 32
x Aerial spraying of insecticides for forest pests Objective
Smoothed Index
(e.g., budworm); 24
x Changes in livestock and manure management `
16
practices (more animals kept indoors in screened
barns, covered manure storage facilities), which 8
may have reduced the number of flies around
barns; 0
x The spread of exotic insect species or emerging 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
insect diseases.
For at least some species in this guild, other factors

Table 26: Population distribution objectives for
are thought to be contributing to recent declines,
aerial-foraging insectivores in ON BCR 12.
including:
x Decrease in anthropogenic nesting sites for Aerial-foraging Insectivores
Chimney Swift, Common Nighthawk and Barn Subregion per Atlas Square
Swallow; Current Objective
x Atmospheric pollution, which may be a factor in Southeast 3.5 5.9
Common Nighthawk declines in urban areas; Northeast 1.8 5.0
x Degradation of open nesting habitat due to fire West 2.2 4.0
suppression, which may be affecting Whip-poor-
will and Common Nighthawk populations in the
southeast (R. Tozer, Algonquin PP, pers. comm.
10.3.3 Conservation Focus
2005).
Research is needed to increase understanding of the
10.3 Conservation Objectives for Aerial- factors causing the decline of aerial-foraging
foraging Insectivores insectivores in this region and elsewhere in Ontario.
Several of the species in this guild are readily studied
10.3.1 Overall Objective during the breeding season and could be the focus of
demographic studies that would yield useful
The overall conservation objective for the aerial-
information on productivity and survival rates.
foraging insectivore guild and for the six priority
species in the guild is to reverse population declines

The two crepuscular species in this guild, Common
Nighthawk and Whip-poor-will, are not well x Conduct studies to identify factors causing
monitored by the BBS. Population information for population decline and/or limiting population
these species could be improved by developing growth of aerial-foraging insectivores.
additional surveys such as crepuscular breeding x Analyze available nest record data sets (e.g.,
season surveys or migration counts for Common Ontario Nest Records Scheme data, Peck 2005)
Nighthawk. to evaluate the importance of weather and other
factors in the decline of aerial-foraging
10.4 Recommended Conservation Actions insectivores.
10.4.1 Monitoring 10.4.2 Outreach and Education
x Develop periodic crepuscular surveys to improve x Encourage submission of current and historic
understanding of the abundance, distribution and nest record data to the Ontario Nest Records
population trends in Whip-poor-will, Common Scheme/Project NestWatch to improve
Nighthawk and Chimney Swift. understanding of changes in productivity,
x Conduct five-year demographic studies on Bank especially for easily monitored species such as
Swallow, Barn Swallow and Northern Rough- Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow and Purple Martin.
winged Swallow populations at select sites. x Promote the development of educational
Nests of these priority species are easy to find materials for landowners and community groups
and monitor. to raise public awareness of the conservation
value of urban structures for some species (e.g.,
chimney swift, common nighthawk and barn
swallow).
© Michael Butler
BARN SWALLOW

Table 27: Summary of conservation objectives and conservation focus for priority aerial-foraging insectivores
in ON BCR 12.
Priority Population Conservatio
Habitat Guild Habitat Objective Monitoring Objective
Species Objective n Focus
Fine Filter; Site Level:
Wetland/
Bank Identify and protect sites
Riparian Maintain current
Swallow capable of supporting large
(Chapter 8) population
nesting colonies
monitoring
capability across
Non-forested ON BCR 12
Barn
Upland
Swallow
(Chapter 9) Annual census plus
demographic monitoring
Northern at select study sites
Wetland/ Reverse Decline
Rough- across ON BCR 12 for
Riparian minimum of 5 years
winged Restore population
(Chapter 8)
Swallow to 1970–79 level, Research:
BBS Index as Investigate
objective Improve current factors causing
Fine Filter; Site Level: population
monitoring capability in
Restore distribution Identify and, where feasible, decline in these
Non-forested ON BCR 12
Chimney to BBA1 (1981–85) protect active and potential species
Upland
Swift levels in each nest and roost sites
(Chapter 9) Conduct annual census
subregion of ON including hollow trees and
at select post-breeding
BCR 12 unlined chimneys
roost sites
Non-forested
Common
Upland Improve current
Nighthawk
(Chapter 9) population monitoring
capability by developing
a crepuscular nightjar
Non-forested
Whip-poor- survey
Upland
will
(Chapter 9)

11 Implementation Philosophy
11.1 Implementation Philosophy implementing this plan. In particular, the Onatio

This landbird conservation plan provides a Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (OEHJV;
comprehensive set of priorities, conservation www.on.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/ehjv/oehjv-e.html)
objectives and recommended actions aimed at provides a proven model for building effective
sustaining native landbirds and their habitats in the partnerships to deliver the conservation actions on
Ontario portion of the Boreal Hardwood Transition private lands and in cooperation with forest
(BCR 12), and contributing to continentwide efforts management planning activities of the OMNR. This
to sustain all North American landbirds. Coordinated plan is expected to guide implementation activities
action on many fronts will be needed to communicate under emerging OEHJV landbird conservation
the priorities and achieve the objectives established in initiatives on private lands in ON BCR 12.
this plan.
Many of the conservation actions identified in this
The successful implementation of this plan ultimately plan will be implemented directly by agencies,
will depend on the allocation of resources and organizations and partnerships that have relevant
engaging a wide range of actors, including all levels mandates and programs. The OEHJV could play an
of government, industry associations, non-profit important role in coordinating and evaluating the
conservation organizations, research institutions, implementation of this landbird conservation plan.
aborginal and individual landowners and citizen
scientists. Effective partnerships will be essential to Because most landbirds in this region are migratory,
developing the consensus, cooperation, coordination their conservation also depends on influencing
and communications necessary to influence the conservation activities beyond Ontario. The existing
actions of this large and diverse group. A graduated Canadian and international Partners in Flight (PIF)
approach that engages existing partnerships to build partnerships provide for a developing consensus and
capacity and fosters the development of new cooperation across jurisdictional boundaries,
partnerships is both practical and strategic. necessary to ensure the conservation of landbirds
throughout their annual life cycles.
11.2 Implementation Strategy
11.3 Evaluating Progress
On the extensive forested Crown lands in ON BCR
12, it is expected that this plan will be an important Landbird conservation priorities, and the ensuing
source of information and direction for consideration objectives and recommended actions, are expected to
when reviewing and development forest management change over time as bird populations respond to
guides or when implementing conservation measures changes in the environment and as new research and
on Crown lands through the existing forest monitoring results become available. This plan is,
management planning process. The Crown Forest therefore, a working document and will need to be
Sustainability Act and the related forest management revised and reviewed periodically, as follows:
manuals provide regulatory standards to ensure that x The priority species lists will be revisited
forest harvesting maintains forest biodiversity. The regularly as new data and analyses become
landscape guide (OMNR in prep. a) and the stand- available (e.g., new BBA data, changes to
and site-level guide (OMNR in prep. b) are expected Species at Risk status or posting of new species
to provide additional coarse and fine filter directions assessment data in the PIF continental database).
needed to sustain forest landbird populations, as well
as other biodiversity, in this region. Forest x More specific habitat objectives will be
management unit plans provide a structured developed as the OMNR forest management
opportunity to assess the predicted impact of forest guides and habitat modelling results become
management activities by the forest industry on available.
future landbird habitat availability, and to gather x Progress reports also will be prepared
input on the possible impact on forest landbird periodically (approximately every five years) to
populations. measure progress towards achieving the various
habitat, population and monitoring objectives set
On private lands in ON BCR 12, it is anticipated that out in this plan, to revisit these objectives in light
existing regional partnerships will play a role in

of new data and to adjust objectives, if
x Use the landbird density mapping produced by
necessary.
BBA2 to highlight geographic areas supporting
x Conservation actions will be updated regularly important concentrations of priority landbirds,
and adapted based on information resulting from and carry out additional analyses to develop
evaluating monitoring results (adaptive landbird priorities and objectives at the forest
management feedback) and new research, with a management unit (FMU) and/or municipal level.
complete review scheduled approximately every
five years. x Consider the habitat needs of priority landbirds
in provincial forest management guides that are
used for forest management planning.
Updates and five-year reviews will be undertaken by
the Ontario PIF partnership, coordinated through x Prepare a summary comparing landbird
Environment Canada – Ontario Region and the conservation needs identified in this plan with
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. management guidelines in the OMNR site/stand-
and landscape-level forest management guides
11.4 Next Steps (OMNR in prep. b,a) to highlight areas of
This plan establishes priorities, objectives and overlap and identify potential gaps.
recommended actions for the conservation of x Develop and implement a landbird monitoring
landbirds in ON BCR 12. Some of the next steps to and research strategy to address the information
expand and follow up on the information in this plan and monitoring needs identified (in coordination
are: with CWS, OMNR and BSC).
x Where possible, develop measurable habitat x Formalize the Ontario PIF partnership, or a
objectives for priority species, based on OMNR similar collaboration, towards further
forest habitat models. implementation of this plan.
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER
© Saul W Bocian

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at Risk Unit. 9 pp.
www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/speciesatrisk/status_list.htm Patrikeev, M., G.L. Holloway and M.C. Caceres.
l 2004. Species accounts for regionally selected
wildlife species for the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence
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Ontario, Toronto. 160 pp. Watt, eds. 2004. Habitat Relationships of Wildlife in
Ontario: Revised Habitat Suitability Models for the
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Guide. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southern
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Guide. 110 p.
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13 Glossary
Avifaunal biome: Clusters of Bird Conservation COSEWIC reports its results to the Canadian
Regions (BCRs) with a high degree of shared government and the public. Species that have been
landbird avifauna as identified in the PIF North designated by COSEWIC may then qualify for legal
American Landbird Conservation Plan (Rich et al. protection and recovery under the federal Species at
2004). See also Northern Forest Avifaunal Biome. Risk Act (SARA): www.cosewic.gc.ca
BBS Guild Index: A measure of the frequency with Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in
which a species or guild is detected based on the sum Ontario (COSARRO): An OMNR committee that
of species/stops across all 50 stops on a BBS route, evaluates the conservation status of species in
corrected for which routes were run, using BBS Ontario and recommends them for listing on the
software developed by Brian Collins. Species at Risk in Ontario list.
Biodiversity/biological diversity: The variability Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program

among living organisms from all sources including, (CLTIP): A provincial program that offers a
among other things, terrestrial, marine and other reduction in property taxes to landowners who agree
aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of to protect natural heritage features identified by
which they are a part. This includes diversity within OMNR on their land. Activities that would degrade,
species, between species and among ecosystems. destroy or result in the loss of natural values of the
site may not be carried out. Eligible lands include
Bird Conservation Region (BCR): A set of 66 those withProvincial Significant Wetlands or Areas
ecoregions across North America that each have of Natural and Scientific Interest, habitat for
similar biophysical elements, such as soil type, Endangered species and community conservation
vegetation, and associated bird species, and are used lands.
as the basis for planning and evaluation of integrated
bird conservation. Conservation lands: Natural areas that are managed
or regulated (e.g., through land use policy) for the
Bird Studies Canada (BSC): A national, member- long-term protection of their significant natural
based, not-for-profit ornithological research heritage values. Conservation lands in the Ontario
organization in Port Rowan, Ontario: www.bsc- portion of BCR 12 that may be of importance to
eoc.org landbirds include National Wildlife Areas, Migratory
Bird Sanctuaries, National Parks and Park Reserves,
Best Management Practice (BMP): A proven,
Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves,
practical and affordable method, measure or practice
Provincially Significant Wetlands, Provincially
that, if implemented, will prevent or reduce a known
Significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest,
adverse environmental impact (e.g., conservation
Conservation Authority lands and private
tillage practices that reduce soil erosion).
conservation lands.
Canadian Migration Monitoring Network
Continental Concern species: Species identified in
(CMMN): A network of stations counting northern-
the PIF North American Landbird Conservation Plan
breeding landbirds at migration concentration points
(Rich et al. 2004) as PIF Watch List species that have
across southern Canada: www.bsc-
multiple reasons for conservation concern across
eoc.org/national/cmmn.html
their entire ranges.
Christmas Bird Count (CBC): Annual one-day
Continental Stewardship species: Species identified
counts of wintering birds conducted across North
in the PIF North American Landbird Conservation
America: www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/
Plan (Rich et al. 2004) as having a high proportion of
Citizen science: Monitoring and research projects their global population within a single avifaunal
that use volunteers to collect data following scientific biome during either the breeding or wintering season.
protocols (e.g., Project FeederWatch, Ontario
Crown land: Land vested in Her Majesty in right of
Breeding Bird Atlas, etc.).
Ontario.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Species in
Disturbance: A significant change in the structure
Canada (COSEWIC): An independent body of
and/or composition of ecosystems, communities or
experts responsible for identifying and assessing
populations through natural or human-induced
species considered to be at risk in Canada.
events.

Ecodistrict: A subunit of an ecoregion that is defined Risk Act and/or the provincial Endangered Species
by a characteristic set of physiographic features that Act.
play a major role in determining successional
Exotic: A non-native species. Also known as an
pathways, patterns of species association and the
alien, non-indigenous or introduced species.
habitats that may develop. Local climatic patterns,
such as higher areas of snowfall caused by the effect Extinct species: A wildlife species that no longer
of a lake, also may characterize ecodistricts. exists.
Ecological Land Classification (ELC): A Extirpated species: A wildlife species that no longer
hierarchical approach developed in Ontario to exists in the wild in Ontario and/or in Canada, but
classify land that is based on a consistent framework exists elsewhere in the wild.
of landscape scale through site-scale ecosystems by
combinations of geographic, climatic, vegetative, soil Fire regime: The natural wildfire activity or patterns
and landform features. Major levels include the that characterize a given area.
ecozone (3 in Ontario), ecoregion (7 in Ontario), Forb: A broad-leaved herbaceous (non-woody)
ecodistrict and, ecosite (88 in southern Ontario). plant.
Ecoregion: An ecological landscape unit (nested Forest dynamics: The natural processes involved in
within an ecozone) characterized by distinct patterns the development of a forest and associated with
of responses to climate as expressed by soils, growth and change in its structure and composition
hydrology, vegetation (species ranges and over time.
productivity) and fauna.
Forest Resource Inventory (FRI): A resource
Ecosystem approach: As much a philosophy as it is inventory conducted by OMNR for each management
a planning and management tool, it aims to unit on average every 20 years. The FRI divides the
understand the interrelationships that may exist area into a number of components, such as water,
between the elements that are considered when non-forested, non-productive forest and productive
evaluating projects. Furthermore, it encourages forest, and further classifies each component by
people to consider the elements of ecosystem ownership/land use categories. The FRI provides
composition, structure and function; understand how descriptive information about the timber resource on
peoples’ actions affect the human and natural each management unit (e.g., stand age, stand height,
environment; ensure that human actions and species composition, stocking level) in the form of
disturbance mimic natural processes to the greatest interpreted aerial photographs, forest stand maps and
extent possible; recognize the wide range of resource a set of standard inventory ledgers referred to as
values; and use ecological classifications to map reports.
ecosystems.
Fragmentation: Breaking up a widespread habitat
Ecosystem health: An approach to environmental type into isolated patches, such as the fragmentation
management that recognizes the importance of of forest due to clearing for agriculture or urban
maintaining ecosystem structure, function and development.
biodiversity, as well as the relationships between
healthy functioning ecosystems and a healthy Graminoids: Grasses (family Gramineae or
functioning society. Poaceae) and grasslike plants such as sedges (family
Cyperaceae) and rushes (family Juncaceae).
Ecosystem management: The management of
human activities so that ecosystems, their structure, Guild: A group of species that share a common
composition and function, and the processes that habitat need, foraging strategy, migration strategy or
shaped them, can continue at appropriate temporal other ecological feature or process.
and spatial scales. Habitat obligate: A species that is dependent on or
Ecozone: An ecological land classification unit at the closely associated with a particular habitat, such as
most general level, characterized by interacting forest-dependent species.
abiotic and biotic factors. Three ecozones have been Important Bird Areas (IBAs): Areas that have been
defined in Ontario. identified as vital to the long-term conservation of the
Endangered species: A species that is facing world’s birds. In Canada, the IBA program was
imminent extirpation or extinction, as assessed by initiated in 1996 in conjunction with the launch of
COSEWIC and/or OMNR/COSSARO. Endangered parallel programs in the United States and Mexico.
species are regulated under the federal Species at

Integrated management approach: An approach the breeding distribution and abundance of all the
that considers and systematically assesses the full bird species that breed in Ontario. Data collection for
range of environmental, social and economic factors the second atlas (OBBA2) occurred between 2001
when decisions are made about the use of natural and 2005: www.birdsontario.org/atlas/atlasmain.html
resources in all program areas.
Ontario Land Cover (OLC): Provincial digital land
Landbirds: This term encompasses a broad variety
cover maps derived from LANDSAT satellite data:
of species that rely primarily on terrestrial habitats
www.spectranalysis.com/HTM/landcov.htm
throughout the year, including vultures, eagles,
hawks, falcons, grouse, quail, doves, cuckoos, owls,
Ontario Nest Records Scheme (ONRS): A
nightjars, swifts, hummingbirds, kingfishers,
volunteer-based project that compiles data on bird
woodpeckers and passerines (songbirds).
nests and productivity:
Mature: In even-aged management, those trees or www.birdsontario.org/onrs/onrsmain.html
stands that are sufficiently developed to be
harvestable and that are at or near rotation age Patch: The basic component of the landscape, a
(includes over-mature trees and stands for which an contiguous area of a cover type that is bounded by
over-mature class has not been recognized). areas with other cover types.
Migration monitoring: Monitoring bird population Peneplain: A nearly flat erosional surface, usually
trends by systematically counting migrants at near sea level, presumably produced by the long-
concentration areas. continued processes of mass wasting, sheetwash, and
stream erosion.
Natural disturbance regimes: The historic patterns
(frequency and extent) of fire, insects, wind, Project FeederWatch (PFW): An international
landslides and other natural processes in an area. volunteer-based project in which volunteers
Natural heritage features and areas: Features and systematically record the number and species of birds
areas, such as wetlands, fish habitat, woodlands, at their bird feeders over the winter months:
valleylands, portions of the habitat of Endangered www.bsc-eoc.org/national/pfw.html
and Threatened species, other wildlife habitat and
social values as a legacy of the natural landscapes of Project NestWatch (PNW): A national online
an area. version of the provincial volunteer nest record
schemes, including the Ontario Nest Records
Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC): A Scheme: www.bsc-eoc.org/national/nestwatch.html
part of OMNR’s Biodiversity Section/Fish and
Wildlife Branch that compiles, maintains and Protected area: Refers to a provincial or federal
provides information on rare species and spaces in park, wilderness area, ecological reserve, recreation
Ontario: http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/nhic_.cfm area or conservation reserve, either existing in
regulation, or recommended through an approved
Natural Heritage System: A system made up of land use direction such as Ontario’s Living Legacy
core conservation lands and waters linked by natural Land Use Strategy (1999) or OMNR District Land
corridors and restored connections, and that are Use Guidelines. Protected areas are land and
identified as landscape networks for the conservation freshwater or marine areas set aside to protect the
of biological diversity, natural functions and viable province’s diverse natural and cultural heritage.
populations of indigenous species and ecosystems.
Provincial Policy Statement (PPS): A key element
Northern Forest Avifaunal Biome: Shared avifauna in Ontario’s land use planning system that provides
of BCRs 4, 6, 7, 8 and 12. Species with 90% or more direction on matters of provincial interest related to
of their global population breeding or wintering in land use planning and development, and promotes the
the Northern Forest Avifaunal Biome are considered provincial “policy-led” planning system. The PPS
Stewardship species in the North American Landbird recognizes the complex interrelationships among
Conservation Plan (Rich et al. 2004). economic and environmental factors and embodies
Old-growth forest: A stand of mature or over- good planning principles.
mature trees relatively uninfluenced by human Restoration: Changing existing function and
activity. structure of habitat to those resembling some
Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA, the atlas): A historical condition. The term encompasses
volunteer-based, five-year project to gather data on

rehabilitation, remediation, creation and infrastructure, the natural environment, transportation
enhancement. and public investment.
Riparian: An area of land adjacent to a stream, river, Special Concern species: A wildlife species that
lake or wetland that contains vegetation that, because may become a Threatened or Endangered species
of the presence of water, is distinctly different from because of a contribution of biological characteristics
the vegetation of adjacent upland areas. and identified threats. Formerly described as
Vulnerable from 1990 to 1999 or Rare prior to 1990.
SAR action plan: A document that defines the
project or activities required to meet the goals and Species at Risk (SAR): Species with a conservation
objectives outlined in the recovery strategy for a status of Special Concern, Threatened or Endangered,
wildlife Species at Risk. as well as Extirpated or Extinct. The status of species
in Ontario is determined by COSEWIC (federally)
SAR management plan: A document that sets goals
and COSSARO/OMNR (provincially). Species at
and objectives for maintaining sustainable population
Risk in Ontario are regulated under Ontario’s
levels of one or more species that are particularly
Endangered Species Act (2007).
sensitive to environmental factors, but which are not
in danger of becoming extinct. Species of Continental Importance: Species
identified in the PIF North American Landbird
SARO List: OMNR’s Species at Risk in Ontario
Conservation Plan (Rich et al. 2004) as Watch List
(SARO) List, regulated under the Endangered
and/or Stewardship species that deserve special
Species Act (2007) that lists Extirpated, Endangered,
consideration in conservation planning and
Threatened and Special Concern species in Ontario.
implementation at the continental scale.
SAR recovery strategy: A document created as part
Status report: A report containing a summary of the
of a recovery plan that identifies any threats to the
best available information on the status of a wildlife
survival of a species (including any loss of habitat)
species, including scientific knowledge, community
listed as Extirpated, Endangered or Threatened. The
knowledge and aboriginal traditional knowledge.
document describes a broad strategy to be taken –
including time-frames – to address the threats to a Stewardship: The responsible use of resources based
species. Recovery strategies must be developed on a balance of economic, environmental and social
within one year of designation for Endangered values, in order to sustain production of these
species and within two years of designation for amenities and values to people, and all life, today and
Threatened species. for the future.
SAR Schedule 1: The official list of species that are Threat score: A measure of how a species
classified as Extirpated, Endangered, Threatened and population is expected to fare in the future, based on
of Special Concern in Canada. expert assessment of current and probable future
conditions that pose a threat. (See Appendix C,
SAR Schedule 2: The official list of species that
section D.)
have been designated as Endangered or Threatened in
Canada and have yet to be reassessed by COSEWIC Threatened: Any native species that is at risk of
using revised criteria. Once these species have been becoming Endangered through all or a portion of its
reassessed, they may be considered for inclusion in Ontario range if the limiting factors are not removed.
Schedule 1.
Watch List species: Species identified in the PIF
SAR Schedule 3: The official list of species that had North American Landbird Conservation Plan (Rich et
been designated as Special Concern in Canada and al. 2004) as having multiple reasons for conservation
have yet to be reassessed by COSEWIC using revised concern across their entire ranges.
criteria. Once these species have been reassessed,
they may be considered for inclusion in Schedule 1.
Silviculture: The theory and practice of controlling
the establishment, composition, constitution and
growth of forests.
Smart Growth: An OMMAH initiative to manage
growth in Ontario and promote a strong economy,
strong communities and a clean and healthy
environment. Smart Growth provides a coordinated
approach to growth, linking decisions about

Appendix A: ON BCR 12 Landbird Tehcnial Advisory Committee (TAC)
Name Organization Role

Ken Abraham Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources October 2004 Workshop
Ted Armstrong Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Rhonda Barkley Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Leeanne Beaudin Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Gregor Beck Ontario Nature October 2004 Workshop
Jacques Bouvier Wetland Habitat Fund October 2004 Workshop
Glen Brown Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources October 2004 Workshop
Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada/
Mike Cadman Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Coordinator
October 2004 Workshop
Chris Chenier Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Bill Crins Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources October 2004 Workshop
Martin Damus Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada October 2004 Workshop
Peter Davis Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources October 2004 Workshop
Darren Elder Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Don Fillman Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada October 2004 Workshop
Gilles Falardeau Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada October 2004 Workshop
David Ferguson Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
George Holborn Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources October 2004 Workshop
Steve Holmes Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada
Steve Hounsell Ontario Power Generation
Jean Iron Ontario Field Ornithologists October 2004 Workshop
Marc Johnson Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Andrew Jobes Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Eva Kennedy Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources October 2004 Workshop
Dana Kinsman Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources October 2004 Workshop
Dan Kraus Nature Conservancy of Canada
Kathryn Lindsay Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada
Ken McIlwrick Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada October 2004 Workshop
Marg McLaren Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources October 2004 Workshop
Don McNicol Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada October 2004 Workshop
Stephen Mills Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources October 2004 Workshop
Brian Naylor Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources October 2004 Workshop
Mike Norton Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada Provided comments on Workshop notes
Robert Pineo Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Rob Rempel Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources October 2004 Workshop
Derrick Romain Abitibi Consolidated
Mark Stabb Wildlife Habitat Canada/Wetland Habitat Fund
Don Sutherland Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources October 2004 Workshop
Kandyd Szuba Domtar Inc.
Ian Thompson Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada
Mike Turner Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) – Appendix A 91
Name Organization Role
Stan Vasiliauskas Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Lisa Venier Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada October 2004 Workshop
Ryan Zimmerling Bird Studies Canada/ LGL Limited
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) – Appendix A 92
Appendix B: Avian Data Sets and Data Analyses
Information on the distribution, abundance and trends of landbirds in the Ontario portion of BCR 12 (ON BCR 12)
is generally fair to good as the result of existing landbird monitoring programs. The status and limitations of these
monitoring programs are described in the Canadian Landbird Monitoring Strategy (Downes et al. 2000) and the
Ontario Wildlife Monitoring Programs summary (Konze 1998).
Breeding season data sets are most robust. Few monitoring programs collect standardized data on the distribution
and abundance of wintering landbirds in this region. Standardized migration monitoring data sets are available for
some locations within and just south of ON BCR 12, but birds breeding in BCR 12 cannot be distinguished during
migration from birds breeding in other BCRs and provinces/territories.
Avian data sets used in preparing this plan are described below.
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS)
The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is the primary large-scale, long-term bird monitoring program in North America
(see http://www.bsc-eoc.org/bbsont.html).
BBS data are used for several purposes in this plan:

