app d wildlife tables 1, 2 and 3...exp low scarceh,# mod scarce dense coniferous forest ermine...
TRANSCRIPT
APPENDIX D
WILDLIFE TABLES
TABLE 1
Wildlife Species Expected To Occur In Local (LSA) And Regional (RSA) Study Areas
Species Common & Scientific Names
Actual Occurrence 1
LSA Potential 2
LSA Abundance 3
RSA Potential 4
RSA Abundance 5 Habitat 6 and Notes
MAMMALS Cervidae elk
Cervus elaphus LSA, RSA High UCom High FCom mixedwood forests
mule deer Odocoileus hemionus LSA, RSA High Common High Common river valleys and mixedwood forests
white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus RSA High FCom High FCom deciduous forests with open areas, shelter belts and riparian
forests moose
Alces alces LSA, RSA High Common High Common mixedwood forests; frequently near lakes, bogs and streams; 1 specimen record for RSA (Smith 1993)
Ursidae black bear
Ursus americanus LSA, RSA High FCom High FCom coniferous and mixedwood forests; 1 specimen record for RSA (Smith 1993)
grizzly bear Ursus arctos Exp Mod Scarce# High UCom open areas, river valleys and brush lands
Canidae gray wolf
Canis lupus LSA, RSA High FCom High FCom wide variety of habitat types ranging from dense forests to open areas; 1 specimen record for RSA (Smith 1993)
coyote Canis latrans LSA, RSA High FCom High FCom occurs in most habitats
red fox Vulpes vulpes LSA High UCom High UCom wide variety of habitat types ranging from dense forests to open
areas; 1 specimen record for RSA (Smith 1993) Felidae Canada lynx
Lynx canadensis RSA High FCom High FCom coniferous and mixedwood forests; 1 specimen record for RSA (Smith 1993)
Mustelidae wolverine
Gulo gulo Exp Mod Scarce# High UCom dense forests; trapping records for RSA (Petersen 1997)
marten Martes americana RSA Mod UComH,# High UCom mature coniferous forest; 1 specimen record for RSA (Smith
1993) fisher
Martes pennanti Exp Low ScarceH,# Mod Scarce dense coniferous forest
ermine Mustela erminea RSA High FCom High FCom coniferous and mixedwood forests; 1 specimen record for RSA
(Smith 1993) least weasel
Mustela nivalis Exp High FCom High FCom coniferous and mixedwood forests
long-tailed weasel Mustela frenata Pot Low ScarceH Low Scarce grassland, parkland and open coniferous forest
mink Mustela vison Exp High ScarceH High UCom margins of lakes, sloughs, creeks, rivers and marshes
river otter Lutra canadensis Exp High UCom# High UCom rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds
TABLE 1 Cont’d
Species Common & Scientific
Names Actual
Occurrence 1 LSA
Potential 2 LSA
Abundance 3 RSA
Potential 4 RSA
Abundance 5 Habitat 6 and Notes
striped skunk Mephitis mephitis Exp High FCom High FCom variety of habitats including grasslands, uplands, shelter belts,
old buildings, rocky outcrops and riparian areas Vespertiliomidae little brown bat
Myotis lucifugus Exp High UComH High Common old buildings near both trees and water; 3 specimen records for RSA including 1 for LSA (Smith 1993)
northern long-eared bat Myotis septentrionalis Pot Mod UCom# High UCom
mixed and coniferous forests, possibly over-mature trees or old-growth forests (Caceres and Pybus 1997); 1 specimen record for RSA (Smith 1993)
silver-haired bat Lasionycteris noctivagans Pot Mod FCom Mod FCom woodlands, in woodpecker holes and behind loose bark
big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Exp Mod UComH High FCom primarily around buildings
hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus Exp Mod FCom High FCom coniferous and deciduous forests
Soricidae masked shrew
Sorex cinereus Exp Mod UCom High FCom wide variety of habitat types including damp meadows, uplands and deadfall in any wooded area; 2 specimen records for RSA (Smith 1993)
dusky shrew Sorex monticolus Exp Mod FCom High FCom wide variety of habitat types but most frequently found where
there is dense cover water shrew
Sorex palustris Exp Mod UCom High UCom Creeks, ponds and lakes with overhanging banks or branches
Arctic shrew Sorex arcticus Pot High FCom High FCom
wide variety of habitat types including damp meadows, aspen groves, larch bogs and deadfall; 1 specimen record for LSA (Smith 1993)
pygmy shrew Sorex hoyi Pot Low ScarceH Low Scarce dry upland coniferous and deciduous forests
Sciuridae red squirrel
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus LSA, RSA High Common High Common coniferous and mixedwood forests; 1 specimen record for RSA (Smith 1993)
least chipmunk Tamias minimus RSA High FCom High FCom
wide variety of habitat types including brush-lined forests, rocky outcrops, deadfall and brush piles; 3 specimen records for RSA (Smith 1993)
woodchuck Marmota monax Exp Mod UCom# High UCom river valleys, pastures and rock piles; 1 specimen record for
RSA (Smith 1993) northern flying squirrel
Glaucomys sabrinus Exp Mod FCom High FCom requires trees with suitable nest cavities in coniferous and mixedwood forests
Castoridae beaver
Castor canadensis LSA, RSA High FCom High Common any area with water near trees; 2 specimen records for RSA (Smith 1993)
Cricetidae muskrat
Ondatra zibethicus RSA Mod ScarceH High UCom sloughs, lakes, marshes and streams
deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus RSA High Common High Common occurs in most habitats; 7 specimen records for RSA (Smith
1993) southern red-backed vole
Clethrionomys gapperi Exp High Common High Common any forested habitat; 4 specimen records for RSA (Smith 1993)
TABLE 1 Cont’d
Species Common & Scientific
Names Actual
Occurrence 1 LSA
Potential 2 LSA
Abundance 3 RSA
Potential 4 RSA
Abundance 5 Habitat 6 and Notes
heather vole Phenacomys intermedius Pot Mod UComH Mod UCom shrubby areas along lakes
meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus RSA High FComH High Common open, grassy, moist meadows; 6 specimen records for RSA
including 1 for LSA (Smith 1993) northern bog lemming
Synaptomys borealis Exp Low ScarceH High UCom moist meadows and bogs; 1 specimen record for RSA (Smith 1993)
Zapodidae meadow jumping mouse
Zapus hudsonicus Exp Low UComH High FCom moist meadows especially areas along streams and bogs; 1 specimen record for RSA (Smith 1993)
Erethizontidae porcupine
Erethizon dorsatum Exp High FCom High FCom mixedwood forests and wooded riparian areas
Muridae bushy-tailed woodrat
Neotoma cinerea RSA High FCom High FCom rock slides, rock outcrops, caves and crevices; vacant buildings may also be used; 2 specimen records for RSA including 1 for LSA (Smith 1993)
Leporidae snowshoe hare
Lepus americanus RSA High FCom High FCom forested and shrubby areas
BIRDS
Waterfowl common loon
Gavia immer Pot Low UComN Mod UCom nests on large lakes; feeds anywhere fish are abundant
pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps Pot Low ScarceN Mod UCom ponds, lakes or sloughs with dense emergent vegetation
horned grebe Podiceps auritus Pot Low ScarceN Mod UCom ponds, sloughs and lakes with extensive marshy vegetation
red-necked grebe Podiceps grisegena RSA Low ScarceN High FCom small, shallow lakes or protected areas of larger lakes with
extensive emergent and submergent vegetation eared grebe
Podiceps nigricollis RSA Low ScarceN High UCom nests colonially on shallow lakes, potholes and sloughs with extensive emergent vegetation
western grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis RSA Low ScarceN High Scarce nests colonially on medium to large lakes with extensive
emergent vegetation protected from wind and waves greater white-fronted goose
Anser albifrons RSA Low UComN High FComN on migration large bodies of water with adjacent grassy or grain fields
snow goose Chen caerulescens RSA Low UComN High FComN on migration lakes, wet fields and grain fields
Ross’s goose Chen rossii Pot Low ScarceN Low ScarceN on migration shallow productive lakes
Canada goose Branta canadensis LSA, RSA High FCom High Common nests almost anywhere where there is water
trumpeter swan Cygnus buccinator RSA Low ScarceN High ScarceN small to medium sized shallow, isolated lakes with well
established emergent and submergent vegetation tundra swan
Cygnus columbianus RSA Low ScarceN High ScarceN on migration large lakes and stubble fields
TABLE 1 Cont’d
Species Common & Scientific
Names Actual
Occurrence 1 LSA
Potential 2 LSA
Abundance 3 RSA
Potential 4 RSA
Abundance 5 Habitat 6 and Notes
gadwall Anas strepera RSA Mod UComN Mod UCom marshes, sloughs and shallow lake margins, often alkaline;
grassy islands are preferred for nesting Eurasian wigeon
Anas penelope RSA Low ScarceN High ScarceN no documented nesting records for this species in North America but recorded regularly on migration
American wigeon Anas americana RSA High UComN High Common larger sloughs and ponds and marshy areas bordering large
lakes mallard
Anas platyrhynchos RSA High UCom High Common almost anywhere provided there is shallow water for feeding and tall dry vegetation for nesting
blue-winged teal Anas discors RSA Mod UComN High UCom along the shorelines of marshes, sloughs, ponds and weedy
edges of lakes and slow-moving water northern shoveler
Anas clypeata RSA Mod UComN High UCom marshy areas with shallow waterways, muddy lakes, sloughs and bogs with abundant aquatic vegetation
northern pintail Anas acuta RSA High UComN High Common open terrain with shallow ponds, marshes and reedy shallow
lakes with drier margins green-winged teal
Anas crecca RSA High UCom High FCom shallows of lakes, wooded ponds and streams; nests in upland areas with dense grass or brush
