THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKA
AND ADJACENT PLAINS STATES
Paul A. Johnsgard

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Family Ardeidae American Bittern -- Botaurus lentiginosus MAP A common spring and fall migrant throughout Nebraska, and a locally common summer resident. It breeds throughout the state in suitable habitats, with the Sandhills marshes providing optimum habitat. It also breeds widely elsewhere in the Plains States, except in the drier southwestern areas. Migration: The range of 109 initial spring sightings is from March 26 to June 10, with a median of May 3. Half of the records fall within the period April 23 to May 11. Forty-four final fall sightings are from July 14 to December 17, with a median of October 6. Half of the sightings fall within the period October 1-27. Habitats: Normally this species is found in marshes, swamps and bogs having heavy emergent vegetation or with adjacent wet swales or tall grassy meadows. Comments: This strange heron, often called a "shitepoke" by native Nebraskans, often goes unseen by casual observers, who fail to notice it standing erect and motionless among cattails and reeds near water. Its booming courtship call is responsible for its alternative vernacular name, "thunderpump." The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period. Least Bittern -- Ixobrychus exilis MAP An uncommon spring and fall migrant and seemingly rare summer resident . It breeds locally in the eastern half of the state, and perhaps has its western nesting limits in Garden County, where it has been observed during summer at the Ash Hollow marshes and Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It breeds widely elsewhere in the Plains States, excepting the drier western portions. Migration: Thirty-nine initial spring sightings range from March 30 to June 4, with a median of May 15. Half of the records fall within the period May 4-24. Ten final fall sightings are from July 28 to September 19, with a median of August 17. Habitats: In Nebraska this species is usually found in freshwater or slightly brackish marshes or lake edges having extensive stands of emergent vegetation, and with scattered bushes or similar woody growth. Comments: This is the smallest of the American herons, and a miniature version of the American bittern. It builds a distinctive nest of materials organized like the spokes of a wheel in marshy vegetation. Great Blue Heron -- Ardea herodias MAP A common migrant and a local summer resident, breeding in colonies in various locations throughout Nebraska, but especially along major rivers and locally in the Sandhills. It also breeds locally elsewhere throughout the Plains States. Migration: The range of 87 initial spring sightings is from January 6 to June 6, with a median of April 2. Half of the records fall within the period March 26 - April 30. Of 103 final fall sightings, the range is August 8 to December 30, and the median is October 13. Half of the records fall within the period September 23 - November 7. Habitats: Migrants are found around all water areas supporting a fish population and having shallows for foraging. Nesting usually occurs among groves of tall trees, but sometimes also has been reported on the ground, on rock ledges, among bulrushes, or other elevated situations. Cottonwood groves seem to be a favored nesting location in Nebraska. Comments: Commonly called "cranes" by Nebraskans, great blue herons differ from cranes in many ways, including their tree-nesting behavior, their flight profile (flying with kinked-necks rather than outstretched necks), and their strongly fish-dependent diet. However, they are beautiful and graceful birds, and often nest colonially in areas where fish are plentiful. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period. Great Egret -- Ardea alba MAP An occasional spring and fall migrant, or summer visitor . It is most common in eastern counties, but observed as far west as Box Butte and Garden counties. There was an attempted nesting in Sarpy County in 1960 (Nebraska Bird Review 28:55). It is a regular breeder in Oklahoma, Iowa, and southern Minnesota, and occasional in eastern Kansas. Migration: Sixty-two initial or only spring records are from March 26 to June 1, with a median of April 29. Half of the records fall within the period April 16 to May 10. Ten final spring sightings are from April 6 to June 8, with a median of May 9. Twenty-one total fall records are from August 2 to October 21, with a median of September 1. Of 95 total records, the largest number (34) are for May, followed by April (30), August (10) and September (8). Habitats: Associated with streams, swamps, and lake borders, and usually found near trees during the nesting season. Comments: The range of several egrets seems to have expanded in recent years, and that is certainly the case with the great egret. There are influxes of the birds into Nebraska just prior to breeding (perhaps of birds headed toward Minnesota and western Iowa), and again following the breeding season. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period. Snowy Egret -- Egretta thula A rare vagrant or summer visitor throughout Nebraska; most of the records are for counties bordering the Platte or Missouri Rivers, especially Scotts Bluff, Lincoln, Platte, Douglas-Sarpy and also Lancaster. There are breeding records from Lancaster and Scotts Bluff counties (Rapp et al., 1958). It regularly breeds in Oklahoma and South Dakota, and has also bred in Kansas . Migration: Twenty-four total spring records are from April 13 to June 10, with a median of May 7. Ten total fall records are from July 30 to October 1, with a median of August 17. Of 34 total records, the largest number are for May (17) followed by April (6) and August (4). Habitats: Nonbreeding birds occur over a wide array of aquatic habitats supporting fish. During the breeding season fairly sheltered habitats with shrubby or low tree growth are favored. Nesting often occurs among other heron species. Comments: This beautiful little egret can be easily recognized by its "golden slippers" and its all-black bill. In the spring it exhibits beautiful filmy white "aigrette" plumes that once where the high-fashion rage and nearly spelled the species' doom before federal