• To determine population trends used in species assessment;
• To establish the relative importance of ON BCR 12 to the species; and
• To set measurable population abundance objectives for some species.
BBS coverage in ON BCR 12 is reasonably good. A total of 68 routes have been surveyed at least once, covering
33-degree blocks of latitude and longitude, with only one full degree block not surveyed at all. Thirty routes have
been surveyed at least 10 times, providing the main trend data. Coverage during the past decade (1995–2004)
remains good, with 52 routes surveyed, 36 of which have been run at least five times in the decade. These 36 routes
are distributed across 21 degree blocks, or about two-thirds of ON BCR 12. Coverage during the past decade has
been lacking in a few degree blocks near the northern limits of BCR 12, east and west of Lake Superior.
Count data from 62 BBS routes within ON BCR 12 were converted to annual abundance indices, using the current
Canadian BBS trend program (provided by Brian Collins, Environment Canada) to remove the effect of different
routes being surveyed in a given year. Use of annual indices allows annual assessment of population change and
progress towards objectives. BBS trends for the 1970–2004 period from ON BCR 12 could be calculated for 148
species, including 123 landbirds.
Ontario Breeding Bird Atlases (BBA)
The other major, comprehensive data sets for Ontario’s breeding birds are the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlases
(BBAs). The first Ontario BBA (BBA1, Cadman et al. 1987) provided a snapshot of breeding bird distribution for
each 10 km x 10 km square across central Ontario during the 1981–1985 period. The second atlas project (BBA2,
www.birdsontario.org/atlas/index.jsp) will provide comparable information for the 2001–2005 period. Bird
abundance (point-count) data are also being collected during the second BBA. BBA coverage across ON BCR 12
ranges from nearly complete coverage in the southeast, to partial coverage in the smaller northeast and northwest
parts of the BCR.
BBA data are used for several purposes in this plan:

• To measure changes in bird distribution over the past 20 years for comparison with BBS long-term population
trend information;
• To set measurable population distribution objectives for some species; and
• To identify areas within ON BCR 12 of particular importance to the various suites of priority landbird species.
All data from BBA1 and preliminary data (2001–05) from BBA2 were used in several technical analyses for this
plan. To compensate for differences in survey effort, only squares with a minimum of 10 hours of survey coverage
in both atlases were included in these analyses.
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) – Appendix B 93
Christmas Bird Counts (CBC)
Christmas Bird Count (CBC) data (www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/index.html) are the best available source of
information on the abundance and distribution of wintering landbirds in ON BCR 12. CBC data from BCR 12 for
the 1990/91 to 1997/98 period were analyzed, along with comparable data from elsewhere in North America, to
determine the relative importance (relative density scores and percentage of global population) of ON BCR 12 to
wintering landbirds.
New statistical analysis methods (Sauer et al. 2004) have the potential to make the CBC data set more relevant for
conservation purposes. Winter population trends should be available soon, and future analyses of relative density
data will be more robust to regional differences in observer effort.
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) – Appendix B 94
Appendix C: Identifying Priority Species at a Regional Scale – the PIF
Approach
Partners In Flight uses standard methods to identify priority species at a regional scale, that is, species most in need
of attention within a region (Panjabi 2001; Panjabi et al. 2005). Species assessment methods and data continue to
evolve and be updated over time, as it is important to ensure that priorities are based on the latest and most objective
data and methods available. The PIF methods used in the ON BCR 12 plan are summarized below. They follow the
methods described in detail by Panjabi et al. (2005) and are available on the internet:
(www.rmbo.org/pubs/downloads/Handbook2005.pdf). In particular, they incorporate “Species of Continental
Importance” identified for Canada and the United States in the PIF North American Landbird Conservation Plan
(Rich et al. 2004).
Criteria for Regional Species Assessment

PIF uses six biological measures of species status to assess the vulnerability of each species (Panjabi et al. 2005).
Together, these measures reflect a species’ vulnerability to current and future conditions, the trend in its population
and the importance of the region to the bird’s global population. Species are assessed separately in breeding and
non-breeding seasons.
Species Vulnerability – Two Global Measures:
A) Distribution – Global Breeding Distribution (BD-g) and Non-breeding Distribution (ND-g)
Underlying Assumption: Broadly distributed species are less vulnerable to a variety of known and unanticipated
impacts than species with a restricted geographic range.
Distribution is a measure of the geographic extent of a species’ global range during the breeding and
wintering periods. Distribution or degree of concentration during migration is not assessed at this time,
though it could be in the future.
Scores range from 1 (least vulnerable) to 5 (most vulnerable), as follows:
1 Range size 4 000 000 km2

4 Range size 500 000 km2
5 Range size < 500 000 km2
B) Population Size – Global (PS-g)
Underlying Assumption: Species with large populations generally are less vulnerable than species with small
populations.
This score is based on an estimate of the size of the world breeding population (methods in Rich et al.
2004). A global estimate is used to reflect the potential for regional populations to be replenished (in
numbers and genetic diversity) from elsewhere in the species’ range.
Scores range from 1 (least vulnerable) to 5 (most vulnerable) as follows:
1 World breeding population 50 000 000 individuals

2 World breeding population 5 000 000 individuals
3 World breeding population 500 000 individuals
4 World breeding population 50 000 individuals
5 World breeding population < 50 000 individuals
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) – Appendix C 95
Concern for Species Population – Two Measures, Each scored Continentally (North America) and Regionally
(BCR-wide):
C) Population Trend – Continental (PT-c) and BCR-wide (PT-r)
Underlying Assumption: Conditions that resulted in recent population declines may continue to cause declines in
future. Declining populations may be significantly below natural levels of abundance and distribution, such that they
are below the lower limit of the estimated range of natural variation (ERNV).
The direction and magnitude of change in a species population is measured, across its range and within the
BCR. For most landbirds, Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data have been used, supplemented by Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) trends and other sources (e.g., censuses of endangered species) for species without BBS
trends.
Scores range from 1 (least concern) to 5 (greatest concern), as follows:
1 Population Increase 50% over 30 years

2 Population Increase 15% over 30 years, or Population Stable (<15% change)
3 Population Trend is Unknown (no trend data) or Uncertain (highly variable)
4 Population Decrease 15% over 30 years
5 Population Decrease 50% over 30 years
D) Threats – Continentwide Breeding (TB-c) and Non-breeding (TN-c),

BCR Breeding (TB-r) and Non-breeding (TN-r)
Underlying Assumption: Knowledge of changing environmental conditions and of potential threats facing birds in
future helps identify birds and habitats that may decline without preventive action now.
Threats to species due to current and probable future conditions are assessed by landbird experts as a
measure of how a species population is expected to fare in the future, both rangewide and within the BCR,
and on the breeding and wintering grounds.
Scores range from 1 (least concern) to 5 (greatest concern), as follows:
1 Expected future conditions for breeding/non-breeding populations are enhanced by widespread human
activities or land uses;
2 Future conditions are expected to remain stable; no significant threats;
3 Slight to moderate decline in the future suitability of conditions is expected;
4 Severe deterioration in the future suitability of conditions is expected;
5 Extreme deterioration in the future suitability of conditions is expected; species is in danger of extirpation
from substantial portions of range leading to a major range contraction, or has a low probability of
successful reintroduction across a substantial former range.
Area Importance – Two Regional Measures:
E) Relative Density – Breeding (RD-b) and Non-breeding (RD-n)
Underlying Assumption: Regions with densities approaching maximum density for the species are assumed to have
highest importance to rangewide population; management action here will affect highest numbers of birds per unit
area.
Density of a species across the entire BCR is measured relative to the BCR with highest density for that
species, for the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Relative densities (RD) for most species have been
calculated from BBS data for the breeding season, and using CBC data for the non-breeding season. Other
sources of data and expert opinion have been used for species with few rangewide abundance data.
Scores range from 1 (lowest area importance) to 5 (highest area importance), as follows:
1 BCR density <1% of maximum density across all other BCRs; occurs regularly in small numbers or in
small parts of the BCR
2 BCR density 1–10% of maximum density
5 BCR density 50% of maximum density across all other BCRs
F) Percentage of World Population (% Pop) – Breeding and Non-breeding
Underlying Assumption: Regions with high proportions of a species population are assumed to have high importance
to the global population; regionwide actions in these regions will affect the largest numbers of birds.
The percentage of a species’ world population in each BCR has been estimated by PIF (Rich et al. 2004) as
an alternative measure of area importance. Unlike RD, % Pop is area-dependant, so the two measures
provide complementary perspectives on area importance across the spectrum of BCR sizes: RD emphasizes
BCRs with high regionwide density, whereas % Pop highlights BCRs with large numbers of birds.
Species with at least 25% of their world population in a single BCR are highlighted.
Applying the Criteria for the Selection of Priority Species

The PIF species assessment methods outlined above are used to highlight those species that for biological reasons
are in need of conservation attention in a BCR (or smaller planning area such as ON BCR 12). A comprehensive list
of priority species is compiled to coordinate species conservation actions and focus efforts where they are needed
most.
Species are included on a region’s priority list for a variety of reasons. All Species of Continental Importance (Rich
et al. 2004) that have significant populations in the BCR are included as priority species, so that local efforts will
contribute to continental conservation. Species identified by the BCR-wide species assessment (above) as being of
high vulnerability, high concern or high area importance in the BCR are also included as priority species. Species
designated as endangered or at risk by Species at Risk (SAR) legislation that occur within the planning area (ON
BCR 12) are also included as priority species. Finally, the BCR-wide species lists are screened to ensure that all
species on the list occur regularly and in significant numbers in the planning area (ON BCR 12); additional species
of management interest/concern in Ontario may be added.
Criteria for each of these categories of priority species are outlined below.
Species of Continental Importance – Two Categories:
A) Continental Concern: Species must meet all of the following criteria:
• Listed on PIF Continental Watch List (Rich et al. 2004);

• Occurs regularly in significant numbers in the BCR, i.e., RD >1; and
• Future conditions are not enhanced by human activities, i.e., Threat Score >1.
B) Continental Stewardship: Species must meet all of the following criteria:
• Listed as a PIF Continental Stewardship Species (Rich et al. 2004);

• High Area Importance of the BCR to the species, i.e., % Pop 25% or (RD=5 and % Pop 5%);
Species of Regional Importance – Two Categories:
For these two categories, a Regional Combined Score (maximum of 25) is calculated for each species in the BCR by
summing scores for Distribution, Population Size, Population Trend, Threats and Relative Density. Scores pertinent
to each season are used, as follows:
Breeding Total = BD-g + PS-g + PT-r + TB-r + RD-b

Non-breeding Total (permanent residents) = ND-g + PS-g + PT-r + TN-r + RD-b
Non-breeding Total (winter resident only) = ND-g + PS-g + PT-c + TN-r + RD-n
C) Regional Concern: Species must meet all criteria in the season(s) for which it is listed:
• Regional Combined Score >13;

• High Regional Threats (>3) or Moderate Regional Threat (3) combined with significant Population
Decline (PT>3); and
• Occurs regularly in significant numbers in the BCR, i.e., RD >1.
D) Regional Stewardship: Species must meet all criteria in the season(s) for which it is listed:
• Regional Combined Score >13;

• High Area Importance in the BCR – % Pop 25% OR (RD=5 and % Pop 5%); and
Species at Risk – Two Categories:
Listed Species at Risk that currently occur or potentially occur in the Ontario portion of BCR 12 are included on the
priority species list, regardless of their total Regional Combined Score, population density (RD) or threat score.
E) Federal Species at Risk – Listed according to Canada’s Species At Risk Act (www.sararegistry.gc.ca)
F) Provincial Species at Risk – Species at Risk in Ontario List (www.ontarioparks.com/saro-list.pdf) issued in

regulation under the Endangered Species Act (2007).
Other Species of Management Concern:
Additional species of regional management interest were identified using landbird population data from ON BCR 12
and expert opinion obtained at a Technical Workshop held at Mattawa in 2004 (www.bsc-
eoc.org/PIF/BCR8%2012_WorkshopSummary.pdf). Four landbird species with Regional Combined Scores
approaching Regional Importance status were added to the priority list because of concern for regional (ON BCR
12) population declines together with elevated threats to breeding populations: Northern Goshawk, Common
Nighthawk, Red Crossbill and Prairie Warbler. In the case of Northern Goshawk and Red Crossbill, the Ontario
Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA) provided more data indicating a decline than was available from the Breeding Bird
Survey (BBS). For Prairie Warbler, trend data were not sufficient to define a population trend, but threats to its
habitat remain high.
Several listed Species at Risk that occur at least occasionally in other parts of BCR 12, but not regularly in ON BCR
12, were screened off the BCR-wide priority list (Henslow’s Sparrow, Bicknell’s Thrush, Greater Prairie-Chicken,
Northern Bobwhite, Golden Eagle, Barn Owl, Prothonotary Warbler and Hooded Warbler). Many of these species
are the focus of recovery efforts in southern Ontario (ON BCR 13). Kirtland’s Warbler was purposely kept on the
ON BCR 12 priority list despite no recent breeding records, because there is suitable habitat here that could become
important to this globally vulnerable species if its breeding range continues to expand from its core breeding
grounds nearby in Michigan.
Appendix D: Landbirds Occurring Regularly in Ontario BCR 12 during the
Breeding and/or Wintering Seasons
Table D1 is a listing of all landbirds occurring regularly (see below) in the Ontario portion of BCR 12 (ON BCR 12)
during the breeding and/or wintering seasons, along with additional information on their residency status and
Species at Risk (SAR) status. An explanation of the information in the columns and the various codes used in Table
D1 is provided below, along with the sources of information used in developing this table.
Most of the breeding species included in this list are widespread in ON BCR 12, but the list includes some species
that breed regularly at only few sites (e.g., Louisiana Waterthrush) or occur only locally within ON BCR 12 (e.g.,
Black-billed Magpie). Irruptive winter finches (e.g., Hoary Redpoll) are included as regular wintering birds, even
though their numbers vary markedly from year to year. The list also includes a few Endangered species that do not
currently occur regularly in this region but did in the past (e.g., Loggerhead Shrike) or could potentially become
established at a few sites in the future (e.g., Kirtland’s Warbler).
Explanatory Notes for Table D1:
Bold = Priority species in ON BCR 12; [species enclosed in square brackets] = Introduced species
Residency Status in ON BCR 12: PR: Permanent resident; B = Resident during breeding season only;
W = Resident during wintering season only. BW = Species is resident during breeding and wintering
seasons (but not a permanent resident). Sources: James 1991; Breeding Bird Atlas data; Christmas Bird
Count data; NatureServe range maps.
SAR Status CA/ON: Federal (CA) and provincial (ON) Species at Risk status designations: EN =
Endangered; TH = Threatened; SC = Special Concern; (SC) = Special Concern but undergoing public
consultation, or on Schedule 3 of Species at Risk Act pending review of updated status report; UR =
Under Review by COSEWIC (currently not listed). CL = On list of Candidate Species for COSEWIC
review. Sources: SARA Public Registry March 2007; COSEWIC 2007a,b,c; OMNR 2006a.
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) – Appendix D 99
Table D1: List of landbirds occurring regularly in Ontario BCR 12 during breeding and/or wintering
seasons, along with additional information on residency status and Species at Risk status.
Residency SAR Status

Common Name
Scientific Name Status CA/ON
[Ring-necked Pheasant] Phasianus colchicus PR

Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus PR
Spruce Grouse Falcipennis Canadensis PR
Sharp-tailed Grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus PR
Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo PR
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura B
Osprey Pandion haliaetus B
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus B –/EN or SC1
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus B
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus B
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii B
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentiles BW
Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus B –/SC2
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus B
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis B
American Kestrel Falco sparverius B
Merlin Falco columbarius B
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus B TH/TH
[Rock Pigeon] Columba livia PR
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura BW
Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus B
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus B
Eastern Screech-Owl Megascops asio PR
Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus PR
Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus W
Northern Hawk Owl Surnia ulula PR
Barred Owl Strix varia PR
Great Gray Owl Strix nebulosa PR –/SC2
Long-eared Owl Asio otus BW
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus B (SC)/SC
Boreal Owl Aegolius funereus PR
Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus BW
Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor B UR
Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferous B CL
Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica B UR
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris B
1
Bald Eagle population in southern portion of ON BCR 12 (south of the French and Mattawa Rivers) is
Endangered, whereas in northern portion is considered Special Concern status.
2
Listed as Special Concern in Ontario when this plan was written (downlisted as of June 30th, 2008).
Common Name
Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon B

Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus B (SC)/SC
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius B
Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens PR
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus PR
American Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides dorsalis PR
Black-backed Woodpecker Picoides arcticus PR
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus B
Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus PR
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi B UR
Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens B
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris B
Alder Flycatcher Empidonax alnorum B
Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii B
Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus B
Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe B
Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus B
Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus B
Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus B EN/EN
Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor W
Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons B
Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius B
Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus B
Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus B
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus B
Gray Jay Perisoreus canadensis PR
Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata BW
Black-billed Magpie Pica hudsonia BW
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos B
Common Raven Corvus corax PR
Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris B
Purple Martin Progne subis B
Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor B
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis B
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia B
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota B
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica B CL
Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus PR
Boreal Chickadee Poecile hudsonica PR
Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis BW
White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis PR
Common Name
Brown Creeper Certhia americana BW

House Wren Troglodytes aedon B
Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes B
Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis B
Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris B
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa BW
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula B
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea B
Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis B
Veery Catharus fuscescens B
Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus B
Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus B
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina B
American Robin Turdus migratorius BW
Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis B
Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos BW
Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum B
[European Starling] Sturnus vulgaris BW
Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus W
Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum BW
Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus B
Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera B (TH)
Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina B
Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla B
Northern Parula Parula americana B
Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia B
Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica B
Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia B
Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina B
Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens B
Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata B
Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens B
Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca B
Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus B
Kirtland's Warbler Dendroica kirtlandii B EN/EN
Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor B
Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum B
Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea B
Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea B SC/SC
Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia B
American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla B
Common Name
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla B

Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis B
Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla B SC/SC
Connecticut Warbler Oporornis agilis B
Mourning Warbler Oporornis philadelphia B
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas B
Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla B
Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis B UR
Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea B
Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus B
American Tree Sparrow Spizella arborea W
Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina B
Clay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida B
Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla B CL
Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus B
Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis B
Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum B
Le Conte's Sparrow Ammodramus leconteii B
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia B
Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii B
Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana B
White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis B
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis BW
Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus W
Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis W
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis PR
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus B
Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea B
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus B
Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus B
Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna B
Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta B
Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus B
Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus B (SC)
Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus B
Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula B
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater B
Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula B
Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator BW
Purple Finch Carpodacus purpureus BW
House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus PR
Common Name
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra BW

White-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptera BW
Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea W
Hoary Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni W
Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus BW
American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis BW
Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus BW
[House Sparrow] Passer domesticus PR
Appendix E: PIF Species Assessment Scores for Landbirds in ON BCR 12
See Appendix C and Panjabi et al. 2005 for a detailed explanation of the PIF scoring system. Seasonal
assessment scores are provided for all species that occur regularly in ON BCR 12 during the breeding
and/or wintering seasons (Appendix D).
Explanatory Notes for Table E1:
Bold = Species on priority list in Ontario BCR 12; […] = Introduced (non-native) species
Breeding Assessment Scores =1 (low) to 5 (high vulnerability, concern or responsibility)
Total = Sum of BD + PS + PT Breeding + TB + RD Breeding
BD = Breeding Distribution Score, based on global range
PS = Population Size Score, based on estimated global breeding population
PT = Population Trend Score, based on BCR-wide BBS trend since 1966