canvasback Aythya valisineria Pot Low UComN Mod UCom lakes and ponds with emergent vegetation preferring sedges,
bulrushes and cattails redhead
Aythya americana Pot Low UComN Mod UCom deeper lakes and ponds with fairly dense emergent vegetation for nesting
ring-necked duck Aythya collaris Pot Low UComN Mod UCom sloughs, marshes, swamps, beaver impoundments and bogs
lesser scaup Aythya affinis RSA Low UComN High UCom permanent water bodies with dense emergent vegetation along
margins harlequin duck
Histrionicus histrionicus RSA Low ScarceN High ScarceN usually found in shallow rushing water
surf scoter Melanitta perspicillata RSA Low ScarceN High Scarce lakes, ponds, bogs or streams with adjacent shrubby cover or
wooded areas white-winged scoter
Melanitta fusca RSA Low ScarceN High Scarce ponds, lakes, oxbows and sluggish streams with low dense ground cover for nesting
oldsquaw Clangula hyemalis RSA Low ScarceN High ScarceN no documented nesting records for this species in Alberta but
recorded regularly on migration bufflehead
Bucephala albeola RSA Mod UComN High UCom nests in tree cavity on small lake with vegetated margins, extensive open water and poplar dominated woodlands
common goldeneye Bucephala clangulaa RSA High UCom High FCom woodland lakes, shallows of rivers and adjacent stands of
deciduous trees for nesting; nests in tree cavity Barrow’s goldeneye
Bucephala islandica RSA Mod UCom High UCom alkaline lakes, beaver ponds and stream-side sloughs, with a dense growth of submerged vegetation; nests in tree cavity
hooded merganser Lophodytes cucullatus RSA Low ScarceN High UCom ponds, lakes and rivers with a margin of emergent vegetation
and woodland border; nests in tree cavity common merganser
Mergus merganser RSA High FCom High FCom lakes and rivers with clear water and wooded shores; usually nest in tree cavity, sometimes on ground
ruddy duck Oxyura jamaicensis Pot Low UComN Mod UCom permanent water bodies with emergent vegetation and stable
water levels
TABLE 1 Cont’d
Species Common & Scientific
Names Actual
Occurrence 1 LSA
Potential 2 LSA
Abundance 3 RSA
Potential 4 RSA
Abundance 5 Habitat 6 and Notes
Upland Game Birds gray partridge
Perdix perdix Pot Low ScarceH Low UCom open grassland and farm land with adjacent wooded areas; prefers border between scrub and cultivation
ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus Pot Low ScarceH Low UCom farmland or grassland with adjacent cover
ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus LSA, RSA High Common High Common aspen-dominated mixedwood forests with openings and a
heavy understory spruce grouse
Dendragapus canadensis RSA Mod ScarceH High UCom coniferous and mixedwood forests with bogs and openings, edges and old burns
sharp-tailed grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus RSA Mod UCom High UCom open prairie, shrubby sandhills, coulees and water courses; in
forested areas prefers open woodland Raptors
osprey Pandion haliaetus Pot High Scarce# High Scarce permanent lakes and rivers with good supply of fish and nesting
sites (isolated tree tops or artificial structures) bald eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus LSA, RSA High UCom# High UCom proximity to a lake or river with tall trees near shoreline and good fish populations
northern harrier Circus cyaneus RSA, Atlas High UComH High UCom open country including marshes, meadows and cultivated fields;
nests on ground sharp-shinned hawk
Accipiter striatus RSA High UCom High UCom thick deciduous and mixedwood forests
Cooper’s hawk Accipiter cooperii RSA Mod UCom# Mod UCom dense pure or mixed forests; nest is in dense cover, often near
water, but Scarcely in conifers northern goshawk
Accipiter gentilis RSA High UCom# High UCom variety of forested habitats, usually in dense mixedwood forests, but sometimes in areas with clearings
broad-winged hawk Buteo platypterus RSA Mod Scarce#,N High Scarce large stands of mature forest; nests in dense cover;
Swainson’s hawk Buteo swainsoni RSA High ScarceH,N High UCom open country with nearby nesting sites
red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis RSA, Atlas High UComH High FCom woodlands near open country
rough-legged hawk Buteo lagopus RSA High ScarceH,N High UComN on migration around open areas and fields
golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos RSA High FCom High FCom
rocky outcrops, grassland habitats with coulees, steep riverbanks and canyons; in forested areas requires areas with large openings and clearings; nests located on Ksituan River and Fourth Creek (Envirocon 1976)
American kestrel Falco sparverius LSA, RSA High Common High Common open to semi-open country, river valleys, cities, towns and
farms merlin
Falco columbarius RSA High FCom High FCom open to semi-open country, river valleys, cities, towns and farms; nest at mouth of Hamelin Creek (Envirocon 1976)
peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Pot Mod Scarce# High Scarce cliffs near water, open fields, swamps and marshes; in urban
areas tall buildings replace cliffs gyrfalcon
Falco rusticolus Pot Low ScarceH,N Low ScarceN in winter open terrain
great horned owl Bubo virginianus LSA, RSA High UCom# High UCom can be found almost any habitat provided there are trees or tall
shrubs for nesting
TABLE 1 Cont’d
Species Common & Scientific
Names Actual
Occurrence 1 LSA
Potential 2 LSA
Abundance 3 RSA
Potential 4 RSA
Abundance 5 Habitat 6 and Notes
snowy owl Nyctea scandiaca RSA Low ScarceH,N Low ScarceN in winter open fields and marshes
northern hawk owl Surnia ulula Pot Mod ScarceH,#,N Mod Scarce open coniferous or mixed woodlands, muskeg, edges of
clearings and old burns; nests in tree cavities barred owl
Strix varia RSA Low Scarce# High Scarce mature mixed woods with nearby open country for foraging, favours areas along lakeshores and stream valleys; nest cavity is in large deciduous tree
great gray owl Strix nebulosa Pot Mod UComH,N Mod UCom coniferous, deciduous and mixed woodland, usually near water
sources; forages in clearings and openings short-eared owl
Asio flammeus Pot Mod UComH Mod UCom open country including grassland, marshland, brushy meadows and clearings; nests on the ground
boreal owl Aegolius funereus Pot Mod UComN Mod UCom coniferous or mixedwood forests, generally avoiding unbroken
stands of pine; nests in tree cavity northern saw-whet owl
Aegolius acadicus Pot High UCom High UCom mature forests with a mixture of large trees generally not in drier deciduous sites; nests in tree cavity
Water and Shore Birds American white pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Pot Mod UComN Mod UComN nests on islands with extensive shallows near shore and good fish populations; feeds anywhere fish are abundant
double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Pot Mod ScarceN Mod ScarceN nests on islands on lakes with good fish populations; feeds
anywhere fish are abundant American bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus Pot Low ScarceH,N Low ScarceN marshes, swamps, wet meadows or wet alder-willow thickets with dense growth of emergent vegetation
great blue heron Ardea herodias RSA High UCom High UCom nests in trees often on islands and usually colonially; feeds
almost anywhere where there is open shallow water sandhill crane
Grus canadensis Pot Low ScarceN Mod ScarceN bogs adjacent to ponds and large marshes with some open water in secluded and undisturbed area
sora Porzana carolina Pot Low ScarceN Mod UCom wide variety of wetland habitats provided there is at least a
partial margin of extensive sedges, rushes or cattails American coot
Fulica americana Pot Low UComN Mod UCom almost any wetland habitat provided there is open water with a margin of sedges, rushes or cattails
black-bellied plover Pluvialis squatarola Pot Low ScarceN Low ScarceN on migration mudflats, beaches and sand bars
American golden-plover Pluvialis dominica Pot Low ScarceN Low ScarceN on migration grassland, cultivated fields, pastures and tilled
fields semipalmated plover
Charadrius semipalmatus Pot Low ScarceN Low ScarceN on migration mudflats, sandy beaches and open margins of water bodies
killdeer Charadrius vociferus RSA High FCom High FCom
almost any open area with little vegetative cover including open grassy uplands, woodland clearings, pastures, cultivated fields, roadsides and golf courses
greater yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Pot High UComN High UComN wooded muskeg, open bogs, marshes and small ponds
lesser yellowlegs Tringa flavipes RSA High UComN High UComN muskeg and grassy or marshy ponds and lakes
solitary sandpiper Tringa solitaria Pot High UComN High UComN open, wet woodlands near wetlands, ponds and lakes
TABLE 1 Cont’d
Species Common & Scientific
Names Actual
Occurrence 1 LSA
Potential 2 LSA
Abundance 3 RSA
Potential 4 RSA
Abundance 5 Habitat 6 and Notes
spotted sandpiper Actitis macularia RSA, Atlas High FCom High FCom open areas near water including ponds, lakes, rivers and
streams upland sandpiper
Bartramia longicauda Pot Low ScarceH,N Low ScarceN open grassy uplands, hay fields, pastures and wet meadows
sanderling Calidris alba Pot Mod UComN Mod UComN on migration sandy windswept shores of large lakes, rocky
shorelines and mudflats semipalmated sandpiper