protected was enacted. Little Blue Heron -- Egretta caerulea An occasional to uncommon spring and rare fall vagrant, primarily in the eastern half of Nebraska. There are records from at least 18 counties, but the largest numbers of sightings are for Adams, Platte, Lancaster, and Douglas-Sarpy. Up to 15 have been seen near Nebraska City. It breeds regularly in Oklahoma and Kansas, is a rare breeder in South Dakota, and is an accidental breeder in North Dakota. Migration: A total of 55 spring records range from April 4 to June 1, with a median of May 8. Fifteen fall records are from July 23 to October 20, with a median of August 19. Of 80 total records, the largest number (37) are for May, followed by April (16), June (8) and July (7). Habitats: Migrants are associated with freshwater marshes, swamps and upland meadows. Comments: This heron is unusual in that its juvenile plumage is pure white, whereas the adult plumage is mostly brown and dark bluish. No good explanation for this strange age-related plumage change has been advanced. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population decline during that period. Tricolored Heron -- Egretta tricolor Accidental . There are three records, including one shot in Kearney County in November of 1918, another collected in Clay County in August 1918, and a sight record from Clay County in August of 1971 (Nebraska Bird Review 41:14). Recorded breeding in South Dakota in 1986. Cattle Egret -- Bubulcus ibis An occasional spring and fall vagrant, first reported in Nebraska in 1965, and observed with increasing frequency since then. It has been seen west as far as Dawes County, but most records are for Lancaster , Otoe, and Douglas-Sarpy. Nesting has been documented for Keith County (Nebraska Bird Review 63:89). It has been reported in all of the other Plains States, and has nested at least once in each. It is now a fairly common summer resident in South Dakota. Migration: Twenty-one total spring records range from April 12 to June 3 with a median of May 9. Eleven total fall records are from July 23 to October 20, with a median of August 29. Of 32 total records, the largest number (11) are for May, followed by April (8) and August (5). Habitats: Migrants are associated with upland meadows and pastures. Comments: Since this species found its way to America from Africa, it has spread widely, and will likely become a common breeder throughout the Great Plains eventually. Feeding on insects disturbed by foraging cattle on the American plains is seemingly little different from feeding around the feet of zebras and wildebeest on the savannas of East Africa. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population increase during that period. Green Heron -- Butorides virescens A common migrant, and a summer resident, breeding over most of Nebraska excepting the panhandle and the western Sandhills. It also breeds locally in the other Plains States, primarily in the eastern portions. Migrations. The range of 93 initial spring sightings is from March 10 to June 7, with a median of April 27. Half of the records fall within the period April 15 - May 6. The range of 50 final fall sightings is from July 23 to November 9, with a median of September 18. Half of the records fall within the period September 4-25. Habitats: Migrating birds occur almost anywhere small fish (such as minnows) can be captured. Breeding usually occurs near trees, but some nesting is in marshlands well away from tree cover. Comments: This widespread little heron is notable for the fact that it has been seen catching small minnows, disabling them, and then releasing them to serve as bait for attracting larger fish. Until this behavior was photographed it was generally discounted as a "fish story." Until recently it was also called the "green-backed heron" and "little green heron." Black-crowned Night-Heron -- Nycticorax nycticorax A common migrant throughout Nebraska, breeding locally in suitable habitats throughout most of the state except perhaps the driest portions of western Nebraska. Also breeds widely elsewhere in the Plains States, excepting the drier areas. Migration: Eighty initial spring sightings range from March 29 to June 9, with a median of April 25. Half of the records fall within the period April 18 to May 10. Fifty-four final fall sightings are from July 22 to November 15, with a median of September 6. Half of the records fall within the period August 18 to September 29. Habitats: This is a highly adaptable species, found in a wide array of aquatic habitats, with nesting occurring in swamps, marshes, and sometimes even city parks or orchards where water is nearby. Comments: The night-herons are called thus because of their large eyes and associated abilities to forage late into the evening hours, when it is almost dark. This species is a fairly common breeder at Crescent Lake and Valentine refuges, and it is a startling sight to have one of these herons suddenly take flight from just a few feet away while walking through heavy marsh vegetation. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population decline during that period. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron -- Nyctinassa violacea An uncommon spring and fall migrant and occasional summer visitor in Nebraska, mainly the eastern half of the state. There is a single 1963 record of unsuccessful breeding in Sarpy County (Nebraska Bird Review 32:9), and young fledglings have twice been seen near Lincoln. Breeding is regular in Oklahoma, local in Kansas, and occasional in northwestern Missouri. Migration: Forty-three total spring sightings range from April 2 to June 10, with a median of May 6. Half of the records fall within the period April 29 to May 14. Twelve total fall records are from August 1 to October 24, with a median of September 5. Habitats: Non breeding birds occupy a wide range of aquatic habitats, but in Nebraska the birds are often found along tree-lined rivers. Comments: This beautiful night-heron mostly nests to the south of Nebraska, but occasionally finds its way into our state. Young birds resemble those of black-crowned night-herons, but are somewhat darker on the back and under wing-coverts. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population increase during that period.