* = Large loss in % squares with breeding between 1st and 2nd BBA, equivalent to PT score of 5
TB = Threats Breeding Score, based on BCR-wide assessment of threats
RD = Relative Density Score, based on BCR-wide breeding density relative to density in other North
American BCRs
Global % Pop = Estimated percentage of global population breeding in BCR 12
Breeding Evidence = % of adequately surveyed Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas squares (10 km x 10 km)
with breeding evidence (only squares with a minimum of 20 hour’s effort are included in calculation).
BBA1 = 1981–85 (Cadman et al. 1987); BBA2 = 2001–05 (preliminary data as of December 2005)
Wintering Assessment Scores = 1 (low) to 5 (high vulnerability, concern or responsibility)
Total = Sum of ND + PS + PT Non-breeding + TN + RD Non-breeding
ND = Non-breeding Distribution Score, based on global range in winter
PS = Population Size Score, based on estimated global breeding population
PT = Population Trend Score, based on global trend
TN = Threats Non-breeding Score, based on global assessment of threats in the non-breeding season
RD = Relative Density Score, based on BCR-wide wintering density relative to density in other North
American BCRs
Global % Pop = Estimated percentage of global population wintering in BCR 12
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) – Appendix E 105
Table E1: PIF species assessment scores for landbirds in Ontario’s portion of BCR 12.
Breeding
Common Name Breeding Assessment Scores Global Evidence Winter Assessment Scores Global
Total BD PS PT TB RD %Pop BBA1 BBA2 Total ND PS PT TN RD %Pop
[Ring-necked Pheasant] 10 1 2 4 1 2 <1% 1% 3% 9 1 2 4 1 1 <1%
Ruffed Grouse 14 2 2 3 2 5 11% 93% 92% 14 2 2 3 2 5 11%
Spruce Grouse 12 1 3 3 2 3 5% 9% 9% 13 1 3 3 3 3 5%
Sharp-tailed Grouse 13 2 3 2 4 2 2% 1% 3% 11 2 3 2 2 2 2%
Wild Turkey 9 2 3 1 1 2 4% 0% 18% 11 2 3 1 3 2 4%
Turkey Vulture 8 1 3 1 1 2 <1% 56% 75%
Osprey 10 1 4 1 2 2 1% 54% 47%
Bald Eagle 12 2 4 2 2 2 1% 4% 19%
Northern Harrier 13 1 3 3 3 3 1% 55% 36%
Sharp-shinned Hawk 13 1 3 2 2 5 4% 43% 43%
Cooper's Hawk 11 1 3 2* 2 3 3% 24% 16%
Northern Goshawk 14 1 4 3 3 3 1% 25% 21% 15 1 4 3 3 4 2%
Red-shouldered Hawk 11 2 3 1 3 2 1% 24% 31%
Broad-winged Hawk 14 1 3 3 2 5 22% 92% 92%
Red-tailed Hawk 9 1 3 1 2 2 1% 59% 56%
American Kestrel 11 1 2 3 2 3 2% 62% 48%
Merlin 12 1 3 2 2 4 2% 14% 54%
Peregrine Falcon 11 1 3 3 3 1 <1% 0% 3%
[Rock Pigeon] 7 1 1 1 1 3 <1% 35% 37% 8 1 1 1 1 4 4%
Mourning Dove 6 1 1 1 1 2 1% 48% 58% 8 1 1 2 1 3 2%
Black-billed Cuckoo 16 2 3 3 3 5 22% 45% 48%
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 12 1 2 5 3 1 <1% 5% 7%
Eastern Screech-Owl 11 2 3 3 2 1 <1% 5% 4% 11 2 3 3 2 1 <1%
Great Horned Owl 10 1 2 3* 2 2 <1% 37% 24% 9 1 2 3 1 2 <1%
Snowy Owl 12 1 4 2 2 3 3%
Breeding
Northern Hawk Owl 12 1 4 3 2 2 <1% 0% 1% 13 1 4 3 2 3
Barred Owl 10 1 3 2 2 2 4% 50% 56% 10 1 3 2 2 2 4%
Great Gray Owl 13 1 4 3 2 3 1% 1% 3% 13 1 4 3 2 3 1%
Long-eared Owl 15 1 4 3 3 4 2% 4% 9% 13 1 4 4 3 1 <1%
Short-eared Owl 11 1 3 3 3 1 <1% 2% 3%
Boreal Owl 12 1 3 3 3 2 1% <1% 3% 12 1 3 3 2 3 1%
Northern Saw-whet Owl 13 2 3 3 2 3 3% 33% 30% 11 2 3 2 2 2 2%
Common Nighthawk 13 1 2 5* 4 1 <1% 65% 31%
Whip-poor-will 15 2 3 4* 4 2 5% 60% 33%
Chimney Swift 14 1 2 5* 4 2 1% 67% 32%
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 10 1 2 1 2 4 12% 91% 89%
Belted Kingfisher 16 1 3 5 2 5 7% 95% 88%
Red-headed Woodpecker 15 2 3 4* 4 2 <1% 6% 4%
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 14 2 2 3 2 5 23% 94% 94%
Downy Woodpecker 10 1 2 1 2 4 5% 91% 89% 9 1 2 1 1 4 5%
Hairy Woodpecker 11 1 2 1 2 5 7% 93% 94% 11 1 2 1 2 5 7%
American Three-toed
Woodpecker 12 1 3 3 3 2 <1% 1% 2% 12 1 3 3 3 2 <1%
Black-backed Woodpecker 15 2 3 3 3 4 4% 26% 25% 14 2 3 3 3 3 4%
Northern Flicker 15 1 2 4 3 5 5% 100% 99%
Pileated Woodpecker 11 1 3 1 2 4 8% 82% 91% 11 1 3 1 2 4 8%
Olive-sided Flycatcher 14 1 3 5* 3 2 3% 69% 48%
Eastern Wood-Pewee 14 1 2 5 3 3 8% 79% 70%
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 12 2 2 2 2 4 9% 27% 45%
Alder Flycatcher 11 1 2 2 2 4 3% 76% 90%
Willow Flycatcher 11 1 3 3 2 2 1% 7% 12%
Breeding
Least Flycatcher 14 1 2 4 2 5 10% 96% 93%
Eastern Phoebe 10 1 2 1 2 4 9% 74% 77%
Great Crested Flycatcher 13 1 2 4 2 4 12% 87% 75%
Eastern Kingbird 13 1 2 4 3 3 4% 96% 75%
Loggerhead Shrike 13 1 3 3* 5 1 <1% 3% <1%
Northern Shrike 12 1 3 2 2 4 1%
Yellow-throated Vireo 12 2 3 1 3 3 5% 18% 15%
Blue-headed Vireo 11 2 2 1 2 4 13% 51% 83%
Warbling Vireo 11 1 2 3 2 3 2% 53% 43%
Philadelphia Vireo 13 2 3 2 2 4 9% 25% 29%
Red-eyed Vireo 11 2 1 1 2 5 16% 99% 100%
Gray Jay 11 1 2 3 3 2 1% 42% 44% 10 1 2 3 2 2 1%
Blue Jay 10 1 2 2 1 4 8% 98% 99% 14 2 2 4 1 5 11%
Black-billed Magpie 11 2 3 2 2 2 <1% 0% 2% 11 2 3 2 2 2 <1%
American Crow 10 1 2 2 1 4 7% 95% 95%
Common Raven 9 1 2 1 1 4 1% 90% 97% 9 1 2 1 1 4 1%
Horned Lark 10 1 1 4 3 1 <1% 6% 5%
Purple Martin 13 1 2 5* 3 2 1% 30% 7%
Tree Swallow 13 1 2 4 2 4 8% 98% 83%
Swallow 14 1 2 5* 3 3 <1% 36% 18%
Bank Swallow 14 1 2 5* 3 3 1% 51% 20%
Cliff Swallow 10 1 1 3* 3 2 2% 62% 21%
Barn Swallow 14 1 1 5 3 4 1% 91% 63%
Black-capped Chickadee 11 1 2 1 2 5 16% 99% 100% 11 1 2 1 2 5 16%
Boreal Chickadee 11 1 2 3 3 2 1% 13% 12% 10 1 2 3 2 2 1%
Breeding
Red-breasted Nuthatch 9 1 2 1 2 3 9% 92% 96% 11 1 2 1 2 5 11%
White-breasted Nuthatch 11 1 2 3 2 3 6% 61% 64% 11 1 2 3 2 3 6%
Brown Creeper 11 1 2 3 3 2 8% 57% 69% 11 1 2 3 2 3 3%
House Wren 10 1 2 3 1 3 2% 33% 35%
Winter Wren 12 1 2 1 3 5 7% 82% 95%
Sedge Wren 14 3 2 1 3 5 21% 12% 14%
Marsh Wren 12 2 2 3 3 2 3% 9% 12%
Golden-crowned Kinglet 12 2 2 3 2 3 7% 58% 73% 10 1 2 3 2 2 1%
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12 1 1 4 2 4 3% 68% 55%
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8 1 1 3 2 1 <1% 2% 2%
Eastern Bluebird 10 1 2 3 2 2 2% 34% 37%
Veery 16 2 2 4 3 5 34% 98% 97%
Swainson's Thrush 11 1 1 4 2 3 2% 70% 70%
Hermit Thrush 9 1 1 1 2 4 5% 92% 96%
Wood Thrush 14 2 2 4 3 3 5% 67% 55%
American Robin 9 1 1 2 1 4 4% 100% 99% 6 1 1 2 1 1 <1%
Gray Catbird 12 1 2 4 3 2 6% 80% 59%
Northern Mockingbird 8 1 2 3 1 1 <1% 3% 4% 9 1 2 4 1 1 <1%
Brown Thrasher 14 1 2 5* 3 3 3% 64% 45%
[European Starling] 10 1 1 4 1 3 <1% 76% 60% 9 1 1 4 1 2 1%
Bohemian Waxwing 11 1 3 2 2 3 2%
Cedar Waxwing 13 1 2 3 2 5 15% 99% 97% 9 1 2 2 2 2 1%
Blue-winged Warbler 14 3 4 3 3 1 1% 1% 3%
Golden-winged Warbler 19 4 4 3* 3 5 76% 32% 19%
Tennessee Warbler 10 2 1 3 2 2 1% 34% 24%
Nashville Warbler 13 2 2 2 2 5 24% 96% 97%
Breeding
Northern Parula 10 2 2 1 2 3 5% 16% 42%
Yellow Warbler 11 1 2 2 2 4 3% 87% 79%
Chestnut-sided Warbler 14 2 2 3 2 5 37% 98% 99%
Magnolia Warbler 10 1 2 1 2 4 10% 87% 96%
Cape May Warbler 12 2 3 1 2 4 13% 35% 24%
Black-throated Blue Warbler 17 3 3 3 3 5 43% 75% 86%
Yellow-rumped Warbler 9 1 1 1 2 4 4% 97% 99%
Black-throated Green Warbler 14 2 2 3 2 5 22% 83% 93%
Blackburnian Warbler 14 2 2 2 3 5 27% 86% 90%
Pine Warbler 10 3 2 1 2 2 5% 48% 70%
Kirtland's Warbler 22 5 5 3 4 5 100%
Prairie Warbler 14 3 3 3 4 1 <1% 4% 4%
Palm Warbler 10 2 2 2 2 2 1% 1% 4%
Bay-breasted Warbler 17 3 3 4 3 4 9% 23% 22%
Cerulean Warbler 15 4 3 3 4 1 <1% 4% 3%
Black-and-white Warbler 13 2 2 2 2 5 21% 96% 96%
American Redstart 12 1 2 3 2 4 14% 97% 95%
Ovenbird 13 2 2 2 2 5 26% 99% 99%
Northern Waterthrush 12 1 2 5 2 2 2% 75% 73%
Louisiana Waterthrush 13 2 4 3 3 1 <1% 1% 1%
Connecticut Warbler 17 3 3 4 3 4 8% 2% 3%
Mourning Warbler 16 3 2 4 2 5 20% 81% 80%
Common Yellowthroat 14 1 2 4 2 5 11% 98% 98%
Wilson's Warbler 10 1 2 3 2 2 <1% 8% 12%
Canada Warbler 17 2 3 4 3 5 23% 82% 78%
Scarlet Tanager 13 2 3 3 2 3 12% 76% 71%
Breeding
Eastern Towhee 13 2 2 4 3 2 1% 25% 18%
American Tree Sparrow 12 2 2 4 2 2 1%
Chipping Sparrow 11 1 1 2 2 5 6% 99% 94%
Clay-colored Sparrow 12 2 2 3 3 2 3% 5% 10%
Field Sparrow 15 2 2 5* 4 2 1% 32% 19%
Vesper Sparrow 12 1 2 4* 3 2 1% 42% 23%
Savannah Sparrow 12 1 1 4 2 4 3% 58% 50%
Grasshopper Sparrow 11 1 2 3 3 2 <1% 3% 3%
Le Conte's Sparrow 13 2 3 2 3 3 3% 1% 5%
Song Sparrow 12 1 1 4 2 4 9% 99% 96%
Lincoln's Sparrow 10 1 2 3 2 2 1% 18% 28%
Swamp Sparrow 13 2 2 2 2 5 12% 93% 95%
White-throated Sparrow 12 2 1 2 2 5 11% 100% 99%
Dark-eyed Junco 11 1 1 5 2 2 1% 66% 59% 9 1 1 4 1 2 <1%
Lapland Longspur 8 1 1 3 2 1 <1%
Snow Bunting 11 1 2 2 2 4 8%
Northern Cardinal 5 1 1 1 1 1 <1% 5% 11% 5 1 1 1 1 1 <1%
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 16 2 3 4 2 5 22% 94% 85%
Indigo Bunting 10 1 2 3 2 2 3% 69% 66%
Bobolink 15 2 2 4* 3 4 17% 61% 39%
Red-winged Blackbird 9 1 1 3 2 2 3% 97% 86%
Eastern Meadowlark 12 1 2 4 3 2 1% 39% 28%
Western Meadowlark 13 1 2 5 4 1 <1% 1% 1%
Yellow-headed Blackbird 11 2 2 3 3 1 <1% <1% 1%
Rusty Blackbird 14 1 3 4 3 3 2% 15% 10%
Brewer's Blackbird 12 2 2 3 3 2 1% 8% 6%
Breeding
Common Grackle 9 1 1 4 1 2 2% 98% 91%
Brown-headed Cowbird 12 1 1 5* 2 3 2% 78% 46%
Baltimore Oriole 13 2 2 4* 2 3 5% 68% 39%
Pine Grosbeak 12 1 3 3* 3 2 <1% 4% 2% 14 1 3 3 2 5 4%
Purple Finch 16 2 3 4 3 4 12% 96% 89% 15 1 3 4 2 5 21%
House Finch 7 1 2 1 1 2 1% <1% 7% 7 1 2 1 1 2 1%
Red Crossbill 10 1 2 2* 3 2 <1% 19% 9% 13 1 2 3 3 4 2%
White-winged Crossbill 12 1 2 3 3 3 1% 18% 31% 12 1 2 2 3 4 2%
Common Redpoll 11 1 1 2 2 5 2%
Hoary Redpoll 10 1 2 3 2 2 1%
Pine Siskin 11 1 2 3* 2 3 3% 62% 44% 12 1 2 4 1 4 7%
American Goldfinch 13 1 2 4 2 4 9% 90% 85% 10 1 2 2 1 4 8%
Evening Grosbeak 14 2 2 3 3 4 11% 82% 73% 14 1 2 4 2 5 19%
[House Sparrow] 9 1 1 4* 1 2 <1% 39% 19% 9 1 1 4 1 2 <1%
Appendix F: Ontario BCR 12 Priority Species Accounts
The species accounts in this appendix summarize the conservation status, biology, population-limiting
factors and threats, objectives and recommended actions for each of the 51 priority species identified in
the Ontario BCR 12 Landbird Conservation Plan. The accounts follow a standard format as shown in the
template (Figure F1). Additional information on the format, content and sources of information used in
these accounts is provided below.
Additional Information on the Contents of the Priority Species Accounts:

Status
x PIF Continental Watch List Species: Identified as Watch List species in the North American
Landbird Conservation Plan (Rich et al. 2004)
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species: Identified as Stewardship species in the North American
Landbird Conservation Plan (Rich et al. 2004), with at least 5% of global population in BCR 12
x COSEWIC Status: Identified as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern by the Committee on
the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, March 2007 (www.cosewic.gc.ca)
x OMNR Status: Identified as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern by the Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources in Ontario, December 2005
(www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/speciesatrisk/status_list.html)
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding/Wintering): Identified as a priority breeding and/or
wintering species in this plan
x OMNR Evaluative Indicator Species: Species for which habitat models have been developed and
simulated ranges of natural variation have been calculated. These habitat models were created to
evaluated policy and management options during development of the Landscape Guide (OMNR, in
prep.) and, once completed, results of the models will be made available in Ontario's Landscape Tool
and be used within the forest management planning process.
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status

This section gives categories and reasons for considering species a priority in ON BCR 12 (see Table 3);
also BBS trend information for BCR 12 and percentage of global population in BCR 12. See Appendix C
for a detailed explanation of the PIF approach to identifying priority species on a regional scale and PIF
scoring system (e.g., RD, PT, TB and TN).
Range Map
Range maps were constructed by Bird Studies Canada using data provided by NatureServe in
collaboration with Robert Ridgely, James Zook, The Nature Conservancy – Migratory Bird Program,
Conservation International – Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, World Wildlife Fund – US and
Environment Canada – Wildspace™ (Ridgely et al. 2003).
ONBCR 12 Population
A summary is given of current information on species population status in ON BCR 12, including
estimated percentage of global population, current abundance estimate (BBS Index and population
estimate), breeding distribution during the Breeding Bird Atlas projects (BBA1 and BBA2) and BBS
population trend and graph of BBS annual indices for ON BCR 12. See Appendices G and H for
additional information on the accuracy and precision of the BBS-based population estimates and trends.
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) – Appendix F 113
Objectives
Objectives are provided for the conservation of the species in ON BCR 12 as established in this plan
(except for Endangered and Threatened species), are provided. Objectives for Endangered and Threatened
species are as set by current recovery strategies, where available.
“Fine filter” priority actions specific to the conservation of the particular species in this region are
included in the species accounts. “Coarse filter” actions that apply to all or most species in a particular
habitat suite or foraging guild are included in the relevant chapter in this plan.
Key References
The main sources of information (mostly secondary references) used in preparing the species account are
listed.
Figure F1: Template for the priority species accounts.
Common Name HABITAT GUILD

Scientific name FORAGING GUILD (if applicable)
Status
Limiting Factors and Threats
x PIF Status in North America (Continental Watch Main factors that affect the conservation of this species or
List or Continental Stewardship Species in Rich et al. its habitat, such as:
2004) x Habitat Loss, Habitat Alteration, Brood Parasitism,
x SAR Status in Canada (SARA 2006; COSEWIC Competition, Lack of Information
2005, 2006)
x SAR Status in Ontario (OMNR 2005) Overall Objective(s)
x Priority Status in ON BCR 12 (Breeding or x Short description of overall objective(s) or strategy
Wintering Priority Species as identified in this plan) for conserving this species
x OMNR Evaluative Indicator Species x PIF continental population objective (if any)
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status Population Objectives

x Continental Concern: Supporting criteria x Quantitative population abundance and/or distribution
x Continental Stewardship: Supporting criteria objectives, where applicable
x Regional Concern: Supporting criteria Habitat Objective
x Regional Stewardship: Supporting criteria x Rationale and analysis that will be used to set
x Species at Risk: Reasons for designation quantitative habitat objective, where applicable
x Management Interest: Supporting criteria
x Population trend in BCR 12 Monitoring Objective
x % of global population in BCR 12 x Population monitoring targets (measure of ability to
detect change) needed to evaluate effectiveness of
Colour Codes for Range Map conservation actions
Red = breeding range Conservation Focus
Yellow = passage migrant x Primary tactic needed to address conservation needs
Blue = wintering range of this priority species
Purple = year-round range
ON BCR 12 Population Priority actions in one or more of the following categories:
x % of global population in ON BCR 12 (based on x Monitoring
1990s population estimates and comparable x Research and Evaluation
population estimates in Rich et al. 2004) x Planning and Policy
x Table of % of atlas squares (minimum of 20 x Outreach and Education
hours of coverage) with breeding evidence in each x Habitat Management and Protection
subregion during BBA1 (1981–85) and BBA2 (2001–
05, preliminary data) Key References
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) and population BBA1: Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas species accounts.
estimate (or best available population estimate) ORBBP: Ontario Rare Breeding Bird Program species
x Population trend in ON BCR 12 based on BBS accounts.
1970–2004 data, or other available source BNA: Birds of North America species accounts.
COSEWIC: COSEWIC status report.
Ecology NANCLC: National Action Needs of Canadian Landbird
x Key ecological factors such as including area Conservation, v.1.
sensitivity, breeding habitat, specific habitat or CWLRMN: PIF Continental Watch List Research and
nesting requirements, foraging strategy, etc. Monitoring Needs species accounts.
TNC SMA: Species Management Abstract prepared by
The Nature Conservancy
Landscape Guide: OMNR in prep. a
Site/Stand Guide; OMNR in prep. b.
Other: Additional references.
Bald Eagle WETLAND/RIPARIAN
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Status Limiting Factors and Threats (cont’d)

x Endangered in southern Ontario, south of the x Biosentinel Species: Population-sensitive indicator of
French and Mattawa rivers; Special Concern in environmental quality owing to bioaccumulation of toxins
northern Ontario (mercury, lead shot); also vulnerable to disease (West
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species Nile virus, botulism)
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding)
Overall Objectives
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status x Southern ON BCR 12: Recovery: Objectives to be
x Species at Risk: Ontario population recovering determined by provincial recovery strategy
from severe decline due to pesticide (DDT) x Northern and Western parts of ON BCR 12: Assess
contamination, but this long-lived species is status
inherently sensitive to bioaccumulation of toxins and
Population Objective
emerging diseases (West Nile virus)
x As determined by provincial recovery strategy
x BBS population trend in BCR 12 unknown
x ~1% of global population in BCR 12 Habitat Objective
x Fine Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain adequate supply
of preferred nesting habitat near water using a spatial
habitat suitability model
x Fine Filter; Site Scale: Protect existing active and
potential nest sites from disturbance; ensure an
adequate supply of super-canopy nest trees in areas of
suitable habitat, as per direction in the Site/Stand Guide
Monitoring Objective
ON BCR 12 Population x As determined by provincial recovery strategy for
x <1% of global population in ON BCR 12 southern ON BCR 12
x Information on population size in ON BCR 12 not x Improve current population monitoring capability
available; breeding evidence reported from 298 elsewhere in ON BCR 12
squares during BBA2
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): Conservation Focus
x Assess Status: Periodically assess population status
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change compared to the availability of suitable habitat using all
W available data (BBS, BBA, nest records, hawk counts,
30% 71% Up
NE
CBC)
0% 18% Up
SE 3% 13% Up Conservation Actions
Continue to implement provincial habitat management
x BBS population trend in ON BCR 12 unknown but guidelines for Bald Eagle, complete provincial recovery
BBA and other surveys indicate strong population plan (and/or management plan) and ongoing recovery
increase since 1970s activities, including:
x Monitoring: Periodically survey and assess breeding
Ecology
population in ON BCR 12
x Associated with water, including shoreline and
x Habitat Protection: Ensure sufficient supply of suitable
riparian habitats
nesting habitat including nest trees, and additional large
x Requires large super-canopy trees for nest sites
super-canopy trees for nesting, perching and roosting
(frequently reused) and for perching and roosting,
x Nest Site Protection: Avoid disturbance of active nest
situated within large (>255 ha) forested nesting
sites (February to mid-June); avoid destruction of nest
territory close to large lake or river
trees at any time
x Feeds primarily on fish, also carrion, small
mammals and waterfowl Key References
BBA1: Bortolotti 1987.
ORBBP: Austen et al. 1994.
x Habitat Alteration: Modification of shoreline or BNA: Buehler 2000.
riparian nesting habitat or nest trees due to logging, COSSARO: Grier et al. 2003.
marinas, wind turbines or other development/ Other: Donaldson et al. 1999; OMNR 1987a, 2005.
activities a concern in some areas
x Disturbance: Sensitive to disturbance near nest site
during breeding season
Bank Swallow WETLAND/RIPARIAN;
Riparia riparia AERIAL-FORAGING INSECTIVORE
Status Ecology (cont’d)

x Usually nests in small colonies of 5–100 pairs, rarely
more than 1000 pairs
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status x Diurnal aerial-foraging insectivore
x Regional Concern: Severe regional population Limiting Factors and Threats
decline (PT=5) with moderate relative density (RD=3)
x Lack of Information: Cause(s) of population decline
and moderate threats (TB=3) in BCR 12
unknown
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12
x Monitoring: Species is potentially not well monitored by
shows a significant, very severe decline (–6.0%/y)
BBS survey because of its coloniality
x ~1% of global population in BCR 12
x Direct or Indirect Mortality: Vulnerable to disturbance at
x Cosmopolitan species
nesting colonies during breeding season (late May–July),
particularly in active quarries
x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: No known threats
(TN=2)
Overall Objective
x Reverse decline; restore population to previous
abundance and distribution levels
x Restore population abundance to 1970–79 level, BBS
Index 3.18, ~770 000 birds
x Restore population distribution to BBA1 (1981–85)
levels of 56% of squares in SE subregion, 45% in W and
18% in NE
ON BCR 12 Population Habitat Objective
x <1% of global population in ON BCR 12 x Fine Filter; Site Level: Identify and protect sites capable
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.55, ~130 000 of supporting large nesting colonies
birds
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): Monitoring Objectives
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change x Maintain current population monitoring capability across
SE 56% 23% Down ON BCR 12
W 45% 15% Down x Annual census plus demographic monitoring at select
NE 18% 6% Down study sites across ON BCR 12 for minimum of 5 years
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 Conservation Focus

shows significant severe decline (–10.8%/y) x Research: Investigate potential causes of population
Pop'n Estimate BBS Index decline
Bank Swallow
2,400,000 10
x Research: Investigate potential causes of population
Pop'n Objective
BBS Index & 8
1,800,000 Pop'n Estimate decline including studying population demographics at a
6
variety of nesting sites across ON BCR 12
1,200,000 `
x Nest Protection: Avoid disturbance of nests during
4
breeding season; avoid destruction of sites that support
large colonies
600,000
2 x Outreach: Develop and promote BMPs for bank-nesting
birds to minimize destruction or disturbance of breeding
0 0 colonies
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
x Research: Investigate habitat use during migration and
winter
Ecology
x Associated with water, including shoreline and Key References
riparian habitats BBA1: Brewer 1987.
x Nests in burrows dug into vertical surfaces BNA: Garrison 1999.
composed of soft sand or silt sediments, including NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
eroded riverbanks, lakeshore bluffs and excavated Other: BCMELP 1998b.
quarry faces
Barn Swallow NON-FORESTED UPLAND;
Hirundo rustica AERIAL-FORAGING INSECTIVORE
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Nests singly or in small colonies on a wide range of
vertical structures including barns, bridges and
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status buildings; also nests locally in suitable natural settings
x Regional Concern: Severe regional population such as a cliff or cave
decline (PT=5), with high relative density (RD=4) and x Diurnal aerial-foraging insectivore that forages at less
moderate threats (TB=3) in BCR 12 than 10 m height in open areas including over water,
x Rangewide population decline (PT=4) wetlands and agricultural fields
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 x Distribution is closely associated with human
shows significant severe decline (–3.0%/y) settlements and structures that provide suitable nest
x ~1% of global population in BCR 12 sites
x Cosmopolitan species Limiting Factors and Threats
x Lack of information: Cause(s) of population decline
unknown
x Monitoring: Species overrepresented in BBS and BBA
sampling due to close association with accessible, settled
areas and bridges
x Direct Mortality: Episodic high mortality due to lack of
flying insects during severe weather
x Nest Site Availability: Majority of population uses
human structures for nest sites; changes in architecture
can affect accessibility or suitability of nest sites
x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: No known threats
(TN=2)
Overall Objective
ON BCR 12 Population
x <1% of global population in ON BCR 12 Population Objectives
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 2.40, ~290 000 x Restore population abundance to 1970–79 level, BBS
birds Index 11.93, ~1 400 000 birds
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): x Restore population distribution to BBA1 (1981–85)
levels of 93% of squares in SE subregion, 88% in W and
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change 74% in NE
SE 93% 72% Down
W 88% 39% Down
Monitoring Objectives
NE 74% 26% Down x Maintain current population monitoring capability across
ON BCR 12
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 x Nest census plus demographic monitoring at select
shows significant severe decline (–5.7%/y) study sites across ON BCR 12 for minimum of 5 years
Pop'n Estimate BBS Index
Barn Swallow Conservation Focus
x Research: Investigate factors causing severe
2,000,000
Pop'n Objective
15
BBS Index &
Pop'n Estimate
population decline
1,600,000
12
1,200,000
9
`
decline including studying population demographics at a
800,000
6 variety of nesting sites (barns, bridges, buildings) across
ON BCR 12
400,000 3
Key References
0 0 BBA1: Clark and Clark 1987.
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 BNA: Brown and Brown 1999.
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
Other: BCMELP 1998b.
Bay-breasted Warbler CONIFEROUS FOREST
Dendroica castanea
Status Ecology
x PIF Continental Watch List Species x Spruce budworm specialist
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species x Local populations may increase 10-fold in response
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) to spruce budworm outbreaks
x OMNR Evaluative Indicator Species x Habitat specialist breeding in mature spruce and
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status Balsam Fir forests
x Continental Concern: Rangewide population decline x Typically forages at mid-canopy height
(PT=4) and restricted wintering range (ND=4) Limiting Factors and Threats
x Regional Concern: Long-term regional population
x Monitoring: Low precision due to population
decline (PT=4), high relative density (RD=4) and
fluctuations
moderate threats (TB=3) in BCR 12 (total score, 17)
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 is x Mature Habitat Specialist: Requires mature Balsam
uncertain; strong fluctuations but apparently declining Fir and spruce stands
overall (–4.1%/y, not significant) x Insect Outbreaks: Local populations increase in
x ~9% of global population in BCR 12 response to increases in spruce budworm
x Wintering Habitat Alteration: Vulnerable to
deforestation on its limited wintering grounds (TN=3)
Overall Objectives
x Maintain population abundance and distribution
within ERNV
x Contribute to PIF continental objective of increasing
population by 50%
Habitat Objective
x Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain availability
of suitable breeding habitat across the landscape within
ERNV as per the Landscape Guide and/or as predicted
by OMNR habitat models
ON BCR 12 Population x Maintain or improve current population monitoring
x ~3% of global population in ON BCR 12 capability across ON BCR 12 and improve BBS data
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.20, ~50 000 analysis
birds
x Evaluate Status: Periodically evaluate the population
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change status of this species in ON BCR 12 using all available
NE 56% 55% n/a data (BBS, BBA and migration monitoring data) and
SE 19% 15% n/a compare to trends in budworm outbreaks and habitat
W 21% 31% n/a availability
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 is Conservation Actions

uncertain; strong fluctuations but apparently declining x Evaluate Status: Periodically assess the status of
overall (–3.2%/y, not significant) this species in ON BCR 12 using all available data
x Monitoring: Improve existing landbird monitoring
Pop'n Estimate
Bay-breasted Warbler BBS Index effort in ON BCR 12 and/or improve data analysis
400,000 1.5 x Research: Study population demographics in years
350,000 and/or areas with no budworm outbreak
1.2
300,000
Key References
250,000
0.9 BBA1: Welsh 1987.
200,000 ` BNA: Williams 1996a.
150,000 0.6 NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
100,000
CWLRMN: PIF 2005.
0.3 OMNR: Patrikeev et al. 2004.
50,000
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Belted Kingfisher WETLAND/RIPARIAN
Ceryle alcyon
Status Ecology cont’d

x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Nests in burrows dug into vertical surfaces
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status composed of soft sand or silt sediments, including
eroded riverbanks, lakeshore bluffs, road cuts and
x Rangewide population decline (PT=4)
excavated quarry faces within 1.6 km of food source
x Regional Stewardship: Very high relative density
x Forages primarily on small fish, also crayfish,
(RD=5) in BCR 12, severe regional population decline
tadpoles, insects and other prey in clear, slow-moving
(PT=5); future conditions expected to remain stable
water
(TB=2) (total score, 16)
x Uses hunting perches
shows a significant decline (–2.3%/y) Limiting Factors and Threats
x 7% of global population in BCR 12 x Habitat Quality: Water quality and clarity affect food
availability; sensitivity to effects of acid precipitation
unknown
x Nest Site Availability: Availability of suitable nesting
sites often limits local abundance
x Direct or Indirect Mortality: Sensitive to disturbance
at nest sites during breeding season (April–July),
particularly at active quarries
x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: No known
threats (TN=2)
ON BCR 12 Population Overall Objective
x ~3% of global population in ON BCR 12 x Reverse Decline; restore population to previous
x Current (2000–04) BBS Index of 0.80, ~77 000 abundance and distribution levels
birds
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): Population Objectives
x Restore population to 1970–79 level, BBS Index
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change 1.45, ~140 000 birds
SE 97% 93% Down x Restore distribution to 1981–85 (BBA1) levels of 97%
NE 90% 71% Down of squares in SE subregion, 85% in W and 90% in NE
W 85% 69% Down
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 x Maintain current population monitoring capability
shows significant decline (–2.9%/y) across ON BCR 12
Conservation Focus
Pop'n Estimate
Belted Kingfisher BBS Index
x Research: Investigate factors causing rangewide
200,000 Pop'n Objective 2.0
and regional population decline
BBS Index &
Pop'n Estimate Conservation Actions
1.6
150,000
x Research: Investigate potential causes of
1.2 population decline, including assessing effects of water
100,000 `
quality, food availability on population demographics at a
0.8 variety of nesting sites
50,000
x Habitat Management: Promote measures to
0.4 maintain or restore water clarity, water quality and food
availability in riparian systems (e.g., buffer strips)
0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000
0.0
2005
x Nest Site Protection: Avoid destruction or
disturbance of nest sites during breeding season
Key References
Ecology BBA1: Read 1987.
x Riparian obligate; occurs in shoreline, riparian BNA: Hamas 1994.
and wetland habitats NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
Other: McHattie et al. 1995.
Black-billed Cuckoo SUCCESSIONAL FOREST
Coccyzus erythropthalmus
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Breeds and forages in deciduous shrub thickets,
open successional forests, riparian and forest-edge
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status habitats
x Rangewide population decline (PT=4) x Insectivore, feeding primarily on large insects
x Regional Stewardship Species: High relative including caterpillars, cicadas, katydids, tree crickets and
density (RD = 5), moderate threats (TB=3); total grasshoppers
assessment score, 16 x Breeding densities vary in apparent response to
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 is caterpillar and cicada outbreaks
uncertain; strong fluctuations, but fairly stable overall x Facultative brood parasite
(0.3%/y, not significant)
x ~22% of global population in BCR 12 Limiting Factors and Threats
x Monitoring: Local populations fluctuate in response
to food (caterpillar, cicada) availability
x Direct and Indirect Mortality: Use of pesticides to
control insect outbreaks may have adverse impact on
survival and/or productivity
x Habitat Loss on Non-breeding Grounds:
Deforestation in winter range may be an issue (TN=3)
Overall Objective
within ERNV
Habitat Objective
x Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain
availability of suitable breeding habitat across the
ON BCR 12 Population landscape within ERNV as per the Landscape Guide
x ~ 10% of global population in ON BCR 12 and/or as predicted by OMNR habitat models
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 1.15, ~120 000
birds Monitoring Objective
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): x Maintain current population monitoring capability
across ON BCR 12; improve BBS data analysis
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change
Conservation Focus
SE 47% 56% Up
W 61% 25% Down x Evaluate Trends: Periodically review and evaluate
NE 29% 16% Down population trend relative to habitat availability and insect
outbreaks using current BBS, BBA and migration
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 monitoring data
is uncertain; strong fluctuations, but tending downward
(–1.6%/y, not significant) Conservation Actions
x Monitoring: Maintain current landbird monitoring
Pop'n Estimate BBS Index effort in ON BCR 12; improve data analysis
Black-billed Cuckoo
400,000
4.0 x Research: Needed on breeding ecology, winter
Pop'n Objective
BBS Index & ecology, sensitivity to pesticides and response to habitat
320,000
Pop'n Estimate 3.2 management
240,000 2.4 Key References