Calidris pusilla Pot Low UComN Low UComN on migration near water including mudflats, sandy beaches and shorelines of lakes, ponds and marshes
western sandpiper Calidris mauri Pot Low Scarce#,N Low ScarceN on migration near water including mudflats, sandy beaches and
shorelines of lakes, ponds and marshes least sandpiper
Calidris minutilla Pot Low UComN Low UComN on migration muddy margins of mudflats, wet fields and beaches
Baird’s sandpiper Calidris bairdii Pot Mod UComN Mod UComN on migration beaches, mudflats of larger lakes and margins of
sloughs pectoral sandpiper
Calidris melanotos Pot Low UComN Low UComN on migration grassy marshes, wet fields, mudflats or ploughed fields
short-billed dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Pot Low ScarceN Low ScarceN on migration sloughs and ponds with muddy edges
long-billed dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Pot Low ScarceN Low ScarceN on migration shallow pools and mudflats of ponds and
impoundments common snipe
Gallinago gallinago Pot Mod UComH High UCom anywhere with soft mud and low cover including fens, bogs, margins of sloughs and moist meadows
Wilson’s phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Pot High ScarceH High Scarce sloughs and shallow lakes with wet meadows and grassy
marshes red-necked phalarope
Phalaropus lobatus Pot Low ScarceH,N Low ScarceN on migration sloughs and shallow lakes
Franklin’s gull Larus pipixcan RSA High UComH,N High UComN can be found foraging anywhere; nests colonially on large reedy
lakes and marshes Bonaparte’s gull
Larus philadelphia Atlas Low ScarceH,N Low ScarceN lakes, ponds and muskegs in coniferous woodlands; nests in conifers near water
ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis RSA, Atlas High CN High CN can be found foraging anywhere; nests colonially on shores and
islands California gull
Larus californicus RSA High FComN High FComN can be found foraging anywhere; nests colonially on treeless islands
herring gull Larus argentatus Pot Mod UComN Mod UComN can be found foraging anywhere; nests colonially on large
islands Caspian tern
Sterna caspia RSA Low ScarceH,#,N High ScarceN large lakes rich in small fish; nests on sandy or cobbly beach, usually on a small, isolated island
common tern Sterna hirundo Pot Low ScarceH,N Low ScarceN large bodies of open water, rivers, canals and creeks; nests on
islands, peninsulas and shorelines of lakes black tern
Chilidonias niger Pot Mod UComN Mod UComN shallow lakes, marshes, sloughs, ponds and wet meadows with extensive open shallows and moderate emergent vegetation
Passarine, Nonpasserine and Other Landbirds olive-sided flycatcher
Contopus borealis RSA Mod ScarceH,N High ScarceN semi-open coniferous and mixed forest near water, often with standing dead conifers
TABLE 1 Cont’d
Species Common & Scientific
Names Actual
Occurrence 1 LSA
Potential 2 LSA
Abundance 3 RSA
Potential 4 RSA
Abundance 5 Habitat 6 and Notes
western wood-pewee Contopus sordidulus RSA High UCom High UCom open mixed, deciduous or coniferous woodland, often near the
forest edge yellow-bellied flycatcher
Empidonax flaviventris RSA High UCom High UCom thickets bordering lakes and streams, bogs and edges of any coniferous or mixedwood forest
alder flycatcher Empidonax alnorum RSA High UComH High UCom wet alder and willow thickets near muskegs, bogs, marshes,
streams and lakes least flycatcher
Empidonax minimus RSA, Atlas High Common High Common open deciduous or mixedwood forests
“western” flycatcher Empidonax difficilis/occidentalis
RSA Mod ScarceH Mod UCom shady coniferous and deciduous woodlands along streams or ravines
eastern phoebe Sayornis phoebe RSA High UCom High UCom any open wooded area at the forest edge and usually near
streams and lakes eastern kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus RSA High UComH High FCom open country with scattered trees, forest edges, shrubby fields, pastures, beaver ponds and bogs
northern shrike Lanius excubitor Pot Mod Scarce#,N Mod ScarceN in winter open areas
blue-headed vireo Vireo solitarius RSA High FCom High FCom usually in pine dominated mixed woodland but can be found in
spruce-aspen communities warbling vireo
Vireo gilvus RSA High Common High Common mixedwood forests
Philadelphia vireo Vireo philadelphicus Pot High UCom# High UCom aspen stands and aspen forests
red-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus RSA High FCom High FCom aspen forests usually with some mature trees
gray jay Perisoreus canadensis RSA High FCom High FCom coniferous and mixedwood forests, usually near openings
blue jay Cyanocitta cristata LSA, RSA High FCom High FCom urban areas and mixedwood forests
black-billed magpie Pica pica RSA, Atlas High FCom High FCom found anywhere except solid coniferous forests; prefer open
areas to woodlands American crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos RSA, Atlas High FCom High FCom found anywhere, usually near clearings and forest edges
common raven Corvus corax RSA High FCom High FCom forested areas, normally boreal and montane forest
tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor Pot High UCom High UCom anywhere a nesting cavity or nest box is available and water is
nearby northern rough-winged swallow
Stelgidopteryx serripennis Pot Low ScarceH Mod UCom low stream banks in the parkland; open areas both wet and dry are needed around nest site for foraging
bank swallow Riparia riparia RSA Low ScarceH High Common require cutbank, gravel pit or sand pile for nest site and water
nearby for foraging; nest colonially barn swallow
Hirundo rustica Atlas High UCom High UCom nest usually located on or in a built structure; water bodies, gardens and livestock yards used for foraging
cliff swallow Hirundo pyrrhonota RSA High FCom High Common
bridges, cliffs, high ledges, culverts and steep banks used for nesting; nest colonially; nest colony located on Highway 2 bridge (Envirocon 1976)
TABLE 1 Cont’d
Species Common & Scientific
Names Actual
Occurrence 1 LSA
Potential 2 LSA
Abundance 3 RSA
Potential 4 RSA
Abundance 5 Habitat 6 and Notes
black-capped chickadee Parus atricapillus RSA, Atlas High FCom High FCom usually in mixed woodlands but also found in conifers, fields,
thickets and urban areas boreal chickadee
Parus hudsonicus RSA High ScarceH High UCom coniferous and mixedwood forests; generally found in conifers
red-breasted nuthatch Sitta canadensis RSA High UComH High FCom coniferous and mixedwood forests and urban areas
white-breasted nuthatch Sitta carolinensis Pot Low UCom Mod UCom mature deciduous or mixedwood forests and urban areas
brown creeper Certhia americana RSA Mod UComH High UCom mature mixedwood forests but generally occurs in the
coniferous portions of these forests house wren
Troglodytes aedon RSA, Atlas High FCom High FCom thickets, coulees, suburban yards and river valleys; prefer shrubs over mature trees
winter wren Troglodytes troglodytes Pot High ScarceH,# High UCom dense brush in mature coniferous and mixedwood forests,
generally near standing or rushing water marsh wren
Cistothorus palustris Pot Low ScarceH,N Low ScarceN cattail and bulrush dominated sloughs
golden-crowned kinglet Regulus satrapa RSA Mod UCom High UCom coniferous and mixedwood forests; generally found in conifers
ruby-crowned kinglet Regulus calendula RSA High FCom High FCom mixedwood forests with a high percentage of conifers
mountain bluebird Sialia currucoides Pot Mod ScarceH Mod UCom open country, coulees and river valleys; nest in tree cavity or
nest box veery
Catharus fuscescens Pot High UCom High UCom mature poplar dominated woodlands, usually near water
Swainson’s thrush Catharus ustulatus RSA High UComH High UCom aspen dominated forests, usually near standing water
hermit thrush Catharus guttatus RSA High FCom High FCom aspen dominated and mixedwood forests; generally in forest
interior but can be found along forest edges American robin
Turdus migratorius RSA, Atlas High Common High Common breeds in virtually any habitat provided there are trees or tall shrubs for nesting
varied thrush Ixoreus naevius Pot Mod UCom Mod UCom mature dark, damp coniferous stands, often near a stream or
river European starling
Sturnus vulgaris RSA High FCom High FCom urban parks, suburbs, mature cottonwood, aspen and poplar groves, usually with standing dead trees
bohemian waxwing Bombycilla garrulus RSA High UCom High UCom mixedwood or coniferous forests, usually near water
cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum RSA High Common High Common open deciduous woodlands, forest edges near water and urban
parks Tennessee warbler
Vermivora peregrina RSA High Common High Common deciduous woods, secondary growth, wet willows and burns
orange-crowned warbler Vermivora celata RSA, Atlas High UComH High FCom secondary growth, tangled willow or alder thickets, burns and
beaver ponds yellow warbler
Dendroica petechia RSA, Atlas High Common High Common virtually any shrubby habitat, but generally wetter sites
magnolia warbler Dendroica magnolia RSA High FCom High FCom edges of aspen dominated mixedwood forests, generally near
standing water
TABLE 1 Cont’d
Species Common & Scientific
Names Actual
Occurrence 1 LSA
Potential 2 LSA
Abundance 3 RSA
Potential 4 RSA
Abundance 5 Habitat 6 and Notes
yellow-rumped warbler Dendroica coronata RSA, Atlas High FCom High FCom coniferous and mixedwood forests and black spruce bogs;
