Swallow-tailed Kite
Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) nested in at least 21 states prior to the early 1900’s, but a sharp population decline from 1800 through 1940 resulted in the present limited distribution in just 7 states.
Programs:
- Range-wide population genetic structure and implications for conservation
- Breeding biology, habitat suitability, and demography
- Pre-migration communal roosts and population monitoring
- Long-distance migration: Threats, needs, and conservation opportunities
- Three-state predictive model and prioritization strategy for restoring and conserving nesting habitat
Short-tailed Hawk
The Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo Brachyurus) is one of Florida’s rarest and least-studied vertebrates. There are no more than 250 breeding pairs in the U.S. population which is limited entirely to Florida. The species has no state or federal listing status and therefore no protection.
Programs:
- Survival and human threats to a sustainable population
- Nesting ecology, site fidelity, and habitat protection
- Underestimating habitat needs due to nest-finding bias
- Seasonal movements and population monitoring
Snail Kite
In the U.S., the Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) ocurrs only in wetland areas of southern Florida. Human-caused changes to Florida’s hydrology over the last 100 years threaten this wetland dependent species.
Programs:
- Foraging decisions in relation to prey abundance, hydrology, and vegetation
- Seasonal movements linking refugia of endangered Snail Kites tracked by satellite
- Copper uptake of Snail Kites in areas with high Apple Snail and sediment concentrations: Potential for increased exposure resulting from wetland restoration
White-crowned Pigeon
The White-crowned Pigeon’s (Patagioenus leucocephala) distribution is limited to the Caribbean Basin, the Bahamas and extreme southern Florida. Every national population of this bird is threatened due to hunting, poaching and loss of essential habitats.
Program:
- Conservation of critical habitats, international migration, survival, and harvest management of White-crowned Pigeons
Wading Birds
Striking declines, small populations and narrow habitat ranges mark these wading bird species as candidates for increased conservation awareness and action.
Program:
- Conservation ecology of three wading birds of critical concern: Limpkin, Wood Stork, Reddish Egret and Great White Heron
Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is not a species of conservation concern, however its predatory nature may pose a threat to birds that are.
Program:
- Activity ranges, habitats, and potential impacts of Great Horned Owls on threatened species of the southeastern United States
Southeastern American Kestrel
The Southeastern American Kestrel (Falco sparverius paulus) is a high priority for active management and conservation in the remnant open pine forests of the southeast.
Program:
- Cooperative development of a strategic plan for recovery of the declining Southeastern American Kestrel
Raptors
These birds of prey have experienced local population declines, however, there remains a lack of quality data to illuminate current and looming problems.
Program:
- Telemetry studies to fill critical data gaps for resident and migratory raptors of conservation concern: Crested Caracaras, Northern Harriers, and Bald Eagles
Magnificent Frigatebird
Magnificent Frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens) are thought to be declining across their range. All historical U.S. nesting colonies have disappeared except for a single one which remains on a small mangrove island in the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge.
Program:
- Using satellite/GPS telemetry to determine extralimital breeding sites, roost fidelity, and seasonal movements of Magnificent Frigatebirds captured at roosts in the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refugees