` BBA1: Helleiner 1987a.
160,000 1.6 BNA: Hughes 2001.
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
80,000 0.8 NatureServe: NatureServe 2005.
TNC SMA: Deeble et al. 2001.
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Blackburnian Warbler CONIFEROUS FOREST
Dendroica fusca
Status Ecology
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species x Preferred breeding habitat is mature to old mixed
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) and coniferous forests with spruce or pine
x OMNR Evaluative Indicator Species x Forest-interior species
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status Limiting Factors and Threats
x Continental Stewardship: Northern forest x Insect Outbreaks: Local populations increase in
stewardship species with a high proportion of its response to increases in spruce budworm
population in BCR 12 (27%, RD=5) and moderate x Mature Forest Specialist: Requires mature to old
regional threats (TB=3) forest stands
x Regional Stewardship: High proportion of global x Wintering Habitat Loss/Alteration: Vulnerable to
population in BCR 12 (27%, RD=5), moderate regional logging or deforestation of its wintering grounds (TN=3)
threats (TB=3); total assessment score, 14
Overall Objective
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 is
uncertain, tending upwards (1.0%/y, not significant) x Maintain population abundance and distribution
within ERNV
x Contribute to PIF continental objective of
maintaining current population
Habitat Objective
landscape within ERNV as per the Landscape Guide
and/or as predicted by OMNR habitat models
x Maintain current population monitoring capability
across ON BCR 12
Conservation Focus
x Evaluate Trends: Periodically review and evaluate
population trend relative to habitat availability using
ON BCR 12 Population current BBS and BBA data
x ~14% of global population in ON BCR 12 Conservation Actions
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 3.22, ~610 000 x Monitoring: Maintain or improve existing landbird
birds monitoring programs in ON BCR 12
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): x Research: Research needed on breeding, wintering
and migration ecology
SE 88% 93% Up Key References
NE 83% 82% n/a BBA1: Crins 1987a.
W 67% 79% n/a BNA: Morse 2004.
OMNR: Patrikeev et al. 2004.
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12
is uncertain, apparently increasing (2.6%/y, near
significant)
Pop'n Estimate Blackburnian Warbler BBS Index

1,500,000 7.5
1,200,000 6.0
900,000 4.5
600,000 3.0
300,000 1.5
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Black-throated Blue Warbler DECIDUOUS FOREST
Dendroica caerulescens
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Breeds in upland mixed and deciduous forests with
well developed canopy and dense shrub layer, including
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status forests that have been harvested using partial selection
x Regional Stewardship: Very high proportion of cut or uniform shelterwood regeneration cut
population in BCR 12 (43%, RD=5), moderate regional x Nests typically in dense, shrubby undergrowth,
threats (TB=3); total assessment score, 17 close to the ground
x Small wintering range (ND=4) x Infrequently parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbird
x BBS trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 is uncertain, x Area-sensitive, occurring mainly in tracts >100 ha
but suggests population is fairly stable (0.55%/y, not
significant) Limiting Factors and Threats
x ~43% of global population in BCR 12 x Habitat Structure: Requires combination of well
developed canopy and dense understorey layer
x Wintering Habitat: May be vulnerable to
deforestation on wintering grounds, but research needed
on habitat-specific survival rates (TN=3)
Overall Objective
within ERNV
Habitat Objective
ON BCR 12 Population and/or as predicted by OMNR habitat models
x ~20% of global population in ON BCR 12 Monitoring Objective
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 1.39, ~510 000 x Maintain current population monitoring capability
birds across ON BCR 12
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted):
Conservation Focus
Distribution BBA1 BBA2 Change x Evaluate Trends: Periodically review and evaluate
NE 75% 94% Up population trend relative to habitat availability using
SE 79% 92% Up current BBS and BBA data
W 21% 16% n/a
x Monitoring: Maintain current population monitoring
x BBS trend (1970–2004) shows significant
effort in ON BCR 12
increase in ON BCR 12 population (+3.7%/y)
Key References
Pop'n Estimate Black-throated Blue Warbler BBS Index BBA1: Fraser 1987a.
600,000
1.6
BNA: Holmes et al. 2005.
500,000
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
1.2
400,000
300,000 `
0.8
200,000
0.4
100,000
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Black-throated Green Warbler CONIFEROUS FOREST
Dendroica virens
Status Ecology
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species x Breeds in coniferous and mixed forests containing
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) pine, spruce, White Cedar, hemlock and/or Balsam Fir;
also in some deciduous forests and wet cedar swamps
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status x Forest structure important, as this insect-gleaning
x Continental Stewardship: Northern Forest species needs multi-layered closed canopy
Stewardship species with a high relative density in x Forest-interior species
BCR 12 (RD=5); future conditions are expected to
remain stable (TB=2) Limiting Factors and Threats
x Regional Stewardship: High relative density in x Habitat Structure: Requires multi-layered structure
BCR 12 (RD=5); future conditions expected to remain and closed canopy
stable (TB=2); total regional assessment score, 14 x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: No known
x BBS trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 uncertain, threats (TN=2)
tending upwards (+0.8%/y, not significant)
Overall Objective:
within ERNV
x Contribute to PIF continental objective of
Habitat Objective
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 2.91, ~910 000 x Maintain or improve current population monitoring
birds capability across ON BCR 12
population trend relative to habitat availability using
SE 85% 98% Up
NE 71% 85% Up current BBS, BBA and migration monitoring data
W 67% 64% n/a Conservation Actions
x Monitoring: Maintain or enhance current population
x BBS trend (1970–2004) shows significant strong monitoring effort in ON BCR 12
population increase in ON BCR 12 (+3.5%/y) x Research: Research needed on breeding and
migration ecology
Pop'n Estimate Black-throated Green Warbler BBS Index
1,000,000 3.5 Key References

3.0
BBA1: Crins 1987b.
800,000 BNA: Morse and Poole 2005.
2.5
600,000 2.0
`
1.5
400,000
1.0
200,000
0.5
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Bobolink NON-FORESTED UPLAND
Dolichonyx oryzivorus

x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Area-sensitive; minimum of 2 ha of grassland
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status habitat, but higher abundance and productivity in large
(100 ha+) tracts
x Grassland dependent
x Regional Concern: Regional population decline
(PT=4), high relative density (RD=4) and moderate x Breeds mostly in agricultural grasslands, especially
threats in ON BCR 12 (total score, 15) hayfields, pastures, fallow fields and small grain crops;
also breeds locally in grassy beaver meadows
indicates a moderate decline (–1.4%/y, near Limiting Factors and Threats
significant) x Habitat Suitability: Primary conservation concern in
x 17% of global population in ON BCR 12 this region is to maintain population density and
productivity in those areas where agricultural grasslands
are present
x Habitat Loss: Habitat loss is expected in some areas
owing to natural succession or reforestation of inactive
grasslands, or conversion of pasture and hayfield to
cropland (but this is not a conservation concern in the
region)
x Direct Mortality: Reduced or no productivity if haying,
grazing or other disturbances occur during nesting period
(mid-May to mid-July)
x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: Slight to moderate
decline expected in the future suitability of non-breeding
conditions (TN=3)

x ~ 6% of global population in ON BCR 12 x Monitor population abundance and distribution in ON
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 4.53, ~320 000 BCR 12
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): x Maintain or improve current population monitoring
SE 67% 48% Down Conservation Focus
W 52% 16% Down x Evaluate Trends: Periodically review and evaluate
NE 19% 6% Down population trend relative to habitat availability using
current BBS and BBA data
x Significant severe BBS population decline (1970–
2004) in ON BCR 12 (-3.6%/y) Conservation Actions
x Outreach: Disseminate information on bird-friendly
grassland management practices to farmers and land
Pop'n Estimate Bobolink BBS Index
managers (e.g., Solymar 2005)
1,800,000
x Monitor: Continue current monitoring efforts
1,600,000
20
1,400,000 Key References
1,200,000 15
BBA1: Weatherhead 1987.
1,000,000 BNA: Martin and Gavin 1995.
800,000
`
10
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
600,000
TNC SMA: Dechant et al. 1999a.
400,000
NPWRC: Dechant et al. 2003a.
5
Other: Solymar 2005.
200,000
0 0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Ecology
x Nests on the ground in large patches of moderately
tall, dense grasslands with high grass-to-forb ratio,
moderately dense litter and no woody vegetation
Broad-winged Hawk DECIDUOUS FOREST
Buteo platypterus
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Breeds in dense, mature to old deciduous and mixed
forests near riparian or wetland features or other open
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status areas
x Regional Stewardship: High relative density in BCR x Stick nests can be reused between years
12 (RD=5), moderate regional threats (TB=3); total
x Area-sensitive, occurring mainly in large continuous
assessment score, 14
forest tracts
x BBS trend (1970–2004) for BCR 12 is uncertain but
apparently stable or increasing Limiting Factors and Threats
x ~22% of global population in BCR 12 x Monitoring: Improved survey methods and/or
analyses needed to monitor population trends of forest
raptors
decline expected in the future suitability of non-breeding
conditions (TN=3)
Overall Objective
x Maintain population abundance and distribution within
ERNV
Habitat Objective
x Fine Filter; Site Scale: Protect occupied nests and
ON BCR 12 Population retain sufficient suitable habitat associated with active
x ~10% of global population in ON BCR 12 nests as per direction in the Site/Stand Guide
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): x Improve current population monitoring capability
across ON BCR 12 by integrating analysis of data from
Distribution BBA1 BBA2 Change existing monitoring programs
SE 94% 93% n/a Conservation Focus
NE 82% 89% n/a
W 76% 87% n/a
population trend relative to habitat availability using all
available data (BBS, BBA, raptor stick nest surveys,
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) for ON BCR 12 hawk migration counts)
is uncertain; strong fluctuations and no apparent trend
Pop'n Estimate Broad-winged Hawk BBS Index x Monitoring: Improve ability to monitor forest raptor
1.0
400,000 populations in ON BCR 12 through improved breeding
season surveys and/or analyses of hawk migration count
0.8
320,000
data
x Nest Site Protection: Avoid disturbance within 150 m
240,000 0.6
of active nests during breeding season, and retain nest
trees and adjacent trees during selection and
160,000 0.4
shelterwood cuts
80,000 0.2 Key References
BBA1: Weir 1987a.
0 0.0 BNA: Goodrich et al. 1996.
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Brown Thrasher NON-FORESTED UPLAND
Toxostoma rufum
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Breeds in shrub thickets, regenerating old fields and
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status cutovers, shrubby pastures, shrubby clearings in open
deciduous forest and forest edges
x Forages on or near the ground on insects, other
x Regional Concern: Severe regional population
invertebrates and fruit
decline (PT=5), moderate regional threats (TB=3) and
moderate relative density (RD=3) Limiting Factors and Threats
x ~3% of global population in BCR 12 x Range Expansion/Contraction: Northern limit of
breeding range expanded into agricultural areas in BCR
12 in 1930s owing to increase in abandoned fields, but
range was contracting by 1980s through natural
succession of old-field habitat (Curry 1987)
x Habitat Loss: Decrease in shrub/early successional
habitat due to natural succession of old-field habitat and
fire suppression
ON BCR 12 Population threats (TN=2)
x ~1% of global population in ON BCR 12
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.56, ~52 000 Overall Objective
birds x Monitor population abundance and distribution in
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): ON BCR 12
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change x Maintain or improve current population monitoring
SE 72% 54% Down
W 30% 16% n/a
NE 17% 13% n/a Conservation Focus
x BBS (1970–2004) shows significant severe population trend relative to habitat availability using
population decline in ON BCR 12 (–4.4%/y) current BBS and BBA data
Pop'n Estimate BBS Index Conservation Actions

Brown Thrasher
300,000
3.0
effort in ON BCR 12
250,000 2.5
Key References
200,000 2.0 BBA1: Curry 1987.
150,000
BNA: Cavitt and Hass 2000.
` 1.5
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
100,000 1.0
50,000 0.5
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Canada Warbler DECIDUOUS FOREST
Wilsonia canadensis
Status Ecology
x PIF Continental Watch List Species x Area-sensitive; needs patches 30 ha but prefers forest
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species patches >400 ha
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Breeds in lowland mixed forest with dense understorey
x COSEWIC Status Report under review x Nests on or near the ground in dense cover
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status Limiting Factors and Threats
x Continental Concern: Rangewide population decline x Habitat Loss: Loss of wintering habitat in northern Andes is a
(PT=4); high threats on wintering grounds (TN=4) major concern (TN=4)
x Regional Concern: Long-term regional population decline x Habitat Quality: Affected by change in forest structure due to
(PT=4); moderate threats (TB=3) in BCR 12 succession and/or disturbances that affect understorey density
x Continental Stewardship: Northern Forest Stewardship x Monitoring: Preferred breeding habitats are not well sampled
species with high relative density in BCR 12 (RD=5) and by BBS
moderate regional threats (TB=3)
x Regional Stewardship: High relative density in BCR 12 Overall Objectives
(RD=5), moderate regional threats (TB=3); total assessment x Maintain Current: Halt decline and maintain population
score, 17 abundance and distribution at or above current levels
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 is uncertain, x Contribute to PIF continental objective of increasing
tending downwards (–2.2%/y, not significant) population by 50%
x 23% of global population in BCR 12
Halt apparent decline and ensure breeding population abundance
and distribution levels do not decline below current levels, as
measured by BBS 2000–04 and BBA2; current BBS Index of
1.52, ~89,000 birds
Habitat Objective
x Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain availability of
suitable breeding habitat across the landscape within ERNV as
per the Landscape Guide and/or as predicted by OMNR habitat
models
x Maintain current population monitoring capability across ON
BCR 12
Conservation Focus
ON BCR 12 Population x Research: Investigate factors causing rangewide and regional
x ~8% of global population in ON BCR 12 population decline
x Current BBS Index of 1.52, ~89 000 birds
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): Conservation Actions
x Research: Determine cause of general population decline, and
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change investigate the effect of forest management treatments on
NE 83% 76% n/a breeding density, productivity and survival
SE 83% 80% n/a x Habitat Protection: Prevent further loss of habitat on wintering
W 58% 59% n/a grounds in northern Andes
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 is Key References
uncertain, tending downwards (–2.0%/y, not significant) BBA1: McLaren 1987a.
BNA: Conway 1999.
Canada Warbler NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
300,000 5.0 CWLRMN: PIF 2005.
TNC SMA: Catlin et al. 1999.
250,000
Pop'n Objective 4.0
BBS Index &
200,000 Pop'n Estimate
3.0
150,000 `
2.0
100,000
1.0
50,000
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Cerulean Warbler DECIDUOUS FOREST
Dendroica cerulea
Status Limiting Factors and Threats

x Special Concern in Canada and Ontario x Restricted Breeding Distribution: Small Ontario
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) population is vulnerable to stochastic events (e.g.,
x PIF Continental Watch List and Stewardship Species severe ice storms) that could affect significant portion of
(but very low relative density in BCR 12) breeding habitat
x Monitoring: Not monitored by BBS
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status x Loss and Fragmentation of Breeding Habitat:
x Species at Risk: Special Concern status due to low Conversion of mature deciduous forests to young, even-
numbers in Canada, population declines elsewhere and aged stands and forest fragmentation due to increase in
habitat loss and fragmentation on breeding, migration rural housing may be concerns in limited range in ON
and wintering grounds BCR 12, as most sites are on private lands
x Population trend in BCR 12 unknown x Loss and Fragmentation of Wintering Habitat: Loss and
x <1% of global population in BCR 12 fragmentation of montane forests in northern South
America a serious threat (TN=4)
Overall Objective
x Assess status
x Implement SAR management plan when available
Habitat Objective
x Fine Filter; Stand Scale: Identify large tracts of mature
deciduous forest capable of supporting source
populations and protect occupied nests as per direction
in the Site/Stand Guide
x Conduct periodic survey of suitable habitat in SE
subregion to assess current population status
x Marginal breeder (<1% of global population) in ON Conservation Focus
BCR 12 x Habitat Management: Identify and encourage
x Population estimate of 500–1000 pairs in Canada, appropriate management of large tracts of mature
mostly in eastern Ontario (mostly in BCR 13) deciduous forests capable of supporting source
(COSEWIC 2003) populations
x Recorded in 25 squares in SE subregion during Conservation Actions
BBA2 versus 31 squares during BBA1 x Planning: Develop and implement a national
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): management plan for this species of Special Concern
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change x Monitor: Continue periodic assessment (every 5 years)
SE 5% 4% n/a of population status and distribution in Ontario (and
NE 0% 0% n/a
Quebec)
W 0% 0% n/a
x Habitat: Identify forest tracts supporting important
populations of this species
x Not monitored by BBS in ON BCR 12
x Outreach: Encourage woodlot owners and forest
Ecology managers in SE subregion to adopt forest management
x Breeds in shrub thickets, regenerating old fields and prescriptions that maintain or enhance suitable breeding
cutovers, shrubby pastures, shrubby clearings in open habitat for this species
deciduous forest and forest edges x Research: Determine effects of silviculture and land
x Forages on or near the ground on insects, other use on breeding density, productivity and survival
invertebrates and fruit x Research: Study needed on ecology and habitat needs
x Breeds in large mature and older tolerant hardwood on wintering grounds
deciduous forests with broken canopies and an open
Key References
understorey
BBA1: Eagles 1987a.
x Canopy configuration, including foliage stratification, ORBBP: Austen et al. 1994.
gap distribution and tree species distribution, may be BNA: Hamel 2000.
important predictor of habitat suitability COSEWIC: COSEWIC 2003.
x Considered an area-sensitive species (>140 ha), NANCLC: Friesen 2005 (in Dunn 2005).
though found in tracts as small as 10 ha in areas of high CWLRMN: PIF 2005.
regional forest cover in eastern Ontario TNC SMA: Hamel et al. 1992.
Chestnut-sided Warbler SUCCESSIONAL FOREST
Dendroica pensylvanica
Status Ecology
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species x Breeds in early successional deciduous habitats
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) next to mature forest including young regenerating
x OMNR Evaluative Indicator Species forests in burns and cutovers, large forest gaps, forest
edges, brushy watercourses and woodland margins, and
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status successional old-field habitats
x Continental Stewardship: Northern Forest x Nests in low shrubs, usually <1 m nest height
Stewardship species with very high proportion of
population in BCR 12 (37%, RD=5); future conditions on Limiting Factors and Threats
breeding grounds expected to remain stable (TB=2) x Habitat Alteration: Early successional specialist,
x Rangewide population decline (PT=4) and small highly responsive to fire and forest management
wintering range (ND=4) activities that affect availability of regenerating forest
x Regional Stewardship: Very high proportion of (adversely affected by fire suppression and intensive
population in BCR 12 (37%, RD=5); future conditions on forest management to accelerate succession in cutovers)
breeding grounds are expected to remain stable (TB=2); x Direct or Indirect mortality: Productivity may be
total assessment score, 14 lowered in areas where pesticides are used to control
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 insect outbreaks (Richardson and Brauning 1995)
uncertain, apparently stable (–0.1%, not significant) x Threats to Non-breeding Grounds: Slight to
x 37% of global population in BCR 12 moderate decline expected in the future suitability of non-
breeding conditions (TN=3)
Overall Objective
within ERNV
x Contribute to PIF continental population objective of
Habitat Objective
x ~17% of global population in ON BCR 12 by OMNR habitat models
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 18.64, ~1 400 000 x Coarse Filter; Stand Scale: Maintain availability of
birds suitable nest trees as per the ‘wildlife tree direction’ in the
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): Site/Stand Guide
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change Monitoring Objective
SE 99% 100% n/a x Maintain current population monitoring capability
NE 93% 97% n/a across ON BCR 12
W 91% 93% n/a
Conservation Focus
x BBS population trend (1970-2004) in ON BCR 12 x Evaluate Trends: Periodically review and evaluate
uncertain, apparently stable (–04%/y, not significant) population trend relative to habitat availability using all
available data sets (BBS, BBA and CMMN)
Chestnut-sided Warbler
30
2,000,000
25 x Monitoring: Maintain current population monitoring
capability in ON BCR 12
1,500,000 20
Key References
15
1,000,000 BBA1: Martin 1987.
10 BNA: Richardson and Brauning 1995.
500,000 NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
5
NatureServe: NatureServe 2005.
0 0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Chimney Swift NON-FORESTED UPLAND;
Chaetura pelagica AERIAL-FORAGING INSECTIVORE
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Distribution is closely associated with human settlements
x COSEWIC Status Report under review having structures that provide suitable nest sites
x Nests principally in chimneys, also in hollow trees and on the
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status interior vertical surfaces of human-made structures
x Regional Concern: Severe regional population decline x Diurnal aerial-foraging insectivore
(PT=5) with moderate relative density (RD=3) and high
threats (TB=4) in BCR 12 Limiting Factors and Threats
x Rangewide population decline (PT=4) x Habitat Loss: Loss of nesting habitat due to demolition of
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 shows chimneys, installation of screening and lack of suitable nesting
significant decline (–2.7%/y) sites on most new buildings and structures, but will colonize new
human-made structures if dark, rough-textured vertical surfaces
are available
x Direct Mortality/Climate Change: Episodic high mortality due
to lack of flying insects during severe weather
decline in the future suitability of non-breeding conditions is
expected (TN=3)
Overall Objective
x Reverse decline; restore population to previous abundance
and distribution levels
x Restore population to 1970–79 level, BBS Index 0.61,
~100 000 birds
x Restore distribution to 1981–85 BBA levels in each
subregion of ON BCR 12 (ie, 29% of squares in NE, 75% in SE,
and 15% in W)
x < 1% of global population Habitat Objective
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.04, ~6200 birds x Fine Filter; Site Level: Identify and, where feasible, protect
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): active and potential nest and roost sites, including hollow trees
and unlined chimneys
SE 75% 37% Down
x Improve current monitoring capability in ON BCR 12
W 15% 13% n/a
x Conduct annual census at select post-breeding roost sites
NE 29% 12% Down
Conservation Focus
x BBS trend (1970–2004) shows significant, severe x Research: Investigate factors causing regional and
population decline in ON BCR 12 (–10.5%/y) rangewide population decline
Pop'n Estimate
Chimney Swift BBS Index Conservation Actions
250,000 1.5 x Research: Identify factors causing population decline and/or
Pop'n Objective limiting population growth
BBS Index &
200,000 Pop'n Estimate 1.2 x Nest Site Protection, Enhancement and Monitoring: Identify,
monitor and protect existing nesting sites (chimneys and hollow
150,000 0.9
trees); construct and monitor artificial nesting structures to offset
losses
x Research: Breeding, migration and wintering ecology studies
`
100,000 0.6
needed, including availability of nest sites and post-breeding
roosts, and the impact of weather and food availability on
50,000 0.3
productivity and survival
0 0.0 Key References

