Chapter 7 identifies priority species and steps population and habitat objectives down from continental goals and objectives defined in the National Landbird Conservation Plan. A total 21 focal landbirds were chosen to set regional habitat-based population objectives.  Key elements of the chapter include:

  • The most up-to-date information on landbirds in the Intermountain West including species prioritization, habitat prioritization and characterization for focused conservation
  • The HABPOPS Database, which is a Microsoft Access database that combines estimates of current habitat extent and condition with the best available data describing focal species occupancy rates and density to derive population estimates at the Bird Conservation Region/State scale
  • Step-down objectives by BCR/State polygons from the Partners in Flight Continental Plan for 21 focal landbirds
  • Population trends for focal landbird species reliant on sagebrush, grassland, pinyon juniper, coniferous forests, and riparian areas
  • Prioritization of BCR/State polygons (maps by species) within the IWJV based on Breeding Bird Survey data showing significant decline, stable or unknown trends, and significant increases
  • Habitat-based population objectives for sagebrush-obligate and grassland birds
  • Recommended approaches for conservation by BCR/state (BCRs 9,10,16) for the following sagebrush and grassland habitats, and the following species: Long-billed Curlew, Grasshopper Sparrow, Ferruginous Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Brewer’s Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Sage Thrasher, Gray Flycatcher, Greater Sage-grouse, Gunnison Sage-grouse

IWJV 2013 Implementation Plan Chapter 7 Landbirds