tolerant of pine-dominated forests black-throated green warbler
Dendroica virens RSA High Common High Common generally, mature coniferous or mixedwood forest with large stands of white spruce; however also been found in riparian balsam/aspen poplar with a few scattered tall white spruce
bay-breasted warbler Dendroica castanea RSA Mod Scarce# Mod Scarce mature mixedwood forests containing spruce, fir and balsam
poplar, generally near water blackpoll warbler
Dendroica striata RSA, Atlas High UCom High UCom variety of habitats including mature coniferous forests, burns, pond margins and river edges
black-and-white warbler Mniotilta varia RSA High UCom High FCom secondary deciduous growth 3-6 metres high, usually near
water American redstart
Setophaga ruticilla RSA High UCom High FCom deciduous or mixedwood forests with areas of dense undergrowth, generally with standing water
ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus RSA High FCom High FCom dense aspen woodlands with sparse understory but thick leaf
litter; nests on ground northern waterthrush
Seiurus noveboracensis Pot Mod ScarceH High UCom riparian shrubs and forests, flooded forests around ponds, and woodland streams
Connecticut warbler Oporornis agilis RSA High UCom High UCom mature open aspen woodlands with tall undergrowth
mourning warbler Oporornis philadelphia RSA High FCom High FCom open aspen woodlands with a thick shrub layer, generally near
forest borders and edges common yellowthroat
Geothlypis trichas RSA High FCom High FCom alder and willow shrubs along sloughs, marshes, bogs and beaver ponds
Wilson’s warbler Wilsonia pusilla RSA High UComH High FCom willow and alder thickets near water
Canada warbler Wilsonia canadensis RSA Mod UCom High FCom mature forests with heavy undergrowth, sometimes along
streams, near forest borders and edges western tanager
Piranga ludoviciana RSA High UCom# High UCom open coniferous and mixedwood forests
American tree sparrow Spizella arborea RSA High FComN High FComN on migration fields, backyards, parks and slough edges,
generally in shrubs chipping sparrow
Spizella passerina RSA, Atlas High Common High Common virtually any habitat provided there are some trees
clay-colored sparrow Spizella pallida RSA, Atlas High FCom High Common virtually any habitat provided there are some shrubs
vesper sparrow Pooecetes gramineus RSA High UComH High FCom open and semi open habitats including rangeland, pasture,
weedy fields, meadows and recent burns savannah sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis Atlas High UComH High FCom any grassy or weedy habitat, generally avoiding the wetter areas
Le Conte’s sparrow Ammodramus leconteii RSA High UCom High FCom wet grasslands, slough and bog edges and roadside ditches
fox sparrow Passerella iliaca RSA High UCom High UCom brushy forest edges and clearings, burns and cutblocks
song sparrow Melospiza melodia RSA, Atlas High Common High Common shrubby growth along the edges of rivers, streams, ponds and
lakes Lincoln’s sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii RSA High FCom High FCom wet and brushy habitats including bogs, wet meadows and willow and alder thickets
TABLE 1 Cont’d
Species Common & Scientific
Names Actual
Occurrence 1 LSA
Potential 2 LSA
Abundance 3 RSA
Potential 4 RSA
Abundance 5 Habitat 6 and Notes
swamp sparrow Melospiza georgiana Pot High ScarceH High UCom sedges and cattails along sloughs, ponds and rivers
white-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis RSA High FCom High FCom edges, burns and brushy margins along cut lines in aspen,
coniferous or mixedwood forests white-crowned sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys Pot High UComH High UCom shrubby alpine areas, burns and bushes along water courses
dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis RSA, Atlas High FCom High FCom variety of habitats including mixedwood forests, burns, cut lines,
forest edges, city parks and suburbs rose-breasted grosbeak
Pheucticus ludovicianus RSA High UCom High FCom mature aspen or mixedwood forests, usually near forest borders and edges
red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus RSA High UComH High FCom reeds, cattails and bulrushes along sloughs, ponds and lakes
western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta RSA, Atlas High UComH High UCom arid rangeland, coulees, river valleys, pastures and road
allowances yellow-headed blackbird
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
Pot Low ScarceH,N Low ScarceN extensive patches of cattail along sloughs, marshes and lake edges
rusty blackbird Euphagus carolinus Pot Mod ScarceH,N Mod ScarceN bogs, beaver ponds and lake edges in mixedwood forests
Brewer’s blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus RSA High UComH High FCom pastures, ranchyards, prairies, aspen groves, burns, thickets
and marshes common grackle
Quiscalus quiscula Pot High UCom High UCom wet habitats, parks, golf courses, marshes and ditches
brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater RSA High Common High Common almost anywhere; nest parasite
Baltimore oriole Icterus galbula RSA, Atlas High FCom High FCom edges of open poplar and cottonwood forests and groves
gray-crowned rosy-finch Leucosticte tephrocotis Pot Mod ScarceN Mod UComN in winter open and semi open habitat
pine grosbeak Pinicola enucleator Pot High UComN High UComN in winter can be found almost anywhere there are trees
purple finch Carpodacus purpureus RSA High UCom High UCom mixedwood and open coniferous forests
red crossbill Loxia curvirostra Pot High UCom High UCom mature coniferous woods, particularly pine and mixed forests
white-winged crossbill Loxia leucoptera Pot High FCom High FCom spruce or fir dominated coniferous and mixedwood forests
common redpoll Carduelis flammea Pot High FComN High FComN in winter any shrubby vegetation, backyards, weedy pastures
and woodlands hoary redpoll
Carduelis hornemanni Pot Mod Scarce#,N Mod ScarceN in winter any shrubby vegetation, backyards, weedy pastures and woodlands
pine siskin Carduelis pinus RSA High Common High Common mixed coniferous and deciduous woods and urban parks and
backyards American goldfinch
Carduelis tristis Atlas High UComH High UCom secondary growth in weedy fields, cut lines, road allowances, along lake margins and burns
evening grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus Pot High FCom High FCom deciduous, mixed and coniferous forests
TABLE 1 Cont’d
Species Common & Scientific
Names Actual
Occurrence 1 LSA
Potential 2 LSA
Abundance 3 RSA
Potential 4 RSA
Abundance 5 Habitat 6 and Notes
house sparrow Passer domesticus Pot High UComH High FCom backyards, parks, suburban fields, most urban areas and
cultivated fields rock dove
Columba livia RSA High UComH High UCom open and semi-open areas, usually near human habitation
mourning dove Zenaida macroura Pot Mod UCom Mod UCom variety of habitats provided there are open areas for foraging
and wooded areas for nesting common nighthawk
Chordeiles minor RSA High UCom High UCom can be found in almost any habitat that has open areas
ruby-throated hummingbird Archilochus colubris Pot Mod UCom Mod UCom woodland clearings, edges and gardens
rufous hummingbird Selasphorus rufus Pot High UCom High UCom mountain meadows, valley bottoms, forest edges, montane
shrub meadows and flower gardens belted kingfisher
Ceryle alcyon RSA High UCom# High UCom lakes, ponds, rivers and streams with clear, shallow water and good populations of small fish
yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius RSA, Atlas High FCom High FCom deciduous or mixed woodlands, especially where birches and
poplars are prevalent downy woodpecker
Picoides pubescens RSA High FCom High FCom deciduous and mixedwood forests
hairy woodpecker Picoides villosus LSA, RSA High FCom High FCom deciduous and mixedwood forests, often near openings
three-toed woodpecker Picoides tridactylus Pot High UComH High UCom mature coniferous forest with open areas and stands of dead
trees near burns and clearcuts black-backed woodpecker
Picoides arcticus Pot Mod ScarceH,# Mod Scarce dense coniferous or mixedwood forests usually with extensive stands of dead or burnt trees
northern flicker Colaptes auratus
LSA, RSA, Atlas High FCom High FCom moderately open forests of any type, cities, towns and farms
pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus RSA High Scarce# High Scarce mature dense-canopied forests, particularly mixed and
deciduous woods with large dead or dying trees AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
long-toed salamander Ambystoma macrodatylum Pot Low Scarce High UCom under rocks, rotting logs or debris near ponds, lakes or streams;
found upstream and downstream of study area (Walsh 1998). western toad
Bufo boreas LSA High FCom High FCom largely a terrestrial species but is typically found near ponds, streams, rivers and lakes
striped chorus frog Pseudacris triseriata RSA Mod UComH High Common found in almost any body of water
wood frog Rana sylvatica LSA High FCom High FCom occurs in wooded areas or associated with open ponds; forages
widely and is often found far from water western painted turtle
Chrysemys picta Int Low Scarce Low Scarce ponds, lakes and streams with quiet waters, muddy or sandy bottoms; Hines Creek turtles are likely introduced (Russell and Bauer 1993).
