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

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Family Alcidae Ancient Murrelet -- Synthliboramphus antiquus Accidental . There is a single specimen record from Burt County (Nebraska Bird Review 1:14). Not reported from elsewhere in the Plains States, but there are two Colorado specimen records.
Family Columbidae (Band-tailed Pigeon) -- Columba fasciata Hypothetical. One was reported in Morrill, Scotts Bluff County, October 15, 1996 (Nebraska Bird Review 64:116; Brogie, 1997). Rock Dove -- Columba livia An introduced permanent resident statewide, but feral in a few western locations on bluffs or cliffs. Also a resident throughout the entire Great Plains region. Habitats: Mostly associated with human habitations in cities, villages and farms, but also occurring to a limited extent as feral populations around bluffs and cliffs in western Nebraska. Comments: This is the familiar "barnyard pigeon," which occurs in a variety of color types. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. White-winged Dove -- Zenaida asiatica Accidental . Photographed in Lincoln May ll-l6, l994 (Nebraska Bird Review 64:39), photographed at Malcolm, Lancaster County, May 13, 1994, and seen at Scottsbluff on 15-21 April, 1995 (Nebraska Bird Review 64:135; Brogie, 1997). There are four Kansas records for this southern species. Inca Dove -- Columbina inca Accidental . Birds of this species wintered in Kearney during December and January, l988, and were seen in Keya Paha County during late November, l989 (Nebraska Bird Review 58:93). Also reportedly observed at a Chadron bird feeder during the early fall of 1996. There are at least 11 records of this species for Kansas, usually occurring in late fall or early winter. Mourning Dove -- Zenaida macroura An abundant spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide. Overwintering often occurs in mild winters and sheltered locations. Also breeds and migrates throughout the entire Great Plains region. Migration: Sixty-two initial spring sightings range from January 1 to May 29, with a median of March 26. Half of the records fall within the period March 9-April 8. Ninety final fall sightings range from August 30 to December 31, with a median of November 1. The wide spread of fall departure dates suggests that the species frequently overwinters in the state. Habitats: A widely adaptable species, occurring in open woods and edge areas, in parks and cities, on grasslands far from trees, and in cultivated fields. Although nests are most often placed in trees, in treeless areas the birds regularly nest on the ground. Comments: Mourning doves are among the most abundant of nesting birds in Nebraska, The birds nest repeatedly through the long Nebraska summer, and may raise several broods successfully during that time. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of more than 50 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. Passenger Pigeon -- Ectopistes migratorius Extinct. Formerly a common migrant and summer resident in eastern parts of Nebraska and elsewhere in the Plains States. (Common Ground Dove) -- Columbina passerina Hypothetical . Reportedly seen at Lincoln, Lancaster County , in November 1976 (American Birds 31:96), and at DeSoto N.W.R. on November 18, 1979 (Nebraska Bird Review 48:22). There are ten Kansas records, mostly occurring in late fall or early winter.
Family Psittacidae Carolina Parakeet -- Conuropsis carolinensis Extinct. Formerly a common resident in the Missouri Valley of Nebraska (Nebraska Bird Review 2:55-59) and elsewhere in the Plains States. (Monk Parakeet) -- Myopsitta monarchus Hypothetical . Individuals of this species were observed in the Omaha area in 1972 and 1973, in Kearney in 1975, and in Lincoln in 1975 and 1976. It is possible that they represent escaped cage birds rather than ones from the feral population in the eastern United States. The species has also been reported in Oklahoma.
Family Cuculidae Black-billed Cuckoo -- Coccyzus erythropthalmus A spring and fall migrant and summer resident almost statewide, most common in the northeast, rarer in the south and west, and apparently absent from parts of the Panhandle. Also breeds throughout the Plains States from North Dakota and Minnesota south to Oklahoma, and migrates throughout. Migration: The range of 163 initial spring sightings is from April 1 to June 10, with a median of May 24. Half of the records fall within the period May 16-30. The range of 60 final fall sightings is from July 28 to October 9, with a median of August 30. Half of the records fall within the period August 25-September 9. Habitats: Relatively dense wooded habitats are favored by this species, especially those that provide a variety of trees, bushes and vines for possible nesting sites Comments: This species is considerably less common than the yellow-billed cuckoo in Nebraska, but its call is more like that of a cuckoo-clock. Both species feed largely on hairy caterpillars such as tent caterpillars, and their yearly abundance varies greatly, probably in relation to food supplies. 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 no clear trend during that period. Yellow-billed Cuckoo -- Coccyzus americanus A spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide, common in the east., but less common westwardly, and becoming rare in the Panhandle. Also breeds throughout the Plains States north to South Dakota and southern Minnesota. Migration: The range of 170 initial spring sightings is from April 12 to June 10, with a median of May 23. Half of the records fall within the period May 15-29. The range of 101 final fall sightings is from July 23 to October 14, with a median of September 15. Half of the records fall within the period September 1-27. Habitats: Migrating and breeding birds favor moderately dense thickets near watercourses, second-growth woodlands, deserted farmlands overgrown with shrubs and brush, and brushy orchards. Extremely dense woods are avoided. Comments: This is the "rain crow" of Nebraska, the birds often calling as the skies darken just prior to rain. Cuckoos are great skulkers, which may predispose them to brood parasitism, although that is rare among our native cuckoo species. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-50 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. Groove-billed Ani -- Crotophaga sulcirostris Accidental . There have been four sight records, including one seen in Antelope County during September and October 1952, one in Hall County during October of 1975, one in Cuming County in October of 1976 and one seen at Beaver Lake, Cass County (Nebraska Bird Review 43:49; 45:13; 53:78) . It is accidental in South Dakota and Kansas, and irregular in Oklahoma.