1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 BBA1: Helleiner 1987b.
x BNA: Cink and Collins 2002.
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
TNC SMA: Pallis and Cannings 2000a.
Common Nighthawk NON-FORESTED UPLAND;
Chordeiles minor AERIAL-FORAGING INSECTIVORE

x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Research: Cause of population decline in Ontario
x COSEWIC Status Report under review and elsewhere not known; possible factors include
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status decrease in food availability due to insect control or other
x Regional Management Concern: Severe regional reasons, habitat loss through fire suppression and forest
population decline (PT=5) and high regional threats maturation, increased collisions with vehicles when
(TB=4), but very low relative density in BCR 12 (RD=1) roosting on roads at night and episodic mortality due to
x Rangewide population decline (PT=4) lack of flying insects during severe weather
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 x Habitat Loss: Fire suppression is resulting in natural
tending downwards (–3.416%/y, near-significant) succession of rock barren nesting habitat; loss of gravel
x <1% of global population in BCR 12 roofs also a factor
x Monitoring: BBS has low detection rate; special
survey needed (e.g., crepuscular survey with playback)
x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: Slight to
moderate decline expected in the future suitability of non-
Overall Objective
0.47, ~37 000 birds
x Restore distribution to 1981–85 BBA levels of 67%
of squares in NE subregion, 66% in SE, and 52% in W
x <1% of global population in ON BCR 12
x Improve current population monitoring capability by
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.05, ~4000 birds
developing a crepuscular nightjar survey
Conservation Focus
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change x Research: Investigate factors causing regional and
W 52% 39% n/a rangewide population decline
SE 66% 32% Down
NE 67% 21% Down Conservation Actions
x Research: Identify factors causing population
x BBS trend (1970–2004) indicates a severe decline and/or limiting population growth, including
population decline in ON BCR 12 (–6.4%/y) effects of pesticides
Pop'n Estimate
Common Nighthawk BBS Index x Monitoring: Conduct periodic crepuscular surveys to
80,000
Pop'n Objective
1.0 determine abundance/distribution and to assess status
BBS Index & x Habitat Management: Use fire or other management
Pop'n Estimate
60,000
0.8 techniques at demonstration sites to restore rock barren
habitats to a more open condition and assess impact on
0.6
breeding populations
40,000 `
x Research: Investigate migration and wintering
0.4
ecology
20,000
0.2 Key References
BBA1: Mills 1987a.
0 0.0 BNA: Poulin et al. 1996.
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
Ecology Other: BCMELP 1998a.
x Nests on bare ground in rock barrens or open areas
in forested settings, and on flat gravel rooftops in urban
and rural settings
x Crepuscular aerial-foraging insectivore
Common Yellowthroat WETLAND/RIPARIAN
Geothlypis trichas
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Commonly breeds in moist to wet, open areas with
x OMNR Evaluative Indicator Species dense sedges or grasses mixed with scattered shrubs
x Often found in or adjacent to marsh, fen, riparian or
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status shoreline situations, but also breeds in shrub thickets,
x Regional Stewardship: Very high relative density early successional old fields and regenerating clear-cuts
(RD=5) and regional population decline (PT=4) x Nests on, or close to, the ground in dense
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 shows vegetation
significant moderate decrease (–0.8%/y)
x ~11% of global population in BCR 12 Limiting Factors and Threats
x x No known threats (TB=2, TN=2)
Overall Objective
within ERNV, using available time series data (BBS and
BBA) as the best available benchmark for natural
variation
x Maintain population abundance levels in ON BCR 12
ON BCR 12 Population within ERNV, estimated as no lower than 80% of long-
x ~4% of global population in ON BCR 12 term (1966–2004) BBS average = BBS Index of 11.1, ~
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 13.08, ~1 100 000 930 000 birds
birds x Maintain distribution in each subregion no lower than
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): 95% of minimum distribution in BBA1 or BBA2
(objectives are 95% in subregion SE, 87% in NE and
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change 72% in W)
SE 100% 100% n/a
NE 92% 94% n/a
W 76% 92% Up x Maintain current population monitoring capability
across ON BCR 12
uncertain, possible moderate decline x Evaluate Trends: Periodically review and evaluate
(–0.7%/y, not significant) population trend relative to population objectives using
Common Yellowthroat
2,000,000 25 Conservation Actions
Pop'n Objective
BBS Index &
x Monitoring: Maintain current BBS monitoring effort in
1,500,000
Pop'n Estimate 20 ON BCR 12
15
Key References
1,000,000 `
BBA1: McLaren 1987b.
10 BNA: Guzy and Ritchison 1999.
500,000
5
0 0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Connecticut Warbler CONIFEROUS FOREST
Oporornis agilis
Status Ecology
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species x Breeds in mature lowland coniferous and deciduous
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) (intolerant) forests; also breeds in well spaced Black
Spruce swamps with good ground cover of Labrador
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status Tea, moist woodlands with a well developed understorey,
x Regional Concern: Regional population decline and young Jack Pine and poplar woods
(PT=4), high relative density (RD=4) and moderate x Breeding distribution is patchy, sometimes forming
threats (TB=3) in BCR 12 (total score, 17) loose colonies in extensive areas of suitable habitat
x BBS trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 uncertain, tending
downwards (–1.0%/y, not significant) Limiting Factors and Threats
x ~8% of global population in BCR 12 x Lack of Information: One of the least studied species
in North America; little is known about its breeding
ecology
x Monitoring: Preferred habitat is not well sampled by
BBS
x Habitat Alteration: Sensitive to changes in forest
structure
Overall Objective
x Maintain population abundance and distribution within
ERNV
population by 50%
x ~2% of global population in ON BCR 12 x Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain availability
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.15, ~12 000 birds of suitable breeding habitat across the landscape within
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): ERNV as per the Landscape Guide and/or as predicted
W 21% 28% n/a Monitoring Objective
NE 4% 3% n/a x Maintain or enhance current population monitoring
SE 1% 1% n/a capability across ON BCR 12
x BBS trend (1970–2004) shows significant severe Conservation Focus

population decrease in ON BCR 12 (–7.1%/y) x Research: Investigate factors causing regional
population decline
Pop'n Estimate Connecticut Warbler BBS Index Conservation Actions
250,000 x Research: Investigate causes of population decline in
2.5 BCR 12
200,000 x Research: Increase understanding of population
2.0
demographics and breeding ecology
150,000
1.5
`
monitoring effort in ON BCR 12
100,000
1.0
Key References
50,000 0.5 BBA1: Helleiner 1987c.
BNA: Pitocchelli et al. 1997.
0 0.0 OMNR: Patrikeev et al. 2004.
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Eastern Wood-Pewee DECIDUOUS FOREST
Contopus virens
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Breeds in a wide range of open deciduous and
mixed forests
x Prefers intermediate-aged forests with little
x Regional Concern: Severe regional population understorey
decline (PT=5), moderate regional threats (TB=3); total
x Frequently parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds
score, 14
in some parts of its range
x Aerial hawking/sallying insectivore
x Population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 shows
significant, severe long-term decline (–2.5%/y) Limiting Factors and Threats
x ~8% of global population in BCR 12 x Habitat Structure: May be sensitive to changes in
forest structure (disturbance of intermediate canopy
layer) in areas where deer are abundant, but responds
positively to thinning to remove mature trees and
saplings
x Brood Parasitism: Some populations experience
high levels of Brown-headed Cowbird parasitism
threats (TN=2)
Overall Objective
within ERNV
Habitat Objective
ON BCR 12 Population of suitable breeding habitat across the landscape within
x ~2% of global population in ON BCR 12 ERNV as per the Landscape Guide and/or as predicted
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.63, ~ 83 000 by OMNR habitat models
birds
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): Monitoring Objective
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change across ON BCR 12
SE 86% 80% Down
Conservation Focus
W 70% 48% Down
NE 35% 31% n/a
x Research: Identify factors causing rangewide and
apparent regional population decline
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 Conservation Actions
uncertain, tending downwards (–2.4%/y, not significant) x Research: Identify factors contributing to
widespread population decline by studying the nesting
Pop'n Estimate Eastern Wood-Pewee BBS Index
ecology and demographics of breeding populations in
300,000
Ontario, and the ecology and threats to birds on their
250,000
2.0 winter grounds
x Monitoring: Examine options for improving
200,000 1.5 population trend information for ON BCR 12
150,000 `
1.0
Key References
BBA1: Rising 1987a.
100,000
BNA: McCarty 1996.
0.5
50,000 NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
TNC SMA: Palis and Cannings 2000b.
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Field Sparrow NON-FORESTED UPLAND
Spizella pusilla

x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Habitat Loss: Occurs due to natural succession of
old-field habitats and through fire suppression, which
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status affects natural rock barren habitat
x Severe rangewide population decline (PT=5) x Brood Parasitism: High rates of cowbird parasitism
x Regional Concern: Severe regional population in some populations, but is generally a poor host
decline in BCR 12 (PT=5) and high threats on breeding x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: No known
grounds (TB=4) threats (TN=2)
shows a significant severe decline (–3.4%/y) Overall Objectives
x ~1% of global population in BCR 12 x Maintain current relative abundance and distribution
in rock barren habitats
x Maintain current relative abundance and distribution
in rock barren habitats in SE subregion of ON BCR 12,
using BBA2 point-count data or other data to set habitat-
specific population objective
Habitat Objective
ON BCR 12 Population x Fine Filter; Stand Level: Maintain supply of recently
disturbed rock barren habitat
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) 0.15, ~17 000 birds Monitoring Objectives
x Current breeding range in ON BCR 12 mostly in SE x Maintain current monitoring capability in ON BCR 12
subregion x Develop rock barren bird survey using point-counts
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): to monitor relative abundance and distribution in rock
barren habitat in SE subregion
NE 0% 4% n/a x Evaluate Trends: Periodically review and evaluate
W 0% 0% n/a population abundance and distribution relative to
objectives using current BBS and BBA data, plus any
x BBS population trend in ON BCR 12 very uncertain data from proposed rock barren bird survey
250,000
Field Sparrow
x Habitat Management: Maintain or restore natural
1.8
rock barren habitat using fire or habitat management
200,000
1.6
practices that emulate natural disturbance regimes,
1.4 especially in SE subregion
150,000
1.2
x Monitoring: Continue current monitoring effort and
`
1.0 develop a rock barren bird survey in SE subregion
0.8
100,000
0.6
Key References
50,000 0.4
BBA1: Knapton 1987.
0.2
BNA: Carey et al. 1994.
0 0.0
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 TNC SMA: Dechant et al. 1999b.
PWRC: Dechant et al. 2003b.
Ecology
x Breeds in shrubby successional fields, pastures,
rock barrens, power-line rights-of-way and other shrub-
dominated areas bordering grasslands or open areas
x Nests on or near the ground
Golden-winged Warbler SUCCESSIONAL FOREST
Vermivora chrysoptera

x PIF Continental Watch List Species x Nests on or near the ground in dense patches of herbs and
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) shrubs among scattered trees with a forested perimeter
x Threatened in Canada x Breeding range has been shifting northwards for more than a
century
x Continental Concern: Small global population (PS=4), Limiting Factors and Threats
breeding range (BD=4) and wintering range (ND=4); high threats x Monitoring: Not well monitored by BBS due to shared song
to breeding range (TB=4), severe rangewide population decline types with Blue-winged Warbler
(PT=5) x Interspecific Competition: Hybridization with and/or
x Regional Stewardship: Very high proportion of global displacement by Blue-winged Warbler in areas of overlap a
population in BCR 12 (76%, RD=5), moderate regional threats concern, though in this region habitat partitioning (e.g., alder
(TB=3); total assessment score, 19 thickets) may provide a refuge from competition
x Species at Risk: Threatened status due to severe decline in x Habitat Loss: Decrease in old-field habitat in SE subregion
past 10 years owing to competition and genetic swamping from due to natural succession
Blue-winged Warbler x Habitat Loss: Loss of wintering habitat may be an issue
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 uncertain x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: Slight to moderate
x ~76% of global population in BCR 12 decline expected in the future suitability of non-breeding
conditions (TN=3)
Overall Objective
x Recovery, as determined by a national recovery strategy for
this species (to be prepared)
x Interim Objective: Halt decline and maintain population
abundance and distribution at or above current levels
population by 100%
ON BCR 12 Population Population Objectives

x ~16% of global population in ON BCR 12 x Maintain population abundance at or above current level
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.12, ~18 000 birds (2000–04), BBS Index of 0.12, ~18 000 birds
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): x Maintain population distribution at or above current levels
(BBA2 ) of 23% of squares in subregion SE, 6% in NE, and 4%
in W
SE 38% 23% Down
NE 5% 6% n/a
x Periodic surveys of suitable breeding habitat and/or improve
W 0% 4% n/a
current population monitoring capability in SE subregion of ON
BCR 12
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 uncertain,
tending upwards overall (4.4%/y, not significant), but appears to Conservation Focus
have declined sharply since 1996 x Monitoring: Improve monitoring by promoting participation in
Golden-winged Warbler atlas project and/or conducting periodic
Golden-winged Warbler surveys
75,000 0.5
Pop'n Objective
60,000
BBS Index & x Monitoring: Periodic surveys to monitor changes in
Pop'n Estimate 0.4
distribution and abundance, especially along northern portion of
range
45,000 0.3 x Monitoring: Promote participation in Golden-winged Warbler
` atlas project run by Cornell University
30,000 0.2 x Research: Study extent of habitat partitioning between
Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warblers in SE subregion of
15,000 0.1
ON BCR 12
x Research: Determine overwinter survival rates
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Key References
BBA1: Mills 1987b.
Ecology BNA: Confer 1992.
TNC SMA: Confer et al. 1992.
x Breeds in disturbed or natural shrub and early-successional
COSEWIC: COSEWIC 2006a.
habitats (10–30 years into secondary succession), including
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
regenerating abandoned fields, clear-cuts, utility rights-of-way,
CWLRMN: PIF 2005.
alder thickets, bogs
Great Gray Owl CONIFEROUS FOREST
Strix nebulosa

x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding & Wintering) x Lack of Information: Inadequate information on
x Special Concern in Ontario* population status and impacts of forestry
x Monitoring: Not well monitored by BBS or BBA
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status because breeding typically occurs outside of main
x Species at Risk in Ontario: Special Concern* status breeding survey windows, and because species moves
due to low population and specialized habitat needs erratically in response to food availability
x Not monitored by BBS x Limiting Factors: Food supply and nest site
x ~1% of global population breeding or wintering in availability may limit local populations
BCR 12 x Direct Mortality: Vulnerable to vehicular collisions
x Circumboreal range and occasionally shot
threats (TN=2)
Overall Objective
x Assess status
Habitat Objective
x Fine Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain adequate
supply of suitable habitat across the landscape as per
ON BCR 12 Population the Landscape Guide and/or as predicted by OMNR
x Permanent resident habitat supply models
x <1% of global population in ON BCR 12 x Fine Filter; Site Scale: Protect active primary,
x Population in ON BCR 12 unknown alternate and inactive nests as per direction for rare
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): stick-nesting raptors in the Site/Stand Guide
x Improve current monitoring capability by improving
W 3% 9% n/a the Ontario Nocturnal Owl Survey
NE 5% 2% n/a
SE 0% 2% Up Conservation Focus
x Assess Status: Periodically assess population
x Population trend not monitored by BBS and not well status using all available data sets (Owl Survey, BBA,
monitored by Ontario Nocturnal Owl Survey (Crewe and CBC)
Badzinski 2006a) Conservation Actions
Ecology x Monitoring: Improve current monitoring effort in ON
x Breeds in mature stands of spruce, larch or poplar BCR 12 through improved Nocturnal Owl Survey
adjacent to open foraging areas x Nest Site Management: Avoid disturbance near
x Nest sites are typically old raptor or corvid stick active nests during breeding season (March–July); retain
nests, or large snags with broken tops existing stick nests, snags and hunting perches during
x Foraging areas include open fens, bogs, meadows forest management operations
or clear-cuts with scattered hunting perches or forest x Habitat Management: Maintain supply of old-growth
edge, and adequate supply of meadow voles and other stands adjacent to open foraging areas
prey items Key References
x Roosts in mature spruce stands during winter BBA1: Prevett 1987.
BNA: Bull and Duncan 1993.
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
Other: Patrikeev et al. 2004; Crewe and Badzinski
2006a.
*Note: Great Gray Owl was listed as a species of Special Concern in Ontario at the time this plan was written; as of
June 30the, 2008, it has been downlisted.
Kirtland’s Warbler SUCCESSIONAL FOREST
Dendroica kirtlandii
Status
x PIF Continental Watch List Species
x Habitat Availability: Decrease in breeding habitat
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species
availability due to fire suppression
x Endangered in Canada and Ontario
x Brood Parasitism: Cowbird parasitism reduces
productivity
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: Low overwinter
x Continental Concern: Very small global population survival; extreme deterioration expected in the future
(PS=5), very small breeding range (BD=5), very small suitability of non-breeding conditions; species in danger
wintering range (ND=5), high threats on breeding of extirpation (TN=5)
grounds (TB=4), very high threats on wintering grounds
Overall Objective
(TN=5), severe rangewide population decline prior to
x Recovery
1990 but strong population increase since then (PT=5)
x SAR in Canada and Ontario: No recent breeding
recovery
records in Canada, but the potential exists for a breeding
population in ON BCR 12 as suitable habitat is available, Habitat Objective
relatively close to current breeding areas in BCR 12 in x Fine Filter; Landscape Level: Maintain availability of
Michigan suitable habitat within ERNV (or per recovery strategy
x Continental and Regional Stewardship: 100% of habitat objective) using spatial habitat supply model
global population breeds in BCR 12 x Fine Filter; Stand Level: Maintain supply of young
stands of Jack Pine habitat >20 ha by using appropriate
stand management prescriptions
x Fine Filter; Site Level: Protect breeding habitat as
per direction in the Site/Stand Guide
x Periodic surveys to check for presence of breeding
birds in areas of suitable habitat
Conservation Focus
ON BCR 12 Population x Recovery: Implement a SAR recovery strategy for
x 0% of global population breeds in ON BCR 12 this Endangered species
x Extremely rare or absent as a breeding bird in Conservation Actions
Ontario, but single birds are occasionally seen in suitable x Planning: Prepare a SAR recovery strategy
habitat
x Monitoring: Periodically survey areas of suitable
x Not detected during BBA2 or BBA1 in ON BCR 12 habitat for presence of breeding birds
Ecology Key References
x Fire-dependent habitat specialist BBA1: Aird and Pope 1987.
x Requires extensive stands of homogeneous, even- ORBBP: Austen et al. 1994.
aged Jack Pine BNA: Mayfield 1992.
x Area-sensitive (minimum 20 ha; higher productivity COSEWIC: James 1999a.
in patches >200 ha) CWLRMN: PIF 2005.
x Breeds in dense clumps of young Jack Pine, 2–7 m
high with low branches, interspersed with grassy areas
x Ground-nesting
Least Flycatcher DECIDUOUS FOREST
Empidonax minimus
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Breeds in semi-open deciduous hardwood and
x OMNR Evaluative Indicator Species mixed forests with well developed understorey
x Uses broad range of habitat types but density
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status peaks in large mature forests
x Regional Stewardship: High relative density in BCR x Semi-colonial; breeding territories often clumped
12 (RD=5); future conditions are expected to remain
x Infrequently parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds
stable (TB=2); total assessment score, 14
x Rangewide population decline (PT=4) Limiting Factors and Threats
x BBS trend (1966–2002) for BCR 12 shows x Habitat Degradation: Breeding densities in Quebec
significant population decline (–2.085%/y) study negatively affected by forest dieback due to acid
x ~10% of global population in BCR 12 precipitation
x Research: Needed to determine impact of
disturbance and forest management activities on
breeding populations of this species in ON BCR 12
x Threats on Non-breeding Gunds: No known threats
(TN=2)
Overall Objective
within ERNV
Habitat Objective
ON BCR 12 Population x Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain availability
x ~4% of global population in ON BCR 12 of suitable breeding habitat across the landscape within
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 5.75, ~440 000 ERNV as per the Landscape Guide and/or as predicted
birds by OMNR habitat models
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change x Maintain current population monitoring capability
SE 97% 95% Down across ON BCR 12
NE 90% 89% n/a
Conservation Focus
W 91% 85% n/a
x Research: Investigate factors causing regional and
rangewide population decline
x BBS trend (1970–2004) shows a significant
decrease in ON BCR 12 population (–2.2%/y) Conservation Actions
x Research: Needed on breeding and wintering
Pop'n Estimate Least Flycatcher BBS Index
grounds to investigate factors causing population
15
decline
1,000,000 x Monitoring: Maintain current population monitoring
12
effort in ON BCR 12
800,000
9 Key References
600,000
BBA1: Fraser 1987b.
400,000
6 BNA: Briskie 1994.
3
200,000
0 0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Loggerhead Shrike NON-FORESTED UPLAND
Lanius ludovicianus

Status x Habitat Loss, Fragmentation and Degradation:
x Eastern migrans subspecies is Endangered in Decrease in habitat quantity and quality on breeding and
Canada and Ontario wintering grounds due to changing land use, particularly
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) conversion of pastures to croplands, natural succession
of abandoned pastures and changes in pasture
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status management
x Severe rangewide population decline (PT=5) x Direct Mortality: Vulnerable to collisions with
x Regional population decline (PT=5) and very high vehicles when foraging along roadsides
threats on breeding range (TB=5) in BCR 12 but very low x Toxins: Use of pesticides reduces food availability;
relative density (RD=1) bioaccumulation of toxins also a potential concern
x Species at Risk: Canadian population is very small, x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: Slight to
declining and faced with several threats on breeding and moderate decline in the future suitability of non-breeding
wintering grounds conditions is expected (TN=3)
x <1% of global population in BCR 12
Overall Objective
x Recovery: Achieve goals and objectives set in SAR
national recovery strategy (to be determined)
Conservation Focus
x Recovery : Implementation of SAR national
recovery strategy
Continue current recovery actions, including:
ON BCR 12 Population x Population Preservation: Maintain a captive
population to preserve the genetic diversity
x Marginal breeder (<1% of global population) in ON
BCR 12 x Habitat Management: Maintain or restore extensive
tracts of suitable habitat in SE or W subregions
x Current population estimate is c. 40 pairs breeding
in Ontario (mostly in BCR 13) (Environment Canada x Research: Determine factors causing population
2006) decline, including research on breeding and wintering
grounds to examine habitat issues, prey and pesticide
x Breeding evidence from three squares in ON BCR
issues, mortality along roads and climate effects on
12 during BBA2, including two squares in SE subregion
productivity and survival
and one square in W subregion: compared to BBA1,
breeding distribution has decreased significantly in SE x Monitor: Continue to monitor abundance,
subregion, down from 22 squares (4% of squares) during distribution, productivity and survival
BBA1 Key References
x Former rare breeder in W subregion, although not BBA1: Cadman 1987.
reported there during BBA1 ORBBP: Austen et al. 1994.
x Severe decrease in population and breeding BNA: Yosef 1996.
distribution in ON BCR 12 COSEWIC: James 2000.
RENEW: Johns et al. 1994.
Ecology
SARRS: Smith 2002.
x In Ontario, breeds primarily in moderately grazed NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
pastures, alvars or sparse grasslands with hunting NPWRC: Dechant et al.2003d.
perches, areas of short grass and suitable nest sites TNC SMA: Bartgis et al. 1992.
x Area-sensitive, minimum of 5–25 ha Other: Environment Canada 2006.
x Nests in dense, prickly shrubs or small trees,
typically hawthorn or juniper
x Feeds on variety of prey items including insects
(grasshoppers, beetles), mice, voles, small birds, snakes
and frogs
Louisiana Waterthrush DECIDUOUS FOREST
Seiurus motacilla

x Special Concern in Canada and Ontario x Monitoring: Not sampled by BBS
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Habitat Degradation: Sensitive to declining water
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species (but very low quality (affects food availability), intensive logging and
relative density in ON BCR 12) forest fragmentation in areas of low forest cover
x Brood Parasitism: Cowbird parasitism may affect
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status productivity in some populations
x Species at Risk: Small population in Canada x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: Severe
(southern Ontario only) with specialized breeding habitat deterioration expected in the future suitability of non-
requirements breeding conditions (TN=4)
x Small global population (PS=4)
x High threats on wintering grounds (TN=4) Overall Objective
x Population in BCR 12 not monitored by BBS; x Assess status
regional trend is unknown x Implement SAR management plan when available
Habitat Objective
x Fine Filter; Stand Scale: Identify large tracts of
mature deciduous swamp forest capable of supporting
source populations and protect occupied nests as per
direction in the Site/Stand Guide
x Conduct periodic survey of suitable habitat in SE
subregion to assess current population status
ON BCR 12 Population Conservation Focus
x Occurs at only a few sites in ON BCR 12 (BBA2) x Habitat Management: Identify and encourage
(and is rare in ON BCR 13) appropriate management of large tracts of mature
x Reported in 11 squares in SE subregion during deciduous swamp forest capable of supporting source
BBA2, compared to 1% in BBA1 populations
Continue existing monitoring and management initiatives
SE 1% 2% n/a for this species of Special Concern, including:
W 0% 0% n/a x Planning: Develop and implement a national
NE 0% 0% n/a management plan for this species
x Monitoring: Periodically assess population status in
x ON BCR 12 population not monitored by BBS, but Canada, including periodic surveys of known and
Ontario population is apparently stable (J. McCracken, potential sites to track population abundance and
BSC, pers. comm. 2005) distribution in southeastern portion of ON BCR 12
x <1% of global population in ON BCR 12 x Outreach: Encourage landowners in SE subregion
to manage large tracts of swamp forest to maintain or
Ecology enhance suitable breeding habitat for this deciduous
x Area-sensitive, forest-obligate, habitat specialist forest species
x Requires large (>100 ha) patches of mature x Research: Needed on wintering ecology
deciduous or mixed riparian forest including steep-sided
wooded ravines with cold, clean running water, and Key References
deciduous swamp forest with pools of standing water BBA1: Eagles 1987b.
x In ON BCR 12, is a rare breeder in deciduous ORBBP: Austen et al. 1994.
swamp forests in SE subregion BNA: Robinson 1995.
x Nests on or near the ground COSEWIC: COSEWIC 2006b.
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
TNC SMA: Brown et al.1999a.
Mourning Warbler SUCCESSIONAL FOREST
Oporornis philadelphia
Status Ecology
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species x Breeds in dense mesic shrubby undergrowth in
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) disturbed open mixed or deciduous forests, including
large forest gaps, burns and cutover areas, margins of
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status swamps and riparian areas
x Continental Stewardship: Northern Forest x Nests on or near the ground in dense vegetation
Stewardship species with high relative density in BCR 12
(RD=5); future conditions expected to remain stable Limiting Factors and Threats
(TB=2) x Habitat Alteration: Early successional species that
x Rangewide population decline (PT=4) benefits from some human activities such as clear-cut
x Regional Stewardship: High relative density in BCR logging
12 (RD=5), regional population decline (PT=4); future x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: No known
conditions expected to remain stable (TB=2); total threats (TN=2)
assessment score, 16
Overall Objective
shows significant moderate decline (–0.7%/y)
within ERNV
x 20% of global population in BCR 12
Habitat Objective
x Maintain current population abundance monitoring
ON BCR 12 Population Conservation Focus
x ~7% of global population in ON BCR 12 x Evaluate Trends: Periodically review and evaluate
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 9.24, ~450 000 population trend relative to habitat availability using all
birds available data sets (BBS, BBA and CMMN)
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change x Monitoring: Maintain current population abundance
W 82% 89% n/a monitoring capability in ON BCR 12
SE 82% 80% n/a x Research: Investigate possible regional population
NE 73% 72% n/a decline
Key References
BBA1: Fraser 1987c.
uncertain, tending downwards (–1.1%/y,
BNA: Pitocchelli 1993.
not significant)
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
Pop'n Estimate Mourning Warbler BBS Index
1,000,000 20
18
800,000 16
14
600,000 12
10
400,000 8
200,000 4
0 0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Nashville Warbler SUCCESSIONAL FOREST
Vermivora ruficapilla
Status Ecology
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species x Prefers regenerating mixed forests with shrubby
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) undergrowth, but will breed in a wide range of habitats
including coniferous bogs and swamps and successional
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status old fields
x Continental Stewardship: Northern Forest x Nests are on the ground but generally concealed
Stewardship species with high relative density in BCR 12 under a shrub, log or other vegetation
(RD=5); future conditions are expected to remain stable
(TB=2) Limiting Factors and Threats
x Small wintering range (ND=4) x Habitat Alteration: Early successional species that
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 benefits from some human activities such as clear-cut
shows significant moderate increase (1.3%/y) logging
x 24% of global population in BCR 12 Overall Objectives
within ERNV
Habitat Objective
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 16.11, ~2 400 000 x Maintain current population monitoring capability
birds across ON BCR 12
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change population trend relative to habitat availability using all
SE 97% 98% n/a available data sets (BBS, BBA and CMMN)
NE 88% 96% Up
W 88% 95% n/a Conservation Actions
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 effort in ON BCR 12
uncertain, some fluctuations but apparently stable
(0.8%/y, not significant) Key References
BBA1: McLaren 1987c.
BNA: Williams 1996b.
Nashville Warbler
25 NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
3,500,000
3,000,000 20
2,500,000
15
2,000,000
1,500,000 10
1,000,000
5
500,000
0 0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Northern Flicker DECIDUOUS FOREST
Colaptes auratus