wandering garter snake Thamnophis elegans LSA High FCom High FCom
generally occurs near streams, lakes, ponds, marshes or ditches; hibernacula are common along river (Sweetgrass 1997).
red-sided garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis RSA High FCom High FCom
wide variety of habitats including dugouts, ditches, ponds, marshes, streams, wooded areas, farms and towns; hibernacula are common along river (Sweetgrass 1997).
TABLE 1 Cont’d
1. Actual Occurrence: LSA presence recorded in local study area during field reconnaissance (August 23 & 24, 1999)
RSA presence recorded in regional study area during previous surveys (Envirocon 1976, Rintoul 1979 and 1985, D.A. Westworth & Associates Ltd. 1993, Bernard and Kemper 1976) Exp expected in regional study area according to Envirocon Ltd. study (1976) Pot may occur in local study area based on habitat and range maps (Russell and Bauer 1993, Smith 1993, McGillivray and Semenchuk 1998) Intr if present in area, population is likely introduced via unauthorized introductions
Atlas presence recorded in atlas block (Semenchuk (Ed.) 1992) 2. LSA Potential: Potential to occur within the local study area (Low=low, Mod=moderate, High=high) 3. LSA Abundance: Estimated relative abundance within the local study area (Scarce=Scarce, UCom=uncommon, FCom=fairly common, Common=common)
Superscripts indicate the following qualifiers for local study area (H=suitable habitat Scarce, #=naturally occurs in small numbers, N=occurs primarily as a non-breeder) 4. RSA Potential: Potential to occur within the regional study area (Low=low, Mod=moderate, High=high) 5. RSA Abundance: Estimated relative abundance within the regional study area (Scarce=Scarce, UCom=uncommon, FCom=fairly common, Common=common)
Superscripts indicate the following qualifiers for regional study area (N=occurs primarily as a non-breeder) 6. Habitat data source: mammals (Smith 1993), birds (McGillivray and Semenchuk 1998), amphibians and reptiles (Russell and Bauer 1993), unless other wise noted. Other Abbreviations: Sources of Information: LSA local study area RSA regional study area
Alberta Environment, Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) and Federation of Alberta Field Naturalists (FAN) 1999
Caceres and Pybus 1997 D.A. Westworth & Associates Ltd. 1993
Envirocon Ltd. 1976 Federation of Alberta Naturalists (FAN) 1999 McGillivray and Semenchuk (Eds.) 1998 Petersen 1997 Rintoul 1979 and 1985
Russell and Bauer 1993 Semenchuk (Ed.) 1992 Smith 1993 Sweetgrass Consultants Ltd. 1997 Takats pers. comm. Walsh 1997 and 1998
TABLE 2
Wildlife Species With Special Conservation Status Expected To Occur In Local (LSA) And Regional (RSA) Study Areas
Species Common and
Scientific Names Habitat1 and Notes COSEWIC Status2
Alberta Rank3
Alberta Status4
Actual Occurrence5
LSA Potential6
LSA Abundance7
RSA Potential8
RSA Abundance9
MAMMALS Ursidae grizzly bear
Ursus arctos open areas, river valleys and brush lands Vulnerable S3 Blue Exp Mod Scarce# High UCom
Felidae Canada lynx
Lynx canadensis coniferous and mixedwood forests; 1 specimen record for RSA (Smith 1993)
Not at Risk S4 Yellow B RSA High FCom High FCom
Mustelidae wolverine
Gulo gulo dense forests; trapping records for RSA (Petersen 1997) Vulnerable S3 Blue Exp Mod Scarce# High UCom
fisher Martes pennanti Not Listed S4 Yellow B Exp Low ScarceH,# Mod Scarce
long-tailed weasel Mustela frenata
grassland, parkland and open coniferous forest Not at Risk S5 Yellow A Pot Low ScarceH Low Scarce
river otter Lutra canadensis rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds Not Listed S3 Green Exp High UCom# High UCom
Vespertiliomidae northern long-eared bat
Myotis septentrionalis mixed and coniferous forests, possibly over-mature trees or old-growth forests (Caceres and Pybus 1997); 1 specimen record for RSA (Smith 1993)
Not Listed S2S3 Blue Pot Mod UCom# High UCom
silver-haired bat Lasionycteris noctivagans
woodlands, in woodpecker holes and behind loose bark Not Listed S3B Green Pot Mod FCom Mod FCom
hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus coniferous and deciduous forests Not Listed S2B Undet. Pot Mod FCom High FCom
Sciuridae northern flying squirrel
Glaucomys sabrinus requires trees with suitable nest cavities in coniferous and mixedwood forests
Not Listed S4 Yellow B Exp Mod FCom High FCom
BIRDS Waterfowl pied-billed grebe
Podilymbus podiceps ponds, lakes or sloughs with dense emergent vegetation Not Listed S4B, SAN Yellow A Pot Low ScarceN Mod UCom
horned grebe Podiceps auritus
ponds, sloughs and lakes with extensive marshy vegetation Not Listed S4B, S1N Yellow A Pot Low ScarceN Mod UCom
red-necked grebe Podiceps grisegena
small, shallow lakes or protected areas of larger lakes with extensive emergent and submergent vegetation
Not at Risk S4B, SAN Yellow A RSA Low ScarceN High FCom
TABLE 2 Cont’d
Species Common and
Scientific Names Habitat1 and Notes COSEWIC Status2
Alberta Rank3
Alberta Status4
Actual Occurrence5
LSA Potential6
LSA Abundance7
RSA Potential8
RSA Abundance9
western grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis
nests colonially on medium to large lakes with extensive emergent vegetation protected from wind and waves
Not Listed S3B Yellow B RSA Low ScarceN High Scarce
trumpeter swan Cygnus buccinator
small to medium sized shallow, isolated lakes with well established emergent and submergent vegetation
Not at Risk S3B, S1N Blue RSA Low ScarceN High ScarceN
harlequin duck Histrionicus histrionicus
usually found in shallow rushing water Not Listed S2S3B,
S1N Yellow A RSA Low ScarceN High ScarceN
surf scoter Melanitta perspicillata
lakes, ponds, bogs or streams with adjacent shrubby cover or wooded areas
Not Listed S1B Green RSA Low ScarceN High Scarce
hooded merganser Lophodytes cucullatus
ponds, lakes and rivers with a margin of emergent vegetation and woodland border; nests in tree cavity
Not Listed S1B, S1N Green RSA Low ScarceN High UCom
Upland Game Birds ring-necked pheasant
Phasianus colchicus farmland or grassland with adjacent cover Not Listed SE Yellow B Pot Low ScarceH Low UCom
sharp-tailed grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus
open prairie, shrubby sandhills, coulees and water courses; in forested areas prefers open woodland
Not Listed S4 Yellow A RSA Mod UCom High UCom
Raptors osprey
Pandion haliaetus permanent lakes and rivers with good supply of fish and nesting sites (isolated tree tops or artificial structures)
Not Listed S4B Yellow B Pot HIGH Scarce# High Scarce
bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
proximity to a lake or river with tall trees near shoreline and good fish populations
Not at Risk S3B, S2S3N Yellow B LSA, RSA High UCom# High UCom
northern harrier Circus cyaneus
open country including marshes, meadows and cultivated fields; nests on ground
Not at Risk S5B, S1N Yellow A RSA, Atlas HIGH UComh High UCom
Cooper’s hawk Accipiter cooperii
dense pure or mixed forests; nest is in dense cover, often near water, but Scarcely in conifers
Not at Risk S4B, S1N Yellow B RSA HIGH UCom# High UCom
northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis
variety of forested habitats, usually in dense mixedwood forests, but sometimes in areas with clearings
Not at Risk S4B, S2S3N Yellow B RSA High UCom# High UCom
broad-winged hawk Buteo platypterus
large stands of mature forest; nests in dense cover; Not Listed S3B Yellow B RSA Mod Scarce#,N Mod Scarce
Swainson’s hawk Buteo swainsoni
open country with nearby nesting sites Not Listed S4B Yellow A RSA High Scarceh,N High UCom
TABLE 2 Cont’d
Species Common and
Scientific Names Habitat1 and Notes COSEWIC Status2
Alberta Rank3
Alberta Status4
Actual Occurrence5
LSA Potential6
LSA Abundance7
RSA Potential8