Family Ciconiidae Wood Stork -- Mycteria americana Accidental . Although there are some early and indefinite sight records, the only specimen known is one obtained in Hamilton County in the early 1880s (Bruner, Wolcott and Swenk, 1904).
Family Cathartidae Black Vulture -- Coragyps atratus Accidental . There is a single old specimen record from Wolf Creek (county?), and since then there have been sightings in January of 1950 (Keith County), April of 1951 (Logan County), April of 1955 (Keya Paha County), and March of 1963 (Hamilton County). Turkey Vulture -- Cathartes aura An uncommon to common spring and fall migrant statewide, frequently remaining through the summer. It is apparently a local breeder along some of the major river systems (Republican, Missouri and Niobrara), and in the Pine Ridge area, but there are few actual published records (Nebraska Bird Review 39:19; 64:47). Breeding near Lincoln has also been documented in the past few years. It is a local but probably regular breeder in all of the Plains States, and a migrant throughout. Migration: Ninety initial spring sightings are from January 12 to June 10, with a median of April 14. Half of the records fall within the period April 1-24. Nineteen final spring sightings are from April 11 to June 10, with a median of May 18. Eleven initial fall sightings are from July 20 to September 25, with a median of September 6. Thirty-five final fall sightings are from August 6 to December 30, with a median of September 26. Half of the records fall within the period September 16 to October 4. Habitats: Migrants or non-breeders are found widely over open plains, sandhills or other areas offering visual foraging. At the northern end of its range the species is mostly associated with brushy woodlands adjoining open grasslands or croplands during the breeding season. Cliffs, crevices, abandoned buildings or other cavities are needed for nesting sites. Comments: Once associated largely with the remote deserts of the west, the turkey vulture has become yet another urbanized species. More than 60 now roost nightly in the heart of Lincoln, moving out to the country during the day to scavenge for carrion along roadsides, and often nesting in abandoned barns or farmhouses. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.
Family Threskiornithidae White-faced Ibis -- Plegadis chihi A rare spring vagrant and summer visitor throughout Nebraska. In recent years local breeding has occurred at Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Garden County. It has been observed at least three times in Sioux, Scotts Bluff, Garden, Lancaster and Douglas-Sarpy counties, and once or more in Dawes, Cherry, Keith, Lincoln, Brown, Adams, Antelope, Platte and Dakota counties. It is a generally rare and erratic nesting species throughout the Plains States. Migration: Thirty total records range from April 9 to October 3. The largest number (14) of the sightings are for May, followed by April (9), and there are two records each for June, August and September. Habitats: Non-breeding birds may occur in almost any wet or moist habitat, including marshes, flooded fields, wet meadows, and other areas having shallow water for foraging. Nesting usually occurs in shallow marshes having extensive emergent vegetation. Comments: This somewhat exotic-looking bird has become fairly regular at Crescent Lake refuge; I have seen groups of up to 14 birds there in recent years. It is difficult to distinguish from the following species, but there is no good evidence of hybridization between them. (Glossy Ibis) -- Plegadis falcinellus Hypothetical . Various immature specimen and sight records of this species for Nebraska should probably best be considered as examples of the white-faced ibis until better evidence is forthcoming. (White Ibis) -- Eudocimus albus Hypothetical . Observed over a period of several days in Rock County in August of 1963 (Nebraska Bird Review 32:12).Accidental in South Dakota (three records), Roseate Spoonbill -- Ajaia ajaja Accidental, There is a Nebraska specimen record from Buffalo County, obtained in June of 1932. There is also a sight record of two seen near Hastings, Clay County, in August 1966 (Nebraska Bird Review 34:77), and a single individual was seen near Nebraska City on August 15, 1997 by Stephen Dinsmore.

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THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKAAND ADJACENT PLAINS STATESPaul A. Johnsgard

THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKA
AND ADJACENT PLAINS STATES
Paul A. Johnsgard