x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x This species plays a key ecological role in creating
cavities for hole-dwelling species, and as the primary
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status predator of ants
(PT=4) and very high relative density (RD=5) in BCR 12 Limiting Factors and Threats
x Rangewide population decline (PT=4) x Nest Site Availability: Availability of nesting
x BBS trend (1966–2002) indicates significant substrate (snags >30 cm dbh, dead limbs, diseased
population decline in BCR 12 (–1.2%/y) trees) in open settings may limit population in some
x 5% of global population in BCR 12 areas
x Competition: Competes with European Starling for
nest cavities (impact on productivity not known)
Overall Objective
within ERNV
Habitat Objective
x Coarse Filter, Landscape Scale: Maintain
x Coarse Filter; Stand Scale: Maintain availability of
birds
suitable nest trees (e.g., snags and diseased trees > 30
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): cm) as per the ‘wildlife tree direction’ in the Site/Stand
Guide
SE 100% 99% n/a Monitoring Objective
W 100% 99% n/a x Maintain current population monitoring capability
NE 99% 98% n/a across ON BCR 12
x BBS trend (1970–2004) indicates significant Conservation Focus

moderate population decline in ON BCR 12 (–0.9%/y) x Research: Identify factors causing regional and
Northern Flicker Conservation Actions
600,000 7
x Research: Investigate factors causing broad
500,000 6 population decline
5 x Monitoring: Maintain current population monitoring
400,000
effort in ON BCR 12
4
300,000 ` x Habitat Enhancement/Evaluation: Evaluate the
3 impact of increasing the availability of large snags (>30
200,000
2 cm dbh) and/or nest boxes on Northern Flicker
100,000
abundance and productivity at demonstration sites
1
x Research: Investigate effect of fire ant control on
0 0 the wintering grounds and other insecticide use on
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
wintering ecology
Ecology Key References
x Breeds in wide range of forested and open habitats BBA1: McIlveen 1987.
including forest edges, open woodlands, beaver ponds, BNA: Moore 1995.
rural agricultural areas and suburban settings NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
x Primary cavity nester that usually excavates nests in Other: James 1984a.
large (>30 cm dbh) dead or diseased trees
Northern Goshawk DECIDUOUS FOREST
Accipter gentilis
Status
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding & Wintering)
x Monitoring: Poorly sampled by BBS; improved
x OMNR Evaluative Indicator Species
survey methods needed to monitor breeding
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status populations of forest raptors
x Regional Management Concern: Small global x Nest Site Protection: Sensitive to disturbance at
population (PS=4), moderate relative density in BCR 12 active nest sites; reuses stick nests
(RD=3), moderate regional threats (TB=3), uncertain x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: Slight to
population trend (PT=3); total assessment score, 14 moderate decline expected in the future suitability of
x BBS trend (1970–2004) for BCR 12 is unknown non-breeding conditions (TN=3)
x ~1% of global population breeding in BCR 12
Overall Objective
x ~2% of global population wintering in BCR 12
x Circumboreal range within ERNV
Habitat Objective
x Fine Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain supply and
distribution of large tracts of mature to old mixed
deciduous forest) within ERNV
x Fine Filter; Site Scale: Protect occupied nests from
disturbance during the breeding season and retain
suitable habitat associated with active nests to ensure
likelihood of re-occupancy, as per the Site/Stand Guide
ON BCR 12 Population x Improve current population monitoring capability
x <1% of global population in ON BCR 12 across ON BCR 12 by integrated analysis of data from
existing monitoring programs
x Population mostly resident, partially migratory,
depending on prey availability Conservation Focus
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): x Assess Status: Periodically assess population
status using all available data (BBS, BBA, CBC, stick
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change nest surveys, hawk migration counts)
SE 27% 24% n/a
NE 20% 8% Down Conservation Actions
W 6% 9% n/a x Monitoring: Improve ability to monitor forest raptor
populations in ON BCR 12 through improved breeding
x Not monitored by BBS; population trend in ON BCR season surveys and/or analyses of hawk migration
12 unknown count data
x Research: Determine the effect of forestry
Ecology practices on nesting and prey habitats
x Breeds in mature to old mixed deciduous forests with x Nest Site Protection: Avoid disturbance within 50 m
well developed canopy and open understorey of active nests during breeding season; retain nest trees
x Stick nests in large deciduous or coniferous trees can and adjacent trees within 100 m during selection and
be reused in subsequent years shelterwood cuts (OMNR 1998a)
x Territories normally contain alternate nest sites
x Area-sensitive, occurring mainly in large continuous Key References
forest tracts BBA1: Weir 1987b.
BNA: Squires and Reynolds 1997.
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
Other: OMNR 1998a.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow WETLAND/RIPARIAN;
Stelgidopteryx serripennis AERIAL-FORAGING INSECTIVORE

x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Cause(s) of population decline unknown
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status x Direct Mortality: Episodic high mortality due to lack
x Regional Concern: Severe regional population of flying insects during severe weather events, which
decline (PT=5), with moderate relative density (RD=3) and may worsen with climate change
moderate threats (TB=3) in BCR 12 x Nest Site Availability: Uses drainage pipes in
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 shows bridges and other human structures for nest sites;
a significant severe decline (–3.265%/y) changes in construction can affect accessibility or
suitability of anthropogenic nest sites
threats (TN=2)
Overall Objective
x Reverse decline and restore population to previous
0.32, ~56 000 birds
ON BCR 12 Population x Restore distribution to BBA1 (1981–85) levels of
x <1% of global population in ON BCR 12 41% of squares in subregion SE and 16% in NE
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.01, ~2200 birds
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): Monitoring Objectives
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change across ON BCR 12
SE 41% 22% Down x Annual census plus demographic monitoring at
NE 16% 4% Down select study sites across ON BCR 12 for minimum of 5
W 3% 8% n/a years

uncertain, tending strongly downwards x Research: Investigate potential causes of the
(–4.7%/y) population decline
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Conservation Actions
200,000
Pop'n Objective x Research: Investigate potential causes of
BBS Index & 1.0
population decline, including possible changes in
0.8
availability of anthropogenic nest sites; determine
120,000
population demographics at a variety of nesting sites
`
0.6 x Habitat Enhancement: Evaluate the effects of
80,000 providing artificial nest burrows at select sites
0.4
Key References
40,000
0.2 BBA1: Taylor 1987.
BNA: DeJong 1996.
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
Ecology
x Nests singly in burrows in eroding sediment banks
and sand quarries, natural crevices and anthropogenic
“burrows” such as horizontal pipes in bridges and
buildings
x Will use artificial nest burrows
x Diurnal aerial-foraging insectivore that forages low
over open areas including open water, streams, open
wetlands and agricultural fields
x Reaches the northern limit of its breeding range in
BCR 12
Olive-sided Flycatcher WETLAND/RIPARIAN
Contopus cooperi

x PIF Continental Watch List Species x Forages on flying insects (especially bees) and is
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) vulnerable to food shortages during bad weather and to
x COSEWIC status report under review the indirect effects of pesticide use
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status x Uses exposed hunting perches (snags and live trees)
x Continental Concern: Severe rangewide population in open areas
decline (PT=5), high threats on wintering grounds (TN=4); x As species has inherently low productivity rate; high
occurs in significant numbers in ON BCR 12 (RD=2) survivorship needed to sustain populations
x Regional Concern: Severe regional population decline Limiting Factors and Threats
(PT=5), moderate regional threats (TB=3); occurs in x Wintering Habitat: Loss or alteration of wintering
significant numbers in ON BCR 12 (RD=2) (total score, habitat in Andes is a potential limiting factor (TN=4)
14) x Habitat Alteration: Fire suppression and/or past
x Significant severe decline in BBS population trend forest management practices may have adversely
(1966–2002) in BCR 12 (–3.2%/y) affected breeding habitat suitability by reducing
x 3% of global population in BCR 12 availability of hunting perches in forest openings
x Habitat Loss: Concern that decline in beavers (and
beaver ponds) in Ontario may contribute to population
decline
Overall Objective
x Reverse decline and restore population to previous
Increasing population by 100%
Habitat Objective
x Fine Filter; Stand Scale: Maintain/increase supply of
early successional forest adjacent to water
x 1% of global population in ON BCR 12
x Current (2000–04) BBS Index of 0.13, ~4,000 birds Population Objectives
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): x Restore population to 1970–79 level, BBS Index of
0.80, ~25 000 birds
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change x Restore distribution to 1981–85 (BBA1) levels of
SE 72% 51% Down 72% of squares in subregion SE and 62% in NE
NE 62% 44% Down
x Improve current population monitoring capability
x Significant severe decline in BBS population trend across ON BCR 12 through improvements to BBS
(1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 (–6.7%/y) and/or off-road forest/wetland bird surveys
Conservation Focus
50,000
Olive-sided Flycatcher
x Research: Investigate factors causing severe
Pop'n Objective 1.5 regional and rangewide population decline
BBS Index &
1.2 Conservation Actions
30,000
0.9 decline, including studying population demographics
`
across a range of nesting sites and management
20,000
0.6
regimes
10,000
x Habitat Management: Promote forest management
0.3
practices that retain snags and live trees in burns,
0 0.0
wetlands and other forest openings
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Key References
BBA1: Cheskey 1987.
Ecology BNA: Altman and Sallabanks. 2000.
x Found along the wooded edges of open wetlands, NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
lakes and rivers and in other openings and edge situations CWLRMN: PIF 2005.
in coniferous and mixed forests including bogs, burns,
beaver meadows and small clear-cuts
Peregrine Falcon NON-FORESTED UPLAND
Falco peregrinus anatum
Ecology
Status x Requires vertical faces with ledges for nesting,
x anatum subspecies listed as Threatened in Canada including cliff faces and tall buildings
and Ontario x Most nest sites in ON BCR 12 are on cliffs on or
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) near large lakes or rivers, but a few are on man-made
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species structures in urban or rural settings
x Requires open area with adequate food supply
(mostly birds, including landbirds, shorebirds and
x Species at Risk: Population recovering from severe waterfowl) for hunting
regional population decline due to pesticide contamination
(DDT), but faces ongoing threats, especially on wintering Limiting Factors and Threats
grounds, through vulnerability to bioaccumulation of toxins x Nest Site Availability: Limited number of natural or
x Five-year surveys show that population in BCR 12 human-made nest sites
has increased dramatically x Biosentinel Species: Bioaccumulation of toxins an
x <1% of global population in BCR 12 ongoing concern
x Cosmopolitan species; note that the range map does x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: Slight to
not accurately portray current distribution of anatum moderate decline in the future suitability of non-
subspecies in eastern North America breeding conditions is expected (TN=3)
Overall Objective
x Recovery: Achieve goals and objectives set in
national recovery strategy (to be determined)
Conservation Focus
x Recovery: Implementation of SAR national
recovery strategy
Implement recovery strategy actions:
x Monitoring: Periodic surveys (every 5 years) of
current and historic sites to monitor population recovery
x Monitoring: Monitor productivity and survival at
select sites
x Nest Site Protection: Avoid destruction or
ON BCR 12 Population disturbance of active and historic nest sites
x <1% of global population Key References
x Breeding population in ON BCR 12 currently in BBA1: Weir 1987c.
excess of 30 breeding pairs (T. Armstrong, OMNR, 2005 ORBBP: Austen et al. 1994.
survey data) BNA: White et al. 2002.
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): COSEWIC: Johnstone 1998.
RENEW: Erickson et al. 1988.
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
W 0% 7% n/a Other: OMNR 1987b, 2005; Rowell et al. 2003.
NE 0% 3% n/a
SE 0% 2% Up
x Five-year surveys show that population in ON BCR

12 has increased dramatically since mid-1980s, may now
be at or approaching capacity (Rowell et al. 2003; T.
Armstrong, OMNR, pers. comm. 2005)
Prairie Warbler NON-FORESTED UPLAND
Dendroica discolor

x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Monitoring: Regional population trends are not
x PIF Continental Watch List Species (but very low adequately monitored by BBS
relative density in BCR 12) x Habitat Loss: Loss and degradation of natural rock
barren habitat due to fire suppression and cottage
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status development a concern
x Small wintering range (ND=4) and rangewide x Threats in Non-breeding Grounds: No known
population decline (PT=4) threats (TN=2)
x Management Concern: Occurs locally in ON BCR 12
in small numbers (RD=1), but this disjunct population is of Overall Objective
conservation interest x Assess status
x Population in BCR 12 is not monitored by BBS, and
Habitat Objective
trend in BCR 12 unknown (PT=3)
x Fine Filter; Stand Level: Maintain adequate supply
of preferred rock barren habitat in core breeding areas
in SE subregion
x Maintain current monitoring capability in ON BCR
12
x Develop rock barren bird survey using point-counts
to monitor relative abundance and distribution in rock
ON BCR 12 Population barren habitat in SE subregion
x <1% of global population in ON BCR 12 Conservation Focus
x Very small population in Ontario (<500 pairs in 1985, x Assess Status: Periodically assess status of this
mostly in SE subregion of ON BCR 12) with specialized species in Canada, especially in SE subregion of ON
habitat needs (Lambert and Smith 1985) BCR 12, using current BBS and BBA data, plus any
x Reported from 35 squares in ON BCR 12 during data from proposed rock barren bird survey or species-
BBA2, all in SE subregion, unchanged from BBA1 specific surveys
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change x Habitat Management: Maintain or restore natural
SE 5% 5% n/a rock barren habitat using fire or habitat management
NE 0% 0% n/a practices that emulate natural disturbance regimes,
W 0% 0% n/a especially in SE subregion
x Monitoring: Continue current monitoring effort and
x Population not monitored by BBS; trend in ON BCR develop a rock barren bird survey in SE subregion
12 unknown x Monitoring: Assess the status of this species in SE
x Species-specific surveys have been conducted at subregion at 5-year intervals
sites along the east coast of Georgian Bay, which includes
Key References
the core Ontario breeding range
BBA1: Lambert 1987.
Ecology ORBBP: Austen et al. 1994.
x Natural breeding habitat in ON BCR 12 consists of BNA: Nolan et al. 1999.
pine–oak–juniper communities on rock barrens along TNC SMA: Staicer et al. 1995.
eastern shore of Georgian Bay and southern edge of COSEWIC: Lambert and Smith 1985; James 1999b.
Canadian Shield NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
x Also breeds in managed shrubby habitat along CWLRMN: PIF 2005.
powerline rights-of-way
x Fire-adapted species
Purple Finch CONIFEROUS FOREST
Carpodacus purpureus

x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding & Wintering) x Biennial fluctuation in wintering population,
associated with variation in conifer cone crop production
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status in northern wintering range
x Regional Concern: Regional population decline x Infrequently parasitized by Brown-head Cowbirds
(PT=4), high relative density (RD=4) and moderate threats
in ON BCR 12 (TB=3) (total score, 16) Limiting Factors and Threats
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 shows x Interspecific Competition: Competition with House
a significant decline (–1.9%/y) Finch on the wintering ground may contribute to
x ~12% of global population in BCR 12 declines (a decline in breeding populations in eastern
US was associated with the spread of House Finch,
Wootton 1996).
x Habitat Alteration: Responds positively to
moderate logging that opens up the forest
threats (TN=2)
Overall Objective
x Maintain Current: Halt decline and maintain
population abundance and distribution at or above
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 1.19, ~100 000 current levels
birds
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): Population Objectives
x Halt decline and maintain current (2000–04)
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change breeding population abundance, BBS Index of 1.19,
SE 97% 93% Down ~100 000 birds
NE 89% 78% Down x Halt decline and maintain BBA2 (2001–05)
W 88% 71% Down breeding distribution of 86% of squares in ON BCR 12
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 Habitat Objective

shows significant severe decline (–3.4%/y) x Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain
Pop'n Estimate Purple Finch BBS Index landscape within ERNV as per the Landscape Guide
350,000
4.0
Pop'n Objective
BBS Index & Monitoring Objective
280,000 Pop'n Estimate 3.2
across ON BCR 12
210,000 2.4
` Conservation Focus
140,000 1.6 x Research: Investigate factors causing regional and
BCR-wide population decline
70,000 0.8
x Research: Needed on cause of population decline,
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
breeding ecology, cause of irruptive movements
effort in ON BCR 12
Ecology
Key References
x Preferred breeding habitat is coniferous forests but
BBA1: Middleton 1987a.
also breeds in mixed forest, edge of bogs, deciduous
BNA: Wootton 1996.
forests and a range of plantations or open woodland
settings
x Feeds on buds, seeds and tree fruit
Red Crossbill CONIFEROUS FOREST
Loxia curvirostra

x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding & Wintering) x Breeding occurs in two windows: mid-January to
x OMNR Evaluative Indicator Species May and late June to October, if ample food supply
present
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status x High reproductive potential (up to 4 broods/year)
x Regional Management Concern: Apparent severe x Irruptive or nomadic movements associated with
population decline in ON BCR 12 (distribution decline failure of conifer cone crop production
equivalent to PT=5), moderate threats (TB=3); occurs in
significant numbers during breeding season (RD=4) and Limiting Factors and Threats
winter (RD=5) x Habitat Specialist: Dependent on mature coniferous
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 uncertain forests, especially Red and White Pine stands
but tending strongly upwards (non-significant increase of x Monitoring: Population abundance and distribution
5.2%/y) not well monitored by BBS or BBA because breeding
x <1% of global population in BCR 12 typically occurs outside main breeding survey windows,
x Cosmopolitan species and movements are erratic in response to food
availability
x Research: Difficult species to study due to erratic
movements, dependence on availability of conifer seeds
x Direct Mortality: Vulnerable to vehicular collisions
when feeding on salted roads during winter
moderate decline expected in the future suitability of
non-breeding conditions (TN=3)
Overall Objectives
ON BCR 12 Population x Maintain population abundance and distribution
x <1% of global population breeding in ON BCR 12 within ERNV
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.04, ~2400 birds Habitat Objective
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): x Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain availability
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change ERNV as per the Landscape Guide and/or as predicted
SE 22% 9% Down by OMNR habitat models
W 9% 11% n/a
NE 7% 4% n/a Monitoring Objective
x Improve current population monitoring capability in
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 ON BCR 12, if feasible
uncertain but tending downwards (non- significant decline
Conservation Focus
of –3.2%/y)
x Assess Status: Periodically assess the status of this
Ecology species in ON BCR 12 using all available data (BBS,
x Foraging specialist that relies on conifer seeds year BBA, CBC, PFW)
round
x The race typically breeding in ON BCR 12 is dependent
x Assess Status: Periodically assess the population
on White Pine seeds; other races may occur during
status of this species in ON BCR 12 (every 5 years)
irruptive movements
x Habitat: Maintain a minimum of 500 ha of mature to
x Forages and breeds in small groups
old White Pine forest
x Preferred breeding habitat in ON BCR 12 (Great Lakes
– St. Lawrence Forest) is mature to old coniferous forests Key References
with >70% mature White Pine, but also breeds in younger BBA1: Lumdsen and Smith 1987.
pine forests and mixed forest with substantial (40%+) BNA: Adkisson 1996.
White Pine component OMNR: Draft habitat model May 2005a.
x OMNR draft habitat model estimates that 2 ha, 10 ha
and 500 ha of suitable habitat are needed to support one
breeding pair, one breeding flock and a stable population
of 500 breeding adults, respectively
Red-headed Woodpecker WETLAND/RIPARIAN
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Limiting Factors and Threats (cont’d)

Status x Food Supply: Fluctuations in mast production
x PIF Continental Watch List Species influence migration and wintering locations and
x Special Concern in Canada and Ontario overwinter survival
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Direct Mortality: Prone to collisions with traffic when
foraging along roads
x Continental Concern: Severe rangewide population moderate decline expected in the future suitability of
decline (PT=5); occurs in significant numbers in BCR 12 non-breeding conditions (TN=3)
(RD=2)
x Regional Concern: Severe regional population decline Overall Objectives
(PT=4) and high threats on breeding grounds in BCR 12 x Reverse Decline
(TB=4) x Implement national SAR management plan when
x Species at Risk: Species has declined significantly in a available
large portion of its Canadian range, especially in Ontario x Contribute to PIF continental objective of increasing
x <1% of global population in BCR 12 continental population by 100%
Habitat Objective
x Coarse Filter; Stand Level: Maintain sufficient supply
of snags >25 cm dbh for this and other cavity nesters
x Fine Filter; Stand Level: Protect breeding habitat as
per direction in the Site/Stand Guide
ON BCR 12 Population x Maintain or improve current population monitoring
x <1% of global population in ON BCR 12 capability across ON BCR 12
x Ontario population estimate of 700 pairs, down from Conservation Focus
10 000 pairs in 1980s (Page 1996) x Research: Investigate factors causing severe
x Breeding records mostly in Ecoregions 5E (SE rangewide and regional population decline
subregion), 5S (W subregion)
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): Conservation Actions
x Research: Conduct breeding ecology studies to
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change increase understanding of species habitat requirements
W 9% 8% n/a and to determine the limiting factors and causes of
SE 7% 4% Down population decline in Ontario population
NE 1% 0% n/a x Research: Determine factors causing past
population fluctuations and recent rangewide
x Population in ON BCR 12 is not adequately monitored population decline
by BBS, thus trend is unknown x Habitat Management: Manage open wetlands, open
forests and hedgerows to maintain supply of large
Ecology
deciduous snags
x Breeds in beaver meadows and other open wetlands
with standing dead snags, as well as open deciduous Key References
forests, small woodlots, forest edges, hedgerows and BBA1: Woodliffe 1987.
groves of dying or dead trees BNA: Smith et al. 2000.
x Primary cavity nester in large dead deciduous snags COSEWIC: Page 1996 (updated status report in prep.).
>40 cm dbh NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
x Forages on insects, including flying insects, and mast, CWLRMN: PIF 2005.
especially acorns TNC SMA: Brown et al. 1999b.
x Population has undergone past major fluctuations Other: James 1984a.