RSA Abundance9
golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos
rocky outcrops, grassland habitats with coulees, steep riverbanks and canyons; in forested areas requires areas with large openings and clearings; nests located on Ksituan River and Fourth Creek (Envirocon 1976)
Not at Risk S3B, S2N Yellow B RSA High FCom High FCom
peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus
cliffs near water, open fields, swamps and marshes; often found in urban areas where tall buildings replace cliffs
Threatened S3B, SAN Red Pot Mod Scarce# Mod Scarce
northern hawk owl Surnia ulula
open coniferous or mixed woodlands, muskeg, brushy edges of clearings and old burns; nests in tree cavities
Not at Risk S3 Green Pot Mod Scarceh,#,N Mod Scarce
barred owl Strix varia
mature mixed woods with nearby open country for foraging, favours areas along lakeshores and stream valleys; nest cavity is in large deciduous tree
S2S3 Yellow B RSA Low Scarce# High Scarce
great gray owl Strix nebulosa
coniferous, deciduous and mixed woodland, usually near water sources; forages in clearings and openings
Not at Risk S4 Yellow B Pot Mod UComH,N Mod UCom
short-eared owl Asio flammeus
open country including grassland, marshland, farmland, brushy meadows and clearings; nests on the ground
Vulnerable S3B, S2N Blue Pot Mod UComh Mod UCom
boreal owl Aegolius funereus
coniferous or mixedwood forests, generally avoiding unbroken stands of pine; nests in tree cavity
Not at Risk S4 Yellow B Pot Mod UComn Mod UCom
Shore Or Water Dependant Birds American white pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
nests on islands with extensive shallows near shore and good fish populations; feeds anywhere fish are abundant
Not at Risk S2B Yellow B Pot Mod UComN Mod UComN
double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus
nests on islands on lakes with good fish populations; feeds anywhere fish are abundant
Not at Risk S3B, SAN Yellow B Pot Low Scarcen Low Scarcen
American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
marshes, swamps, wet meadows or wet alder-willow thickets with dense growth of emergent vegetation
Not Listed S3S4B Yellow A Pot Low Scarceh,N Mod Scarce
great blue heron Ardea herodias
nests in trees often on islands and usually colonially; feeds almost anywhere where there is open shallow water
Not Listed S3B, S1N Yellow B RSA High UCom High UCom
TABLE 2 Cont’d
Species Common and
Scientific Names Habitat1 and Notes COSEWIC Status2
Alberta Rank3
Alberta Status4
Actual Occurrence5
LSA Potential6
LSA Abundance7
RSA Potential8
RSA Abundance9
sandhill crane Grus canadensis
bogs adjacent to ponds and large marshes with some open water in secluded and undisturbed area
Not Listed S4B Yellow B Pot Low Scarcen Mod Scarcen
lesser yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
muskeg and grassy or marshy ponds and lakes Not Listed S5B Yellow A RSA High UComN High UComN
upland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda
open grassy uplands, hay fields, pastures and wet meadows Not Listed S3B Yellow A Pot Low ScarceH,N Low ScarceN
Bonaparte’s gull Larus philadelphia
lakes, ponds and muskegs in coniferous woodlands; nests in conifers near water
Not Listed S3B Green Atlas Low Scarceh,N Low Scarcen
ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis
can be found foraging anywhere; nests colonially on shores and islands
Not Listed S3B, SAN Green RSA, Atlas High CommonN High CommonN
California gull Larus californicus
can be found foraging anywhere; nests colonially on treeless islands Not Listed S3B Green RSA High FComn High FComn
herring gull Larus argentatus
can be found foraging anywhere; nests colonially on large islands Not Listed S3B Yellow B Pot Mod UComn Mod UComn
Caspian tern Sterna caspia
large lakes rich in small fish; nests on sandy or cobbly beach, usually on a small, isolated island
Not at Risk S2B Yellow B RSA Low ScarceH,#,N High ScarceN
Passerines & Other Landbirds yellow-bellied flycatcher
Empidonax flaviventris thickets bordering lakes and streams, bogs and edges of any coniferous or mixedwood forest
Not Listed S3B Undet. RSA High UCom High UCom
“western” flycatcher Empidonax difficilis/occidentalis
shady coniferous and deciduous woodlands along streams or ravines
Not Listed SUB Yellow B RSA Mod ScarceH Mod UCom
northern rough-winged swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
low stream banks in the parkland; open areas both wet and dry are needed around nest site for foraging
Not Listed S3S4B Green Pot Low ScarceH Mod UCom
winter wren Troglodytes troglodytes
dense brush in mature coniferous and mixedwood forests, generally near standing or rushing water
Not Listed S4B, S1N Yellow B Pot High ScarceH,# High UCom
black-throated green warbler Dendroica virens
mature coniferous or mixedwood forest with large stands of white spruce; also found in riparian balsam/aspen poplar with a few scattered tall white spruce
Not Listed NOT RANKED Blue RSA High Common High Common
bay-breasted warbler Dendroica castanea
mature mixedwood forests containing spruce, fir and balsam poplar, generally near water
Not Listed S2S3B Blue RSA Mod Scarce# Mod Scarce
black-and-white warbler Mniotilta varia
secondary deciduous growth 3-6 metres high, usually near water Not Listed S5B Yellow B RSA High UCom High FCom
mourning warbler Oporornis philadelphia
open aspen woodlands with a thick shrub layer, generally near forest borders and edges
Not Listed S5B Yellow B RSA High FCom High FCom
TABLE 2 Cont’d
Species Common and
Scientific Names Habitat1 and Notes COSEWIC Status2
Alberta Rank3
Alberta Status4
Actual Occurrence5
LSA Potential6
LSA Abundance7
RSA Potential8
RSA Abundance9
Canada warbler Wilsonia canadensis
mature forests with heavy undergrowth, sometimes along streams, near forest borders and edges
Not Listed S4B Yellow B RSA Mod UCom High FCom
western tanager Piranga ludoviciana
open coniferous and mixedwood forests Not Listed S4B Yellow B RSA High UCom# High UCom
clay-colored sparrow Spizella pallida
virtually any habitat provided there are some shrubs Not Listed S5B Yellow A RSA, Atlas High FCom High Common
western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta
arid rangeland, coulees, river valleys, pastures and road allowances
Not Listed S5B, S1N Yellow A RSA, Atlas High UComH High UCom
evening grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus
deciduous, mixed and coniferous forests Not Listed S3B, S4N Green Pot High FCom High FCom
black-backed woodpecker Picoides arcticus
dense coniferous or mixedwood forests usually with extensive stands of dead or burnt trees
Not Listed S2S3 Yellow B Pot Mod ScarceH,# Mod Scarce
pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus
mature dense-canopied forests, particularly mixed and deciduous woods with large dead or dying trees
Not Listed S4 Yellow B RSA High Scarce# High Scarce
Amphibians & Reptiles long-toed salamander
Ambystoma macrodatylum under rocks, rotting logs or debris near ponds, lakes or streams; found upstream and downstream of study area (Walsh 1998).
Not Listed S3 Yellow B Pot Low Scarce High UCom
western painted turtle Chrysemys picta
ponds, lakes and streams with quiet waters, muddy or sandy bottoms; Hines Creek turtles are likely introduced (Russell and Bauer 1993).
Not Listed S1 Yellow B Intr Low Scarce Low Scarce
wandering garter snake Thamnophis elegans
generally occurs near streams, lakes, ponds, marshes or ditches; hibernacula are common along river (Sweetgrass 1997).
Not Listed S3S4 Yellow A LSA High FCom High FCom
red-sided garter snake Thanmophis sirtalis
wide variety of habitats including dugouts, ditches, ponds, marshes, streams, wooded areas, farms and towns; hibernacula are common along river (Sweetgrass 1997).
Not Listed S3 Yellow A Pot High FCom High FCom
TABLE 2 Cont’d
1. Habitat data source: mammals (Smith 1993), birds (McGillivray and Semenchuk 1998), amphibians and reptiles (Russell and Bauer 1993), unless other wise noted. 2. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) 2000: Threatened species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed Vulnerable species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events
Not at Risk species evaluated and found to be not at risk Not Listed not listed
3. Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre 1999: S1 usually less than 5 occurrences S2 usually 6-20 occurrences S3 usually 21-100 occurrences S4 usually more than 100 occurrences and apparently secure under present conditions S5 >100 occurrences and demonstrably secure under present conditions NR Not Ranked
B rank applies to breeding population N rank applies to non-breeding population E exotic species established A accidental or casual in the province, includes species recorded very infrequently,
commonly far outside their usual range U status uncertain often because of low search effort or cryptic nature of the element
4. Alberta Environmental Protection 1996: Red Species in serious trouble, populations are non-viable or at immediate risk of declining to nonviable levels. Species have or will be considered for designation as Endangered Species. Blue Species at risk, vulnerable to noncyclical declines in population and habitat or to reductions in provincial distribution. Yellow A Species are not currently believed to be at risk, but concern has been expressed over long-term declines in their numbers. Yellow B Species are: 1) naturally Scarce but not in decline; 2) naturally Scarce and have clumped breeding distributions; or 3) associated with habitats or habitat elements that are, or may be,
deteriorating. Green Species not considered at risk. Undet. Undetermined status. 5. Actual Occurrence: LSA presence recorded in local study area during field reconnaissance (August 23 & 24, 1999) RSA presence recorded in regional study area during previous surveys (Envirocon 1976, Rintoul 1979, 1985, D.A. Westworth & Associates Ltd. 1993, Bernard and Kemper 1976) Exp expected in regional study area according to Envirocon Ltd. study (Envirocon 1976) Pot may occur in local study area based on habitat and range map (Russell and Bauer 1993, Smith 1993, McGillivray & Semenchuk 1998) Intr if present in area, population is likely introduced via unauthorized introductions Atlas presence recorded in atlas block (Semenchuk (Ed.) 1992) 6. LSA Potential:
Potential to occur within the local study area (Low=low, Mod=moderate, High=high) 7. LSA Abundance:
Estimated relative abundance within the local study area (Scarce=Scarce, UCom=uncommon, FCom=fairly common, Common=common) Superscripts indicate the following qualifiers for local study area (H=suitable habitat Scarce, #=naturally occurs in small numbers, N=occurs primarily as a non-breeder)
8. RSA Potential: Potential to occur within the regional study area (Low=low, Mod=moderate, High=high)
9. RSA Abundance: Estimated relative abundance within the regional study area (Scarce=Scarce, UCom=uncommon, FCom=fairly common, Common=common) Superscripts indicate the following qualifiers for regional study area (N=occurs primarily as a non-breeder)
Sources of Information: Alberta Environment, Alberta Conservation Association (ACA)
and Federation of Alberta Field Naturalists (FAN) 1999 Caceres and Pybus 1997 D.A. Westworth & Associates Ltd. 1993
Envirocon Ltd. 1976 Federation of Alberta Naturalists (FAN) 1999 McGillivray and Semenchuk (Eds.) 1998 Petersen 1997 Rintoul 1979 and 1985
Russell and Bauer 1993 Semenchuk (Ed.) 1992 Smith 1993 Sweetgrass Consultants Ltd. 1997 Takats pers. comm. Walsh 1997 and 1998
TABLE 3
Wildlife Species Use of Broad Vegetation Ecosection Subunits
BR
OA
D
VEG
ETA
TIO
N
ECO
SEC
TIO
N
SUB
UN
IT1
Riv
er Is
land
R
I-wf
RI-w
h R
I-bh
RI-d
f R
I-mw
f R
I-ts
RI-u
/mw
R
iver
Ter
race
R
T-m
wf
RT-
df
RT-
cu
RT-
cf
RT-
as
RT-
di
RT-
g Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
War
m
ESw
-g
ESw
-as
ESw
-ag
ESw
-df
ESw
-mw
f ES
w-u
/mw
ES
w-s
h ES
w-c
u ES
w-d
i ES
w-c
f Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
Coo
l ES
c-m
wf
ESc-
df
ESc-
sh
ESc-
g ES
c-u/
mw
ES
c-cf
ES
c-di
ES
c-as
ES
c-cu
Sh
orel
ine
SL-w
f SL
-wh
SL-b
h SL
-u/m
w
Wat
er
SPECIES
MAMMALS
Cervidae
elk x x x x x
mule deer x x x x x x x x x x x
white-tailed deer x x x x x x x x x x x x
moose x x x x x x x x x x
Ursidae
black bear x x x x x x x x x x x x
grizzly bear x x x x x x x x x x x x
Canidae
gray wolf x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
coyote x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
red fox x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Felidae
Canada lynx x x x x x x x x x x x
Mustelidae
wolverine x x x x x x x x x
marten x x x x x x
ermine x x x x x x
least weasel x x x x x x
mink x x x x
river otter x x x x x
TABLE 3 Cont’d
BR
OA
D
VEG
ETA
TIO
N
ECO
SEC
TIO
N
SUB
UN
IT1
Riv
er Is
land
R
I-wf
RI-w
h R
I-bh
RI-d
f R
I-mw
f R
I-ts
RI-u
/mw
R
iver
Ter
race
R
T-m
wf
RT-
df
RT-
cu
RT-
cf
RT-
as
RT-
di
RT-
g Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
War
m
ESw
-g
ESw
-as
ESw
-ag
ESw
-df
ESw
-mw
f ES
w-u
/mw
ES
w-s
h ES
w-c
u ES
w-d
i ES
w-c
f Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
Coo
l ES
c-m
wf
ESc-
df
ESc-
sh
ESc-
g ES
c-u/
mw
ES
c-cf
ES
c-di
ES
c-as
ES
c-cu
Sh
orel
ine
SL-w
f SL
-wh
SL-b
h SL
-u/m
w
Wat
er
SPECIES
striped skunk x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Vespertiliomidae
little brown bat x x x x x
northern long-eared bat x x x x x
silver-haired bat x x x x x
big brown bat x x x x x
hoary bat x x x x x
Soricidae
masked shrew x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
dusky shrew x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
water shrew x x x x
Arctic shrew x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Sciuridae
red squirrel x x x x x x
least chipmunk x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
woodchuck x x x
northern flying squirrel x x x x x x
Castoridae
beaver x x x x x x x x x
Cricetidae
deer mouse x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
southern red-backed vole x x x x x x x x x
meadow vole x x
Erethizontidae
porcupine x x x x x x x x x
TABLE 3 Cont’d
BR
OA
D
VEG
ETA
TIO
N
ECO
SEC
TIO
N
SUB
UN
IT1
Riv
er Is
land
R
I-wf
RI-w
h R
I-bh
RI-d
f R
I-mw
f R
I-ts
RI-u
/mw
R
iver
Ter
race
R
T-m
wf
RT-
df
RT-
cu
RT-
cf
RT-
as
RT-
di
RT-
g Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
War
m
ESw
-g
ESw
-as
ESw
-ag
ESw
-df
ESw
-mw
f ES
w-u
/mw
ES
w-s
h ES
w-c
u ES
w-d
i ES
w-c
f Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
Coo
l ES
c-m
wf
ESc-
df
ESc-
sh
ESc-
g ES
c-u/
mw
ES
c-cf
ES
c-di
ES
c-as
ES
c-cu
Sh
orel
ine
SL-w
f SL
-wh
SL-b
h SL
-u/m
w
Wat
er
SPECIES
Muridae
bushy-tailed woodrat x x
Leporidae
snowshoe hare x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
BIRDS
Waterfowl
Canada goose x x x
common merganser x x x x x
Upland Game Birds
ruffed grouse x x x x x x x x x
spruce grouse x x x x x x
sharp-tailed grouse x x x x
Raptors
osprey x x x x x x
bald eagle x x x x x x
northern harrier x x
sharp-shinned hawk x x x x x x