x Nest Site Availability: Supply of large snags for nesting
cavities can be a limiting factor
x Competition: Competes with European Starling for
cavities
Red-shouldered Hawk DECIDUOUS FOREST
Buteo lineatus

x Special Concern in Ontario* x Competition: In agricultural and developed
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) landscapes, this species is displaced and/or predated
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species (but low relative by Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl
density in ON BCR 12) x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: No known
x OMNR Evaluative Indicator Species threats (TN=2)
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status Overall Objective
x Species at Risk: Downlisted by COSEWIC in 2006 but x Assess status
still listed as Special Concern in Ontario*; Ontario and x Maintain population abundance and distribution
Canadian population is relatively small but stable or within ERNV
increasing
Habitat Objective
x Fine Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain an adequate
suggests strong increase (non-significant increase of
supply of extensive tracts (>100 ha) of mature, closed-
6.0%)
canopy mixed or deciduous forest habitat near wetlands
or lakes
x Fine Filter; Site Scale: Protect occupied nests from
disturbance during the breeding season and retain
sufficient habitat associated with active nests to ensure
likelihood of re-occupancy, as per the Site/Stand Guide
x Improve current population trend monitoring
capability across ON BCR 12 by improving BBA and
Red-shouldered Hawk Survey coverage
x <1% of global population in ON BCR 12 Conservation Focus
x Current population estimate of c. 5000 birds in Ontario x Assess Status: Periodically assess population status
(COSEWIC in prep.), mostly in ON BCR12 using all available data sets (RSHA Survey, BBS, BBA,
x No significant long-term change (1991–2004) in raptor nest surveys, hawk migration counts)
population detected by species-specific surveys covering
core of Ontario range (Crewe and Badzinski 2006b)
x Management: Continue to implement OMNR
Species management guidelines for this species on
Crown forest lands
SE 29% 40% Up x Outreach: Encourage stewardship organizations to
NE 1% 2% n/a promote the use of appropriate habitat management
W 0% 1% n/a guidelines by private landowners in SE subregion
x Monitoring: Periodically (every 5–10 years) assess
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 is the status of the entire Canadian breeding population of
uncertain, tending upwards (non-significant trend of this species
5.6%/y based on 14 routes) x Monitoring: Evaluate adequacy of trends from hawk
watch migration counts in southern Ontario
Ecology
x Prefers extensive, mature, closed-canopy deciduous or Key References
mixed forest with little understorey, especially riparian and BBA1: Weir 1987d.
swamp forests ORBBP: Austen et al. 1994.
x Stick nest is often used for several years; may build BNA: Crocoll 1994.
alternate nest in same territory COSEWIC: COSEWIC 2006c.
x Area-sensitive (minimum of 10 ha but prefers 100+ ha) NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
TNC SMA: Peterson et al. 1995.
Limiting Factors and Threats Other: James 1984b; Naylor et al. 2004a; Crewe and
x Monitoring Needs: Not well sampled by BBS Badzinski 2006b.
x Habitat Specialist: Requires extensive tracts of mature,
closed-canopy forests
*Note: Red-shouldered Hawk was listed as a species of Special Concern in Ontario at the time this plan was written;
as of June 30the, 2008, it has been downlisted.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak DECIDUOUS FOREST
Pheucticus ludovicianus
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Breeds in wide range of primary and secondary
deciduous and mixed deciduous forests and thickets
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status x Nests typically located in forest openings
x Regional Stewardship: High relative density in BCR
12 (RD=5); future conditions expected to remain stable
(TB=2); total assessment score, 16
x Rangewide and regional population declines (PT=4) x Habitat Loss: Maturation of forests may reduce
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 nesting opportunities
indicates significant moderate decline (–1.5%/y) x Direct Exploitation: This neotropical migrant is
x 22% of global population in BCR 12 captured on migration and on wintering grounds for the
cage bird trade
threats (TN=2)
Overall Objective
within ERNV
Habitat Objective
x ~8% of global population in ON BCR 12 availability of suitable breeding habitat across the
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 3.14, ~270 000 landscape within ERNV as per the Landscape Guide
birds and/or as predicted by OMNR habitat models
SE 98% 93% Down x Maintain current population monitoring capability
W 73% 76% n/a across ON BCR 12
NE 73% 47% Down
Conservation Focus
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) indicates x Research: Investigate factors causing regional and
significant severe decline in ON BCR 12 (–3.4%/y), rangewide population decline
despite initial increase in the 1970s
Pop'n Estimate Rose-breasted Grosbeak BBS Index
14 x Research: Needed on breeding and wintering
1,200,000
12
grounds to investigate factors causing population
1,000,000 decline
10
800,000
8 effort in ON BCR 12
600,000
6
Key References
400,000
4
BBA1: Eagles 1987c.
200,000 2 BNA: Wyatt and Francis 2002.
0 0
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Ruffed Grouse DECIDUOUS FOREST
Bonasa umbellus
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding & Wintering) x Permanent resident
x Requires a mix of habitats for seasonal needs,
including early successional deciduous stands with
x Regional Stewardship: High relative density in BCR poplar or birch as important food source, deciduous and
12 (RD=5); future conditions expected to remain stable mixed forest with dense canopy and herbaceous cover
(TB=2); total assessment score, 14 during summer, and coniferous stands for winter cover
x BBS trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 uncertain; x Other important habitat features include fallen logs
population fluctuates but overall trend appears fairly stable for drumming sites and small clearings (<0.4 ha)
x ~11% of global population in BCR 12 x Ground-nesting
x Monitoring: Population fluctuates in response to
cyclical predation by Northern Goshawk and other
raptors; not well monitored by BBS due to non-linear
population fluctuations; no provincial monitoring
program for this game bird
x Direct Mortality: Game bird that is actively hunted
in Ontario
x ~4% of global population in ON BCR 12 x Maintain population abundance and distribution
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.38, ~220 000 birds within ERNV
Habitat Objective
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change x Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain
SE 94% 95% n/a availability of suitable breeding habitat across the
NE 86% 87% n/a landscape within ERNV as per the Landscape Guide
W 91% 77% Down and/or as predicted by OMNR habitat models
x BBS trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 uncertain;
x Improve current population monitoring capability
population fluctuates but overall trend appears fairly stable
across ON BCR 12 by integrating analysis of data from
existing program (BBS, BBA, CBC, hunter surveys,
Ruffed Grouse
1,000,000
drumming surveys)
1.5
Conservation Focus
800,000 1.2
x Evaluate Trends: Periodically evaluate regional
population trend relative to habitat availability in ON
600,000 0.9
BCR 12 using all available data sets (BBS, BBA,
CBC, hunter surveys, drumming surveys)
400,000 0.6
200,000 0.3 x Monitoring: Improve monitoring capability by
integrating or improving existing surveys and/or
0 0.0 improving analytical methods
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Key References
BBA1: Middleton 1987b.
BNA: Rusch et al. 2000.
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
Rusty Blackbird WETLAND/RIPARIAN
Euphagus carolinus

x PIF Continental Watch List Species x Habitat Loss on Breeding Grounds: Agricultural
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) conversion, peat extraction, logging, wetland drainage,
x Special Concern in Canada decline in beaver ponds and hydro-electric reservoirs
have led to habitat loss in some areas
x Habitat Loss on Wintering Grounds: Dependent on
x Continental Concern: Severe rangewide population
wooded wetlands in eastern US, many of which have
decline (PT=5), moderate relative density in BCR 12
been converted to agriculture (TN=3)
(RD=3) and moderate threats due to uncertainty as to
x Direct Mortality on Wintering Grounds: Roosts with
cause of decline (TB=3)
other blackbird species and was therefore affected by
blackbird control measures in the 1960s and 1970s
(PT=4), moderate regional threats (TB=3); occurs in
x Monitoring and Research: Not well monitored by
significant numbers in BCR 12 (RD=3) (total score, 14)
BBS and difficult to study on breeding grounds due to
x Species at Risk: Special Concern status due to
poor accessibility
severe population decline
x BBS population trend in BCR 12 uncertain, tending Overall Objective
downwards x Reverse Decline
x ~2% of global population in BCR 12 x Contribute to continental objective of Increasing
population by 100%
Habitat Objective
x Fine Filter; Stand Scale: Increase/maintain supply
of early successional forest adjacent to water
x Restore population to 1970–79 level, BBS Index of
0.35, ~ 8400 birds
x Restore distribution to BBA1 (1981–85) levels of
20% of squares in subregion NE, 15% in SE, and 12%
in W
x Current population estimate of <1000 birds based on
2000–04 BBS results Monitoring Objective
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): x Improve current population monitoring capability
across ON BCR 12 through improvements to BBS
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change and/or off-road forest/wetland bird surveys
NE 20% 15% n/a
W 12% 7% n/a x Research: Investigate factors causing severe
regional and rangewide population decline
x BBS population trend in ON BCR 12 is unknown, Conservation Actions
apparently declining
x Research: Investigate potential causes of
Ecology population decline, improve understanding of breeding
x Breeds in bogs, fens, beaver meadows, wooded and wintering ecology
swamps and other open areas adjacent to water and x Monitoring: Develop improved survey techniques
coniferous forests and monitoring program(s)
x Feeds on ground or in shallow water on insects, x Assess Status: Assess population status every
molluscs and vegetable matter 5 years using all available data (BBS, BBA, CMMN,
CBC)
x Habitat Degradation on Breeding Grounds: Breeding Key References
habitat degradation due to wetland drying (climate BBA1: Flood 1987.
change), acidification (acid precipitation) and BNA: Avery 1995.
accumulation of environmental toxins (e.g., mercury) are COSEWIC: COSEWIC 2006d.
potential concerns NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
Other: Greenberg and Droege 1999; Hannah 2005;
Smithsonian NZP 2005.
Sedge Wren WETLAND/RIPARIAN
Cistothorus platensis
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Nests in dense sedges and grasses in wet
meadows, hayfields, old fields, marsh edge habitats;
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status prefers areas with some woody shrub cover
x Regional Stewardship: Very high relative density x Breeding habitat is often subject to seasonal
(RD=5), elevated regional threat score (RT-3); total flooding or long-term fluctuations in soil moisture
assessment score, 14 (conditions may account in large part for population
x Increasing BBS population trend in BCR 12 (PT=1) fluctuations)
x ~21% of global population in BCR 12, concentrated x Some breeding habitats are affected by agricultural
in western portion of the BCR activities such as grazing and haying, others by natural
succession
x Nests and forages close to the ground
x Nomadic or opportunistic breeder with low site
fidelity
x Monitoring and Research: Difficult to monitor or
study due to erratic occurrence, secretive habits and
fluctuating numbers
Overall Objectives
x Monitor population abundance and distribution in
ON BCR 12 Population ON BCR 12
x Current (2000–04) BBS Index of 0.16, ~35 000 birds x Improve current population monitoring capability in
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): ON BCR 12
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change Conservation Focus

W 21% 24% n/a x Evaluate Trends: Periodically review and evaluate
SE 13% 15% n/a population trend using current BBS and BBA data
NE 4% 1% n/a
x Monitoring: Improve current population monitoring
uncertain; indices suggest fluctuating population efforts in ON BCR 12 and/or improve data analysis
x Research: Investigate factors causing apparent
Pop'n Estimate BBS Index population fluctuations
Sedge Wren
1.2
250,000 Key References
1.0 BBA1: Gould 1987.
200,000 BNA: Herkert et al. 2001.
0.8 NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
150,000
0.6
100,000
0.4
50,000 0.2
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Short-eared Owl WETLAND/RIPARIAN
Asio flammeus

x PIF Continental Watch List Species x Nomadic behaviour in response to fluctuating food
x Special Concern in Canada and Ontario supply (voles and other prey items)
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Distribution in ON BCR 12 associated with
agricultural areas
x Species at Risk: Special Concern because of long- Limiting Factors and Threats
term, widespread decline in Canada, including Ontario, x Monitoring: Difficult to monitor because of low
due to loss of preferred breeding and wintering habitat densities, low site fidelity and local fluctuations due to
x <1% of global population breeding or wintering in fluctuations in prey availability
BCR 12 (RD=1) x Habitat Loss: Decrease in extent of suitable
x Cosmopolitan species hayfields, pasture and open wetland habitats with
abundant food supply
x Direct Mortality: Early haying of nesting area, and
collisions with vehicles, fences and power lines
x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: Severe
deterioration expected in the future suitability of non-
Overall Objective
x Assess status
x Contribute to continental objective of increasing
population by 100%
Habitat Objective
ON BCR 12 Population x Fine Filter; Stand Scale: Protect occupied nests, as
x Marginal, <1% of global population breeding or per the Site/Stand Guide
wintering in ON BCR 12 Monitoring Objective
x Size of breeding and wintering (if any) populations in x Conduct periodic surveys of suitable breeding and
ON BCR 12 are unknown wintering habitat to assess current population status
Conservation Focus
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change x Assess Status: Periodically assess population
W 3% 7% n/a status using all available data (BBS, BBA, CMMN, CBC)
SE 2% 2% n/a every 5 years
NE 2% 1% n/a
x Population trend in ON BCR 12 is unknown x Monitoring: Periodic surveys and assessments of
the status of breeding and wintering populations in ON
BCR 12
Ecology x Habitat Protection and Management: Conserve
x Breeds and winters in large open grasslands or and manage large (>100 ha) grassland and wetland
wetlands including hayfields, idle pasture, wet meadows, areas to benefit this species
bogs and marsh
Key References
x Area-sensitive, requires patches >100 ha but will use
BBA1: Weir 1987e.
smaller patches if additional habitat nearby
x Ground-nesting
BNA: Holt and Leasure. 1993.
x During winter, will roost communally on the ground or
COSEWIC: Cadman 1994.
in trees or thickets
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
CWLRMN: PIF 2005.
NPW RC: Dechant et al. 2003c.
TNC SMA: Tate et al. 1997.
Swamp Sparrow WETLAND/RIPARIAN
Melospiza georgiana

x PIF Continental Stewardship Species x Nests in dense grasses, cattails or shrubs, often
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) built close to ground or water surface
x Semi-colonial; can breed at high densities in
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status preferred habitat
x Continental Stewardship: Northern Forest
Stewardship species with very high relative density Limiting Factors and Threats
(RD=5) in BCR 12 x Habitat Quality: Breeding habitat may be affected
x BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 shows by seasonal or long-term fluctuations in water levels
significant moderate increase (1.2%/y) x Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: No known
x ~12% of global population in BCR 12 threats (TN=2)
Overall Objectives
within ERNV, using BBS and BBA data as the best
available benchmark for natural variation
x Contribute to PIF continental population objective
of maintaining current levels
ON BCR 12 Population x Maintain population abundance levels in ON BCR
x ~5% of global population breeding in ON BCR 12 12 within ERNV, estimated as no lower than 80% of
x Current (2000–04) BBS Index of 5.13, ~590 000 long-term (1966–2004) BBS average = BBS Index of
birds 3.4, ~390 000 birds
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): x Maintain distribution in each subregion above 95%
of minimum distribution during BBA1 or BBA2.
SE 96% 98% n/a Subregion Current Objective
NE 80% 86% n/a SE 98% 91%
W 76% 85% n/a NE 86% 76%
W 85% 72%
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 is Monitoring Objective
uncertain, some fluctuations
across ON BCR 12
Swamp Sparrow
1,000,000
Conservation Focus
Pop'n Objective 8
BBS Index & x Evaluate Trends: Periodically review and evaluate
800,000 Pop'n Estimate 7
population trend relative to population objectives using
6
600,000
5
`
4
400,000
3
x Monitoring: Maintain current BBS monitoring effort
in ON BCR 12
2
200,000
1 Key References
0 0 BBA1: Rising 1987b.
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 BNA: Mowbray 1997.
Ecology
x Breeds in range of marshes, shrub thicket wetlands
(carrs), bogs, fens and in riparian thicket settings; also
found in swampy shores of lakes and stream banks and
moist woodland
x Will use small wetland pockets as well as more
extensive habitat patches
Veery DECIDUOUS FOREST
Catharus fuscescens
Status Ecology
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Breeds in damp deciduous or mixed forests with
shrubby understorey
x Highest densities in young or disturbed forests
x Nests on or near the ground
(PT=4), moderate regional threats (TB=3) and high relative
x Frequently parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbird;
density (RD=5)
area-sensitive, needs at least 10 ha of forest but prefers
x Regional Stewardship: Very high proportion of
>100 ha and/or high regional forest cover
population in BCR 12 (34%, RD=5), moderate regional
threats (TB=3); total assessment score, 16 Limiting Factors and Threats
x Rangewide population decline (PT=4) and moderate x Habitat Loss on Wintering Grounds: Loss of
threats on the wintering ground (TN=3) mature forest wintering habitat due to deforestation in
x BBS trend (1966–2002) for BCR 12 shows significant northern South America a concern (TN=3)
moderate population decline (–1.9%/y) x Habitat Availability: Habitat suitability declines as
x ~34% of global population in BCR 12 successional forests mature and shrub layer declines
Overall Objective
within ERNV
Habitat Objective
across ON BCR 12
Conservation Focus
x Research: Investigate factors causing regional and
ON BCR 12 Population rangewide population decline (especially on wintering
x ~16% of global population in ON BCR 12 grounds)
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 16.17, ~1 800 000 Conservation Actions
birds x Research: Investigate causes of decline,
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): determine population demographics and study
wintering ecology
SE 100% 99% Down x Monitoring: Maintain current population monitoring
W 85% 92% n/a effort in ON BCR 12
NE 87% 90% n/a
Key References
BBA1: Sadler 1987a.
x BBS trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 shows
BNA: Bevier et al. 2004.
significant moderate population decline (–1.6%/y)
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
Pop'n Estimate Veery BBS Index
4,000,000 35
3,500,000
30
3,000,000
25
2,500,000
20
2,000,000 `
15
1,500,000
10
1,000,000
500,000 5
0 0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Whip-poor-will NON-FORESTED UPLAND;
Caprimulgus vociferus AERIAL-FORAGING INSECTIVORE

x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) x Monitoring Needs: Not well sampled by BBS;
special survey needed (e.g., crepuscular survey with
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status playback)
x Regional Concern: Regional population decline x Research: Cause of population decline in Ontario
(PT=4), high threats on breeding grounds in BCR 12 and elsewhere not known; possible factors include
(TB=4) and occurrences in significant numbers (RD=2) decrease in food availability due to insect control or
x Rangewide population decline (PT=4) other reasons, habitat loss due to fire suppression and
x ~5% of global population in BCR 12 forest maturation, increased nest predation (by feral
cats, raccoons, skunks, etc.) near rural housing and
increased collisions with vehicles
Overall Objective
x Reverse decline and restore population to
previous abundance and distribution levels
x ~1% of global population in ON BCR 12 Population Objectives
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.01, ~5100 birds x Restore population to 1970–79 level, BBS Index
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): 0.10, ~ 37 000 birds
x Restore distribution to 1981–85 BBA levels of 65%
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change of squares in subregion SE and 50% in NE
SE 65% 39% Down
NE 50% 13% Down Monitoring Objective
W 12% 13% n/a x Improve current population monitoring capability
by developing a crepuscular nightjar survey
uncertain, tending downwards (–3.7%/y, not significant) x Research: Investigate factors causing regional and
Whip-poor-will
180,000
0.5 Conservation Actions
Pop'n Objective
BBS Index & x Research: Determine cause of regional and
150,000 Pop'n Estimate 0.4
rangewide population decline, including impact of land
120,000
use and food supply on breeding density, productivity
0.3
and survival
90,000 `
x Monitoring: Periodic crepuscular surveys needed
0.2
60,000
to determine abundance/distribution and to assess
status
x
0.1
30,000 Research: Determine cause of regional and
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Key References
Ecology BBA1: Mills 1987c.
x Breeds in rock or sand barrens with scattered trees, BNA: Cink 2002.
savannas, and dry deciduous or mixed forests with little or NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
no underbrush and an open canopy TNC SMA: Brown et al 1999c.
Other: BCMELP 1998a.
x Crepuscular aerial-foraging insectivore that feeds on
moths and other flying insects
x Ground-nesting
White-throated Sparrow SUCCESSIONAL FOREST
Zonotrichia albicollis
Status Ecology
x PIF Continental Stewardship Species x Breeds in wide range of settings within coniferous
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) and mixed forests including forest edges and gaps,
x OMNR Evaluative Indicator Species young regenerating forests in burns and cutovers, semi-
open older forest with low understorey layer, open bogs
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status and edges of beaver meadows
x Continental Stewardship: Northern forest stewardship x Important habitat features include relatively open
species with high proportion of population in BCR 12 understorey, some coniferous vegetation and low crown
(RD=5) closure (Patrikeev et al. 2004)
x Rangewide population decline (PT=4) x Ground-nesting and foraging
uncertain but apparently stable (–0.5%/y, not significant) Limiting Factors and Threats
x 11% of global population in BCR 12 x Habitat: Species tends to increase as forest opens
up and to decrease as it closes (Falls and Kopachena
1994)
x Population Fluctuations: May respond positively to
budworm outbreaks and be adversely affected by cold
winters (Falls and Kopachena 1994)
threats (TN=2)
Overall Objective
ON BCR 12 Population x Maintain population abundance and distribution
x ~3% of global population in ON BCR 12 within ERNV
x Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 41.58, ~5 400 000 x Contribute to PIF continental objective of
birds maintaining current population
x BBA distribution (effort adjusted): Habitat Objective
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change availability of suitable breeding habitat across the
NE 99% 100% n/a
SE 100% 99% n/a
W 100% 97% n/a
x BBS population trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 x Maintain current population abundance monitoring
uncertain, showing pattern of decline during 1970s but capability across ON BCR 12
rising trend since then (–0.4%, not significant)
Conservation Focus
Pop'n Estimate White-throated Sparrow BBS Index x Evaluate Trends: Periodically review and evaluate
8,000,000
60 population trend relative to habitat availability using all
7,000,000 available data sets (BBS, BBA and CMMN)
50
6,000,000
5,000,000 40
x Monitoring: Improve current population abundance
4,000,000
30 monitoring capability in ON BCR 12
3,000,000
20 Key References
2,000,000 BBA1: Falls 1987.
10
1,000,000 BNA: Falls and Kopachena 1994.
0 0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Willow Flycatcher NON-FORESTED UPLAND
Empidonax traillii
Status
Ecology
x PIF Continental Watch List Species x Breeds in deciduous shrublands, especially riparian
x ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) thickets, wetland carrs and successional fields
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status x Feeds primarily on flying insects
• Continental Concern: Small global wintering range Limiting Factors and Threats
(ND=4) and rangewide population decline (PT=4); occurs x Range Expansion: Breeding range expanded into
in significant numbers in BCR 12 (RD=2) BCR 12 in 1970s and appears to be still expanding,
• ~1% of global population in BCR 12 although BBS data show fluctuation
• Long-term BBS population trend in BCR 12 uncertain, x Habitat Loss: Probable decrease in habitat in SE
possibly increasing subregion due to natural succession of old-field habitat
threats (TN=2)
Overall Objective
x Monitor population abundance and distribution in
SE subregion of ON BCR 12
x Contribute to PIF continental population objective
of increasing population by 50%
x Maintain or improve current population monitoring
ON BCR 12 Population capability in SE subregion of ON BCR 12
• <1% of global population in ON BCR 12
• Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 0.03, ~7000 birds Conservation Focus
• Breeding range appears to be expanding northwards x Evaluate Trends: Periodically review regional
in Ontario (Prescott 1987; Sedgwick 2000; BBA2 population trend using current BBS and BBA data
preliminary data) Conservation Actions
monitoring effort in SE subregion of ON BCR 12
SE 9% 14% n/a
x Research: Needed on the winter and migration
NE 0% 4% n/a ecology of this species
W 0% 0% n/a Key References
• Long-term BBS trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 BBA1: Prescott 1987.
uncertain; sharp increase in late 1970s but has since BNA: Sedgwick 2000.
declined NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
CWLRMN: PIF 2005.
Willow Flycatcher TNC SMA: Paige et al. 1999.
50,000
45,000
40,000
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
197
Wood Thrush DECIDUOUS FOREST
Hylocichla mustelina
Status
Ecology
• PIF Continental Watch List Species • Breeds in upland deciduous and mixed forests with
• ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) moderate to dense understorey
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status • Area-sensitive species; will breed in stands as small
• Continental Concern: Rangewide population decline as 5 ha, but occurs at higher densities in larger patches
(PT=4), small wintering range (ND=4) and high threats on • Frequently parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbird
wintering grounds (TN=4) Limiting Factors and Threats
• Regional Concern: Regional population decline (PT=4) • Habitat Fragmentation and Degradation: Reduced
and high relative density (RD=4) in BCR 12 productivity due to fragmentation and degradation
• BBS population trend (1966–2002) in BCR 12 (increased predators and parasitism) of forest habitat
uncertain, tending downwards (–2.8%/y) on breeding grounds may be factor locally in ON BCR
• 5% of global population in BCR 12 12, especially areas of low forest cover in SE
subregion; also, absence of understorey in even-aged
stands may reduce amount of suitable habitat
• Loss of Wintering Habitat: Loss of forest habitat on
wintering grounds a concern (TN=4)
Overall Objective
• Maintain population abundance and distribution within
ERNV
• Contribute to PIF continental population objective of
• ~3% of global population in ON BCR 12
• Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 1.07, ~290 000 birds
• BBA distribution (effort adjusted):
SE 79% 68% n/a Monitoring Objective
NE 11% 18% n/a • Maintain current population monitoring capability
W 0% 3% n/a across ON BCR 12
• BBS population trend in ON BCR 12 uncertain, but Conservation Focus

tending downwards (–3.5%/year, but not significant) • Research: Investigate factors causing apparent
regional and rangewide population decline
Pop'n Estimate Wood Thrush BBS Index
2,000,000 7.0
• Research: Needed to investigate causes of decline,
6.0
population demographics and wintering ecology
1,500,000
5.0 • Monitoring: Maintain or enhance current population
monitoring effort in ON BCR 12
4.0
1,000,000 `
• Outreach: Encourage landowners in SE subregion
3.0 to follow BMPs (e.g., Sallabanks 1993; Rosenburg et al.
2.0
2003) for this and other deciduous forest species
500,000
1.0 Key References

BBA1: Sadler 1987b.
0 0.0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
BNA: Roth et al. 1996.
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
TNC SMA: Sallabanks et al. 1993.
Other: Rosenburg et al. 2003.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker DECIDUOUS FOREST
Sphyrapicus varius
Status
Ecology
• PIF Continental Stewardship Species • Breeds in deciduous or mixed forests,
• ON BCR 12 Priority Species (Breeding) particularly stands with poplar, birch, maple and
Reason(s) for ON BCR 12 Priority Status hemlock trees
• Continental Stewardship: Northern Forest Stewardship • Primary cavity nester; excavates nest in living
species with high relative density in BCR 12 (RD=5); future tree (often poplar) with heart-rot, >25 cm dbh
conditions are expected to remain stable (TB=2)
• Regional Stewardship: High relative density in BCR 12 Limiting Factors and Threats
(RD=5); future conditions expected to remain stable (TB=2); • Monitoring: Not well monitored by BBS due to
total assessment score, 14 population fluctuations and low detection rate
• BBS trend (1966–2002) for BCR 12 uncertain, apparently during BBS survey window
stable or increasing • Habitat Alteration: Habitat availability may
• ~23% of global population in BCR 12 decline in parts of ON BCR 12 (especially SE
subregion) as successional post-agricultural forests
mature
• Threats on Non-breeding Grounds: No known
threats (TN=2)
Overall Objective
• Maintain population abundance and distribution
within ERNV
• Contribute to PIF continental population
objective of maintaining the population
Habitat Objective
ON BCR 12 Population • Coarse Filter; Landscape Scale: Maintain
• ~11% of global population in ON BCR 12 availability of suitable breeding habitat across the
• Current BBS Index (2000–04) of 3.54, ~910 000 birds landscape within ERNV as per the Landscape
• Ontario Spring Woodpecker Survey data (1992–2004) Guide and/or as predicted by OMNR habitat
also show high annual variation (Crewe and Badzinski 2006b) models
• BBA distribution (effort adjusted): • Coarse Filter; Stand Scale: Maintain availability
of suitable nest trees (e.g., snags and diseased
Subregion BBA1 BBA2 Change trees), as per the ‘wildlife tree direction; in the
SE 97% 97% n/a Site/Stand Guide
NE 83% 92% Up
• Maintain current population monitoring
• BBS trend (1970–2004) in ON BCR 12 uncertain; high capability across ON BCR 12
variation but apparently stable Conservation Focus
• Evaluate Trend: Periodically evaluate regional
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker population trend relative to habitat availability in ON
1,600,000 6
BCR 12 using all available data sets (BBS, BBA,
1,400,000 5 RSHA, CMMN and CBC)
1,200,000
4 Conservation Actions
1,000,000
• Monitoring: Improve survey or analytical
3
800,000 `
methods to better monitor populations, including
600,000
2
comparing BBS, CBC and Spring Woodpecker
400,000 Survey results
200,000
1 • Research: Investigate causes of apparent
population fluctuations
0 0
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Key References
BBA1: Biro 1987.
BNA: Walter et al. 2002.
NANCLC: Dunn 2005.
OMNR HMG: James 1984a.
Other: Crewe and Badzinski 2006b.
Appendix G: BBS-based Indices of Abundance, Precision, Population
Estimates and Accuracy Ratings for Priority Species Breeding in ON BCR 12
Count data from all Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) routes within the Ontario portion of BCR 12 (ON
BCR 12) were used to assess changes in population abundance for 40 of the 51 priority species (Table
G1) and to set population objectives for 14 of these (see species accounts, Appendix F). All population
indices were converted to population estimates to show the magnitude of changes observed. These
estimates were derived from BBS indices using methods described in Appendix B of Rich et al. (2004).
Table G1 presents BBS sample sizes, abundance indices, standard errors (precision) of the indices,
estimated population sizes and an accuracy rating of the population estimate for the 40 priority species
with at least six routes of BBS trend data in ON BCR 12.
Accuracy ratings (Moderate, Fair, Poor, Very Poor) for the estimated population sizes at abundance
objectives were assigned using methods outlined in Appendix B of Rich et al. (2004), and are based on
species-specific survey sample sizes, number of birds detected on surveys, variance in counts across BBS
routes within ON BCR 12 and diurnal activity level.
BBS-based abundance indices and population estimates were not available for 11 priority species that
occur at low or very low densities in ON BCR 12. Eight of these species are listed as Species at Risk
federally and/or in Ontario (Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Short-eared Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker,
Loggerhead Shrike, Kirtland’s Warbler, Cerulean Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush), and their
population status is periodically assessed. The remaining two species (Northern Goshawk, Prairie
Warbler) have also been assessed but are currently listed as “Not at Risk.”
Explanatory Notes for Table G1:
BBS Routes:
• 70–04: Number of BBS routes in ON BCR 12 with trends for 1970–2004 period
• 1990s: Number of BBS routes in ON BCR 12 with abundance data for 1990s
BBS Index Averages:

• 1970s: BBS abundance index averaged across years for the 1970–1979 period
• 1990s: BBS abundance index averaged across years for the 1990–1999 period
• 00–04: BBS abundance index averaged across years for the 2000–2004 period
SE of BBS Indices:
• 1970s: Standard Error of BBS indices across years in the 1970s
• 1990s: Standard Error of BBS indices across years in the 1990s
• 00–04: Standard Error of BBS indices across years for the 2000–04 period
Estimated Population Size:

• 1970s: BBS-based estimate of the number of breeding birds in ON BCR 12 in the first decade of
BBS (1970–1979)
• 2000–04: BBS-based estimate of the current number of breeding birds in ON BCR 12 (2000–
2004)
• Accuracy: A rating of the accuracy of the population estimate
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) – Appendix G 167
Table G1: BBS Sample size, BBS objective and standard error, estimated population size and accuracy rating for 40 of 51 priority species in
ON BCR 12.
BBS Routes BBS Index Averages SE of BBS Indices Estimated Population Size
Priority Species
70–04 1990s 1970s 1990s 00–04 1970s 1990s 00–04 1970s 2000–04 Accuracy
Ruffed Grouse 48 35 0.76 0.61 0.41 0.42 0.27 0.25 450 000 240 000 Fair
Red-shouldered Hawk 14 12 0.01 0.05 0.19 0.01 0.05 0.13 1 400 21 000 Poor
Broad-winged Hawk 46 30 0.40 0.32 0.71 0.20 0.16 0.25 220 000 390 000 Fair
Black-billed Cuckoo 47 40 1.76 1.06 1.15 0.59 0.38 0.43 180 000 120 000 Fair
Common Nighthawk 27 9 0.47 0.13 0.05 0.28 0.08 0.04 37 000 4 000 Poor
Whip-poor-will 15 7 0.10 0.07 0.02 0.13 0.05 0.02 37 000 8 400 Poor
Chimney Swift 33 24 0.61 0.16 0.04 0.31 0.11 0.03 100 000 6 200 Poor
Belted Kingfisher 60 43 1.45 0.65 0.80 0.38 0.16 0.19 140 000 77 000 Fair
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 58 49 3.65 3.74 3.48 1.11 0.88 0.75 940 000 900 000 Moderate
Northern Flicker 62 55 4.36 3.62 3.62 0.75 0.56 0.62 370 000 310 000 Moderate
Olive-sided Flycatcher 50 34 0.80 0.38 0.13 0.31 0.15 0.08 25 000 4 000 Fair
Eastern Wood-Pewee 52 38 1.27 0.95 0.63 0.51 0.25 0.16 170 000 83 000 Fair
Willow Flycatcher 16 6 0.07 0.01 0.03 0.07 0.02 0.03 15 000 6 500 Very Poor
Least Flycatcher 62 54 11.03 7.24 5.75 1.59 0.93 1.15 840 000 440 000 Moderate
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 27 15 0.32 0.10 0.01 0.18 0.07 0.01 56 000 2 200 Poor
Bank Swallow 34 18 3.18 0.37 0.55 1.73 0.25 0.51 770 000 130 000 Poor
Priority Species
70–04 1990s 1970s 1990s 00–04 1970s 1990s 00–04 1970s 2000–04 Accuracy
Barn Swallow 55 44 11.93 4.23 2.40 1.52 0.80 0.60 1 400 000 290 000 Moderate
Sedge Wren 20 8 0.22 0.34 0.23 0.22 0.17 0.22 48 000 48 000 Poor
Veery 62 54 27.76 20.77 16.63 3.26 2.16 2.93 3 000 000 1 800 000 Moderate
Wood Thrush 36 31 3.19 1.26 1.09 1.42 0.48 0.35 870 000 300 000 Fair
Brown Thrasher 42 33 1.90 0.69 0.56 0.52 0.22 0.16 170 000 52 000 Fair
Golden-winged Warbler 23 19 0.03 0.23 0.12 0.03 0.11 0.07 4 300 18 000 Poor
Nashville Warbler 62 54 13.04 16.44 16.11 2.93 1.93 2.82 1 900 000 2 400 000 Moderate
Chestnut-sided Warbler 62 53 21.81 20.84 18.64 2.66 1.95 1.91 1 600 000 1 400 000 Moderate
Black-throated Blue Warbler 52 38 0.53 1.09 1.39 0.26 0.22 0.25 190 000 510 000 Fair
Black-throated Green Warbler 55 49 1.13 2.33 2.91 0.46 0.50 0.53 350 000 910 000 Moderate
Blackburnian Warbler 58 45 2.20 4.21 3.22 0.74 1.29 0.88 420 000 610 000 Fair
Bay-breasted Warbler 32 15 0.57 0.32 0.20 0.34 0.19 0.14 140 000 50 000 Poor
Connecticut Warbler 19 8 1.16 0.29 0.15 1.00 0.19 0.12 95 000 12 000 Poor
Mourning Warbler 62 52 12.37 10.32 9.24 1.82 1.46 1.85 600 000 450 000 Moderate
Common Yellowthroat 62 53 16.56 13.91 13.08 1.90 1.09 1.25 1 300 000 1 100 000 Moderate
Priority Species
70–04 1990s 1970s 1990s 00–04 1970s 1990s 00–04 1970s 2000–04 Accuracy
Canada Warbler 53 39 2.71 1.94 1.52 0.88 0.56 0.62 160 000 89 000 Fair
Field Sparrow 25 23 0.18 0.36 0.15 0.22 0.36 0.08 21 000 17 000 Poor
Swamp Sparrow 62 50 4.42 3.98 5.05 0.91 0.51 0.60 510 000 580 000 Moderate
White-throated Sparrow 62 55 43.17 35.61 40.03 4.48 2.88 6.41 5 600 000 5 200 000 Moderate
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 60 52 8.82 4.33 3.24 1.55 0.95 0.60 750 000 270 000 Moderate
Bobolink 42 35 14.30 8.76 4.53 4.38 1.99 1.61 1 000 000 320 000 Fair
Rusty Blackbird 16 6 0.35 0.60 0.00 0.39 1.04 0.00 8 400 <1 000 Very Poor
Purple Finch 57 41 2.89 1.60 1.19 0.78 0.56 0.31 250 000 100 000 Fair
Red Crossbill 10 5 0.15 0.14 0.03 0.49 0.15 0.04 11 000 2 400 Very Poor
Appendix H: Evaluation of Current Monitoring Coverage for Landbirds in
ON BCR 12, and Proposed Monitoring-related Actions
Trend Monitoring Objectives

Objective 1: For at least 80% of landbirds breeding regularly in ON BCR 12 (Relative Density >1):
• Develop 80% power to detect 50% decline over 20 years within ON BCR 12; or
• 80% power to detect 50% decline over 20 years in eastern BBS range AND less precise trend available for
ON BCR 12 (df>5).
The objective of attaining 80% power to detect a 50% decline at P<0.05 (1-tailed) incorporates a 0.8%/y estimate of
potential bias, following the approach suggested by Bart et al. 2004.
Evaluation: Current monitoring coverage of all landbirds regularly breeding in ON BCR 12 was evaluated using
BBS data from this region and for eastern North America (Table H1). Power estimates used species-specific
variance from past BBS trends as the basis for predicting trend variance, and power of future trends. Variance for
eastern North America was taken from 1966–2004 BBS trends; for ON BCR 12, we used 1985–2004 BBS trends.
Of the 129 breeding landbirds with Relative Density (RD) score of 2 or more in ON BCR 12:
• 12 species have 80% power to detect 50% decline in 20 y in ON BCR 12;
• 43 species have 50–80% power to detect 50% decline in 20 y in ON BCR 12; and
• 44 species have trends with <50% power in ON BCR 12, but 80% power in eastern North America.
Objective 1 is nearly met by BBS (77% of regularly breeding landbirds have trends of sufficient power), though
with strong reliance on monitoring in neighbouring states and in Quebec to obtain sufficient sample sizes for most
breeding species. It is likely that continuation of current or slightly increased coverage will achieve this goal, as
there are several species close to meeting this objective.
Proposed Actions:
• Maintain BBS coverage at least at current participation level in ON BCR 12 (62 BBS routes with usable trend
data, 56 in the past 20 years), adding routes in the Northeast and Western subregions where feasible.
• Continue active recruitment and training of new BBS volunteers to replace retiring participants.
• Measure bias in landscape/habitat coverage by BBS routes across BCR 12.
Of the remaining 30 species (23%) not meeting the Objective 1 power criteria:
• 6 have good coverage in the full BCR (80% power to detect 50% decline, including bias) but do not yet have
BBS trends in ON BCR 12 (Osprey, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Whip-poor-will, Willow Flycatcher, Blue-
winged Warbler);
• 4 are hawks that are counted at migration hawk watch sites (Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Northern
Goshawk, Merlin), and several others are forest birds detected by the Migration Monitoring Network as they
pass through southern Ontario (Philadelphia Vireo, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Tennessee
Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Palm Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird);
• 5 are owls (Great Horned Owl, Great Gray Owl, Barred Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl) that are
counted during owl monitoring surveys in parts of BCR 12;
• 2 are finches (Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill) whose rangewide populations are potentially tracked over
the long term by winter surveys such as Christmas Bird Counts; and
• 2 are forest species with some Forest Bird Monitoring Program (FBMP) trend data when combined with BCR
13 (Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet).
Proposed Actions:
• Put in place a new borealwide breeding season bird monitoring survey, together with neighbouring
jurisdictions, and include the northern part of ON BCR 12 in the sampling frame.
• Continue to track migrants breeding in central and northern Ontario at southern Ontario migration monitoring
stations, and report regularly on their status.
Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) – Appendix H 171
• Evaluate adequacy of trends from migration hawk watches to track Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk,
Northern Goshawk and Merlin in southern Ontario.
• Assess ability of Ontario Nocturnal Owl Survey to track breeding populations of Great Horned, Barred and
Northern Saw-whet Owls in central Ontario.
• Rely on Breeding Bird Atlases at 20-year intervals to track long-term changes in populations of all of the above
species, and to validate population changes in species with trends from BBS, migration monitoring and other
surveys.
Objective 2: Maintain current precision of BBS population abundance indices for all priority species that are
tracked by the BBS.
Evaluation: BBS-based population trends are available for 37 of the 51 priority species, including 17 species with
50% power to detect 50% declines in ON BCR 12. The current precision of these indices (and the accuracy of
associated population estimates) is presented in Appendix G.
Proposed Action:
• Continue current BBS coverage in central Ontario, with expansion in the north where feasible and/or
development of a new boreal survey (as above).
Objective 3. Periodic status assessments (at least every five years) for all other priority species not currently tracked
by BBS.
Of the 14 priority landbirds without BBS-based population trends:

• 4 species are listed as Endangered or Threatened federally and/or in Ontario, with objectives set through SAR
recovery programs as required (Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Loggerhead Shrike, Kirtland’s Warbler);
• 6 species are currently listed as Special Concern federally and/or in Ontario (Great Gray Owl, Short-eared Owl,
Red-headed Woodpecker, Cerulean Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Rusty Blackbird); and
• 4 other species are not currently listed federally or in Ontario (Northern Goshawk, Whip-poor-will, Willow
Flycatcher, Prairie Warbler).
Proposed Action:
• Ensure that all these species are assessed regularly (at least every five years) to track changes in population
status and threats.
Distribution Monitoring Objective

Objective 4: For all landbirds breeding in ON BCR 12:
• Maintain ability to detect 15% decline in proportion of Breeding Bird Atlas squares occupied, at intervals of 20
years, for at least 80% of landbirds with Relative Density >1 (15% decline matches PIF PT = 4 criterion);
• Develop ability to detect 50% decline in proportion of Breeding Bird Atlas squares occupied (PT=5) for all
priority species, including those with Relative Density =1 (relatively rare in southern Ontario).
Evaluation: A comparison of the preliminary results of the current Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA2) (2001–05 data)
with the results of BBA1 (1981–85) indicates that of the 129 breeding landbird species with RD>1:
• 15% declines would have been detected at P<0.05 in 107 species in central Ontario.
The first part of Objective 5 is met (distribution changes can be detected for 83% of regularly breeding landbirds;
see Table H1).
Of the 51 priority landbirds, 48 meet the distribution monitoring objective, as follows:

• 15% declines could be detected at P<0.05 in 34 species;
• 50% declines could be detected at P<0.05 in an additional 14 species;
• 50% declines could not be detected at P<0.05 in 3 species (Loggerhead Shrike, Kirtland’s Warbler, Louisiana
Waterthrush). Each of these species is at the edge of its range in ON BCR 12, and is tracked in southern Ontario
(LOSH, LOWA) or in Michigan (KIWA).
Proposed Actions:
• Continue to repeat Breeding Bird Atlases at 20-year intervals, aiming to achieve at least the same level of
coverage as attained in the 2001–05 atlas.
• Additional periodic distributional surveys are needed to supplement information on rare priority species, those
for which 15% declines would not be detected.
Demographic Monitoring Objective

Objective 5: Track productivity, survival and fidelity for species or study areas of high management
concern/interest.
This plan does not set any demographic objectives, but demographic research is a proposed conservation action for
several of the priority species (see species accounts in Appendix F).
Proposed Actios:
• Assess the value and feasibility of setting demographic objectives for priority species or study areas of high
management concern/interest.
Habitat Monitoring Objective

Objective 6: Measure and report changes in general land cover, land use and forest cover for the entire planning
area at regular intervals (approx. five years), ensuring that data are directly comparable among time periods.
This plan identifies those priority species for which habitat objectives will be determined once information from
forest habitat simulation models being developed by OMNR is available. The geographic scale (landscape, stand,
site) of the objectives is indicated, as well as whether fine filter objectives (e.g., spatial habitat supply analyses) are
needed (see species accounts in Appendix F). Habitat objectives could be established for wetland and non-forest
upland species if suitable information on the availability of non-forest habitats is available.
Proposed Action:
• Identify or develop forest cover, land cover, land use and habitat monitoring programs (e.g., Forest Resource
Inventory, Ontario Land Cover mapping, Agricultural Census data) that could be used to set and measure
habitat objectives for priority species and guilds.
Explanatory Notes for Table H1:
Bold = Priority species in ON BCR 12; [enclosed in square brackets] = Introduced species
ON B12 RD>1 – Yes: Indicates Relative Density (RD) score of 2 or higher in ON BCR 12; these species
are the target of monitoring objectives
ON B12 BBS Trend – Power of the Breeding Bird Survey (1985–2004) to measure population trends
within southern Ontario
Yes: 80% power to detect 50% decline in 20 years at P0.1 in ON BCR 12; Y: 50% power; (y): trend
calculated, but with <50% power to detect 50% decline in 20 years in Ontario
East NA BBS Trend – Power of the Breeding Bird Survey (1966–2004) to measure population trends
within eastern North America
Yes: 80% power to detect 50% decline in 20 years at P0.1 in eastern North America, including bias;
(y): trend calculated, but with <80% power to detect 50% decline in 20 years in eastern North America
ON B12 Atlas Dist. – Power of the Breeding Bird Atlases (1981–85 and 2001–05) to measure changes in
breeding distribution in southern Ontario
Yes: 15% increase and/or decrease in squares with breeding evidence detectable between atlases in
ON BCR 12; Y: 50% increase and/or decrease detectable; (y): larger increases/decreases may be
detectable
* Kirtland’s Warbler: Trend in eastern North American known from intensive surveys and banding
programs on the breeding grounds in Michigan
Table H1: Monitoring coverage of landbirds breeding in Ontario BCR 12.
ON BCR12 ON BCR12 East. NA ON BCR 12

Common Name
RD>1 BBS Trend BBS Trend Atlas Dist.
[Ring-necked Pheasant] Yes Y
Ruffed Grouse Yes (y) Yes Yes
Spruce Grouse Yes Y
Sharp-tailed Grouse Yes (y) Y
Wild Turkey (y) Y
Turkey Vulture Yes (y) Yes Yes
Osprey Yes Yes Yes
Bald Eagle (y) Yes
Northern Harrier Yes (y) Yes Yes
Sharp-shinned Hawk Yes (y) Yes
Cooper's Hawk Yes (y) Y
Northern Goshawk Yes (y) Yes
Red-shouldered Hawk Yes (y) Yes Yes
Broad-winged Hawk Yes Y Yes Yes
Red-tailed Hawk Yes (y) Yes Yes
American Kestrel Yes (y) Yes Yes
Merlin Yes (y) (y) Yes
Peregrine Falcon Y
[Rock Pigeon] Yes (y) Yes Yes
Mourning Dove Yes (y) Yes Yes
Black-billed Cuckoo Yes (y) Yes Yes
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Yes Y
Eastern Screech-Owl (y) Y
Great Horned Owl Yes Yes Yes
Northern Hawk Owl (y)
Barred Owl Yes Yes Yes
Great Gray Owl Yes Y
Long-eared Owl Y
Short-eared Owl Y
Boreal Owl Yes Y
Northern Saw-whet Owl Yes Yes
Common Nighthawk (y) Yes Yes
Whip-poor-will Yes Yes Yes
Chimney Swift Yes (y) Yes Yes
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Yes (y) Yes Yes
Belted Kingfisher Yes (y) Yes Yes
Red-headed Woodpecker Yes Y
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Yes Y Yes Yes
Common Name
Downy Woodpecker Yes Y Yes Yes
Hairy Woodpecker Yes Y Yes Yes
American Three-toed Woodpecker Y
Black-backed Woodpecker Yes (y) Yes
Northern Flicker Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pileated Woodpecker Yes (y) Yes Yes
Olive-sided Flycatcher Yes (y) Yes Yes
Eastern Wood-Pewee Yes Y Yes Yes
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Yes (y) Yes Yes
Alder Flycatcher Yes Y Yes Yes
Willow Flycatcher Yes Yes Y
Least Flycatcher Yes Y Yes Yes
Eastern Phoebe Yes Y Yes Yes
Great Crested Flycatcher Yes Y Yes Yes
Eastern Kingbird Yes Y Yes Yes
Loggerhead Shrike Yes (y)
Yellow-throated Vireo Yes (y) Yes Y
Blue-headed Vireo Yes (y) Yes Yes
Warbling Vireo Yes (y) Yes Yes
Philadelphia Vireo Yes (y) (y) Yes
Red-eyed Vireo Yes Yes Yes Yes
Gray Jay Yes (y) Yes Yes
Blue Jay Yes Y Yes Yes
Black-billed Magpie (y) Y
American Crow Yes Yes Yes Yes
Common Raven Yes Y Yes Yes
Horned Lark Yes Y
Purple Martin (y) Yes Y
Tree Swallow Yes Yes Yes Yes
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Yes (y) Yes Y
Bank Swallow Yes (y) Yes Yes
Cliff Swallow Yes (y) Yes Yes
Barn Swallow Yes Y Yes Yes
Black-capped Chickadee Yes Y Yes Yes
Boreal Chickadee Yes (y) Y
Red-breasted Nuthatch Yes Y Yes Yes
White-breasted Nuthatch Yes (y) Yes Yes
Brown Creeper Yes (y) (y) Yes
House Wren Yes Y Yes Yes
Winter Wren Yes Y (y) Yes
Common Name
Sedge Wren Yes (y) Yes Y
Marsh Wren Yes (y) Y
Golden-crowned Kinglet Yes (y) (y) Yes
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Yes (y) Yes Yes
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Yes (y)
Eastern Bluebird Yes (y) Yes Yes
Veery Yes Y Yes Yes
Swainson's Thrush Yes Y Yes Yes
Hermit Thrush Yes Y Yes Yes
Wood Thrush Yes (y) Yes Yes
American Robin Yes Y Yes Yes
Gray Catbird Yes Y Yes Yes
Northern Mockingbird Yes Y
Brown Thrasher Yes (y) Yes Yes
[European Starling] Yes Y Yes Yes
Cedar Waxwing Yes Y Yes Yes
Blue-winged Warbler Yes Yes Y
Golden-winged Warbler Yes (y) Yes Y
Tennessee Warbler Yes (y) (y) Yes
Nashville Warbler Yes Yes (y) Yes
Northern Parula Yes (y) Yes Yes
Yellow Warbler Yes Y Yes Yes
Chestnut-sided Warbler Yes Yes Yes Yes
Magnolia Warbler Yes Y Yes Yes
Cape May Warbler Yes (y) (y) Yes
Black-throated Blue Warbler Yes (y) Yes Yes
Yellow-rumped Warbler Yes Y Yes Yes
Black-throated Green Warbler Yes Y (y) Yes
Blackburnian Warbler Yes (y) Yes Yes
Pine Warbler Yes (y) Yes Yes
Kirtland's Warbler
Prairie Warbler Yes Y
Palm Warbler Yes (y) (y) Y
Bay-breasted Warbler Yes (y) (y) Yes
Cerulean Warbler Yes Y
Black-and-white Warbler Yes Yes Yes Yes
American Redstart Yes Y Yes Yes
Ovenbird Yes Yes Yes Yes
Northern Waterthrush Yes Y Yes Yes
Louisiana Waterthrush Yes (y)
Common Name
Connecticut Warbler Yes (y) Yes Y
Mourning Warbler Yes Yes Yes Yes
Common Yellowthroat Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wilson's Warbler (y) (y) Y
Canada Warbler Yes Y Yes Yes
Scarlet Tanager Yes (y) Yes Yes
Eastern Towhee Yes (y) Yes Y
Chipping Sparrow Yes Yes Yes Yes
Clay-colored Sparrow Yes Y Yes Y
Field Sparrow Yes (y) Yes Y
Vesper Sparrow Yes (y) Yes Yes
Savannah Sparrow Yes Y Yes Yes
Grasshopper Sparrow Yes Y
Le Conte's Sparrow Yes (y) (y) Y
Song Sparrow Yes Y Yes Yes
Lincoln's Sparrow Yes (y) (y) Yes
Swamp Sparrow Yes Yes Yes Yes
White-throated Sparrow Yes Y Yes Yes
Dark-eyed Junco Yes Y Yes Yes
Northern Cardinal Yes Y
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Yes Y Yes Yes
Indigo Bunting Yes (y) Yes Yes
Bobolink Yes (y) Yes Yes
Red-winged Blackbird Yes Y Yes Yes
Eastern Meadowlark Yes (y) Yes Yes
Western Meadowlark (y) (y)
Yellow-headed Blackbird Yes (y)
Rusty Blackbird Yes (y) Y
Brewer's Blackbird Yes (y) Yes Y
Common Grackle Yes Y Yes Yes
Brown-headed Cowbird Yes Y Yes Yes
Baltimore Oriole Yes (y) Yes Yes
Pine Grosbeak (y) (y)
Purple Finch Yes Y Yes Yes
House Finch Yes Y
Red Crossbill Yes (y) (y) Y
White-winged Crossbill Yes (y) (y) Yes
Pine Siskin Yes (y) Yes Yes
American Goldfinch Yes Y Yes Yes
Evening Grosbeak Yes Y (y) Yes
[House Sparrow] (y) Yes Yes

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition

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Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan

BOREAL HARDWOOD TRANSITION

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) ii

The Planning Area

Most of the plan – Chapters 3 through 10 – is devoted to three topics:

Landbird Conservation Priorities

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) iv

Landbird Conservation Objectives

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) v

Priorités relatives à la conservation des oiseaux terrestres

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) vi

Objectifs relatifs à la conservation des oiseaux terrestres

2 Overview of the Boreal Hardwood Transition Region (BCR 12) in Ontario 5

3 The PIF Ontario Planning Approach 15

4 Landbird Conservation Priorities in ON BCR 12 22

5 Conservation of Deciduous Forest Landbirds 30

6 Conservation of Coniferous Forest Landbirds 42

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) ix

8 Conservation of Landbirds in Wetland and Riparian Habitats 56

9 Conservation of Landbirds in Non-forested Upland Habitats 63

10 Conservation of Aerial-foraging Insectivores 69

Appendix A: Ontario BCR 12 Landbird Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) 91

Appendix B: Avian Datasets and Data Analyses 93

Appendix C: Identifying Priority Species at a Regional Scale – the PIF Approach 95

Appendix D: Landbirds Occurring Regularly in Ontario BCR 12 during the

Appendix E: PIF Species Assessment Scores for Landbirds in ON BCR 12 105

Appendix F: Ontario BCR 12 Priority Species Accounts 113

Figure F1: Template for the Priority Species Accounts 115

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) x

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) xi

Appendix H: Evaluation of Current Monitoring Coverage for Landbirds in ON BCR

The conservation goals of this plan are twofold:

This is a biological plan, aimed chiefly at:

The plan is complementary to, and does not duplicate

To be successful, this plan should be used to guide

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) 1

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) 2

Source: Rich et al. 2004.

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) 3

1.5 PIF in Ontario

The current Ontario Partners in Flight planning

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) 4

Agassiz Clay Lake Temagami

Source: Ecoregion boundaries from Crins 2002.

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) 5

Bedrock exposures are common throughout much of

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) 6

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) 7

Most land cover analyses in this plan use the 1990s

The 1990s provincial-scale OLC database uses 28

types. In this plan, the land cover classes that occur in

associated with either deciduous forest or

Land cover information for the three subregions and

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) 8

Source: Ontario Land Cover satellite data, 1990s edition.

* Portion of the ecoregion within ON BCR 12 only.

Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (BCR 12) 9

Source: Ontario Land Cover database 1990s edition; Crins 2002.