Cooper’s hawk x x
northern goshawk x x x x x x
broad-winged hawk x x x x x x
Swainson’s hawk x x x x
red-tailed hawk x x x x
golden eagle x x x x
American kestrel x x x x x x x x x x x x
merlin x x x x x x x x x x x x
peregrine falcon x
TABLE 3 Cont’d
BR
OA
D
VEG
ETA
TIO
N
ECO
SEC
TIO
N
SUB
UN
IT1
Riv
er Is
land
R
I-wf
RI-w
h R
I-bh
RI-d
f R
I-mw
f R
I-ts
RI-u
/mw
R
iver
Ter
race
R
T-m
wf
RT-
df
RT-
cu
RT-
cf
RT-
as
RT-
di
RT-
g Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
War
m
ESw
-g
ESw
-as
ESw
-ag
ESw
-df
ESw
-mw
f ES
w-u
/mw
ES
w-s
h ES
w-c
u ES
w-d
i ES
w-c
f Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
Coo
l ES
c-m
wf
ESc-
df
ESc-
sh
ESc-
g ES
c-u/
mw
ES
c-cf
ES
c-di
ES
c-as
ES
c-cu
Sh
orel
ine
SL-w
f SL
-wh
SL-b
h SL
-u/m
w
Wat
er
SPECIES
great horned owl x x x x x x x x x x x
northern hawk owl x x x
great gray owl x x x x x x x x
short-eared owl x x x x x x x x x
boreal owl x x x x x x x
northern saw-whet owl x x x x x x x
Water and Shore Birds
great blue heron x x x x x x x x
killdeer x x x x x
greater yellowlegs x x x x x
lesser yellowlegs x x x x x
solitary sandpiper x x x x x
spotted sandpiper x x x x x
sanderling x x x
Baird’s sandpiper x x
common snipe x x x x
ring-billed gull x x
herring gull x
Passarine, Nonpasserine and Other Landbirds
olive-sided flycatcher x x x
western wood-pewee x x x x x x x x x x x x x
yellow-bellied flycatcher x x x
alder flycatcher x x x
least flycatcher x x x x x x
“western” flycatcher x x x
TABLE 3 Cont’d
BR
OA
D
VEG
ETA
TIO
N
ECO
SEC
TIO
N
SUB
UN
IT1
Riv
er Is
land
R
I-wf
RI-w
h R
I-bh
RI-d
f R
I-mw
f R
I-ts
RI-u
/mw
R
iver
Ter
race
R
T-m
wf
RT-
df
RT-
cu
RT-
cf
RT-
as
RT-
di
RT-
g Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
War
m
ESw
-g
ESw
-as
ESw
-ag
ESw
-df
ESw
-mw
f ES
w-u
/mw
ES
w-s
h ES
w-c
u ES
w-d
i ES
w-c
f Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
Coo
l ES
c-m
wf
ESc-
df
ESc-
sh
ESc-
g ES
c-u/
mw
ES
c-cf
ES
c-di
ES
c-as
ES
c-cu
Sh
orel
ine
SL-w
f SL
-wh
SL-b
h SL
-u/m
w
Wat
er
SPECIES
eastern phoebe x x x x x
eastern kingbird x x x x x x x x x x x
northern shrike x x x x x x x x
blue-headed vireo x x x x
warbling vireo x x x x
Philadelphia vireo x x x x x x
red-eyed vireo x x x x x x
gray jay x x x x x x
blue jay x x x x
black-billed magpie x x x x x x
American crow x x x x x x x x x x x x
common raven x x x x x x x x x x x
tree swallow x x x x x
cliff swallow x
black-capped chickadee x x x x x x x
boreal chickadee x x x x x x x
red-breasted nuthatch x x x x x x x
brown creeper x x x x x x x
house wren x x x x x x x x
winter wren x x x x x x x
golden-crowned kinglet x x x x x x
ruby-crowned kinglet x x x x x x
mountain bluebird x x x x
veery x x x x
Swainson’s thrush x x
TABLE 3 Cont’d
BR
OA
D
VEG
ETA
TIO
N
ECO
SEC
TIO
N
SUB
UN
IT1
Riv
er Is
land
R
I-wf
RI-w
h R
I-bh
RI-d
f R
I-mw
f R
I-ts
RI-u
/mw
R
iver
Ter
race
R
T-m
wf
RT-
df
RT-
cu
RT-
cf
RT-
as
RT-
di
RT-
g Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
War
m
ESw
-g
ESw
-as
ESw
-ag
ESw
-df
ESw
-mw
f ES
w-u
/mw
ES
w-s
h ES
w-c
u ES
w-d
i ES
w-c
f Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
Coo
l ES
c-m
wf
ESc-
df
ESc-
sh
ESc-
g ES
c-u/
mw
ES
c-cf
ES
c-di
ES
c-as
ES
c-cu
Sh
orel
ine
SL-w
f SL
-wh
SL-b
h SL
-u/m
w
Wat
er
SPECIES
hermit thrush x x x x x x
American robin x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
varied thrush x
European starling x x x x x x x x x x x x
bohemian waxwing x x x
cedar waxwing x x
Tennessee warbler x x x x x x x x x x
orange-crowned warbler x x x x
yellow warbler x x x x x
magnolia warbler x
yellow-rumped warbler x x x x x x x
black-throated green warbler x x x
bay-breasted warbler x x
blackpoll warbler x x
black-and-white warbler x x x x
American redstart x x x x x
ovenbird x x
northern waterthrush x x x x x x x x x
Connecticut warbler x x x x
mourning warbler x x x x
common yellowthroat x x x x x
Wilson’s warbler x x x x x
Canada warbler x x x x x x x x
western tanager x x x x x x x
American tree sparrow x x x x x x x x x x
chipping sparrow x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
TABLE 3 Cont’d
BR
OA
D
VEG
ETA
TIO
N
ECO
SEC
TIO
N
SUB
UN
IT1
Riv
er Is
land
R
I-wf
RI-w
h R
I-bh
RI-d
f R
I-mw
f R
I-ts
RI-u
/mw
R
iver
Ter
race
R
T-m
wf
RT-
df
RT-
cu
RT-
cf
RT-
as
RT-
di
RT-
g Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
War
m
ESw
-g
ESw
-as
ESw
-ag
ESw
-df
ESw
-mw
f ES
w-u
/mw
ES
w-s
h ES
w-c
u ES
w-d
i ES
w-c
f Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
Coo
l ES
c-m
wf
ESc-
df
ESc-
sh
ESc-
g ES
c-u/
mw
ES
c-cf
ES
c-di
ES
c-as
ES
c-cu
Sh
orel
ine
SL-w
f SL
-wh
SL-b
h SL
-u/m
w
Wat
er
SPECIES
clay-colored sparrow x x x x x x x x x x
vesper sparrow x x x x x x x x x x x
savannah sparrow x x x x x x x x x x x
Le Conte’s sparrow x x x x
fox sparrow x x x x x x x x x x
song sparrow x x x x
Lincoln’s sparrow x x x x
white-throated sparrow x x x x x x x x x x x x x
white-crowned sparrow x x x x
dark-eyed junco x x x x x x x x x x x x
rose-breasted grosbeak x x x x x x x x x
western meadowlark x x x
rusty blackbird x x
Brewer’s blackbird x x x x x x x x x x x
brown-headed cowbird x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Baltimore oriole x x x x
gray-crowned rosy-finch x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
pine grosbeak x x x x x x x
purple finch x x x x x x x
red crossbill x x x
white-winged crossbill x x x x x x x
common redpoll x x x x x x x x
hoary redpoll x x x x x x x x
pine siskin x x x x x x x x x x x
American goldfinch x x x x x x x x
evening grosbeak x x x x x x x x x x x
TABLE 3 Cont’d
BR
OA
D
VEG
ETA
TIO
N
ECO
SEC
TIO
N
SUB
UN
IT1
Riv
er Is
land
R
I-wf
RI-w
h R
I-bh
RI-d
f R
I-mw
f R
I-ts
RI-u
/mw
R
iver
Ter
race
R
T-m
wf
RT-
df
RT-
cu
RT-
cf
RT-
as
RT-
di
RT-
g Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
War
m
ESw
-g
ESw
-as
ESw
-ag
ESw
-df
ESw
-mw
f ES
w-u
/mw
ES
w-s
h ES
w-c
u ES
w-d
i ES
w-c
f Er
osio
n Sl
ope-
Coo
l ES
c-m
wf
ESc-
df
ESc-
sh
ESc-
g ES
c-u/
mw
ES
c-cf
ES
c-di
ES
c-as
ES
c-cu
Sh
orel
ine
SL-w
f SL
-wh
SL-b
h SL
-u/m
w
Wat
er
SPECIES
house sparrow x x x x x x x x
rock dove x x
mourning dove x x x x x x x x x x x
common nighthawk x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
ruby-throated hummingbird x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
rufous hummingbird x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
belted kingfisher x x x
yellow-bellied sapsucker x x x x
downy woodpecker x x x x x x x x
hairy woodpecker x x x x x x x x
three-toed woodpecker x x x
black-backed woodpecker x x x x x x x
northern flicker x x x x x x x
pileated woodpecker x x x
AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
western toad x x x x x x x x x x x x x
striped chorus frog x
wood frog x x x x x x x x x x x x x
wandering garter snake x x x x x x x x x x x x x
red-sided garter snake x x x x x x
Note:
1 RI = River Island RT = River Terrace ESw = Erosion Slope-Warm ESc = Erosion Slope-Cool SL = Shoreline ag = aspen-grassland transition as = aspen-shrub transition bh = beach-herbaceous cf = coniferous forest cu = cultivated
df = deciduous forest di = disturbed g = grassland mwf = mixedwood forest sh = shrubland ts = tall shrub u/mw = unvegetated or mass wasting slope wf = willow flat wh = willow-herbaceous e.g., RI-wf = River Island-willow flat