Family Tytonidae Barn Owl -- Tyto alba An uncommon permanent resident statewide, but probably more common in the southern counties. Also breeds throughout the Plains States north to South Dakota. Habitats: Open to semi-open habitats, where small rodents are abundant and where hollow trees, old buildings, or caves are available to provide roosting and nesting sites are favored by this species. Rats are particularly favored as prey species, but many other rodents are also consumed. Comments: Barn owls are rodent-catchers without peer, and the presence of a pair at a farm may account for the disappearance of several thousand mice or rats per year. They are thus highly valuable birds, although farmers often seem unaware of their presence or, if so, may actually try to kill them. Near Cedar Point Biological Station in Keith County the nesting birds concentrate on pocket mice and kangaroo rats for prey, but in turn are preyed upon by great horned owls. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population decline during that period.
Family Strigidae (Flammulated Owl) -- Otus flammeolus Hypothetical . An owl identified as possibly this species on the basis of its calls was heard in Chadron State Park, Dawes County in June of 1978 (Nebraska Bird Review 46:70). Eastern Screech-owl -- Otus asio A common permanent resident in wooded areas throughout the state, but rare or absent from the treeless areas. Even in eastern Nebraska the red plumage morph is rare. There are no Nebraska records of kennicottii . Habitats: This widespread species occurs in a variety of wooded habitats, including farmyards, cities, orchards, and other human-made habitats, as well as in forests and woodlands. It is probably more common in cities than in heavy woodlands, where it is preyed upon by larger owls. Comments: Screech-owls often go unnoticed in places where they are common, the whinny-like call they utter is not very owl-like, and they hide during daylight hours in tree cavities. In eastern Nebraska about 90 percent of the birds are gray morphs, and farther west the red type is even rarer. Great Horned Owl -- Bubo virginianus An uncommon permanent resident statewide, but probably most common in the heavily wooded major river valleys and the Pine Ridge area. Also breeds and migrates throughout the entire Plains States region. Habitats: This highly adaptable species occurs in a variety of habitat types ranging from dense forests to city parks and farm woodlands, and extends into non-wooded environments in rocky canyons and gullies. Comments: This is Nebraska's largest and most powerful owl, and it is able and willing to attack skunks, feral cats, and sometimes even very small dogs. It is not safe to climb up to the nest of these birds without protective headgear; their talons are long and the birds have a vise-like grip. Snowy Owl -- Nyctea scandiaca An occasional winter visitor, not present every winter, but occurring almost anywhere in the state. Progressively more common to the north of Nebraska during winter. Migration: This winter visitor shows a range in 18 initial fall sightings from November 6 to December 29, with a median of December 4. Twenty-three final spring sightings are from January 3 to April 30, with a median of February 5. Habitats: Wintering birds are usually associated with open fields, plains, marshes, and grassy lowlands, often perching on haystacks or other somewhat elevated sites. Comments: Only during occasional winters do snowy owls enter Nebraska in any numbers; this probably occurs during population crashes of lemmings in the arctic. The birds are highly conspicuous where snow is absent from the landscape, and many snowy owls are shot by ignorant hunters. Northern Hawk Owl -- Surnia ulula Accidental . The only record is a specimen obtained in Lancaster County during November of 1891 (Bruner, Wolcott and Swenk, 1904). Accidental in South Dakota. Burrowing Owl -- Athene cunicularia A common to uncommon spring and fall migrant and summer resident in western and central Nebraska, becoming rare eastwardly, and not known to breed east of Lancaster County. Also breeds widely elsewhere in the Plains States, excepting the more easterly portions. Migration: The range of 119 initial spring sightings is from March 10 to June 10, with a median of April 24. Half of the records fall within the period April 13-May 9. Forty-three final fall sightings are from July 21 to November 9, with a median of September 16. Half of the records fall within the period August 30-September 30. Habitats: This species is normally associated with heavily grazed grasslands, especially those supporting colonies of large rodents such as prairie dogs. Normally colonial, scattered nestings may also occur by individual pairs where suitable excavations are available. Comments: Partly because of state laws requiring the control of prairie dogs on private lands, the numbers of both prairie dogs and burrowing owls have plummeted in recent decades, and there are few places left where these fascinating little owls can be readily observed. Unlike most owls the birds are daytime-feeders, and they also are mostly insect-eaters, at least while they are in Nebraska. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Barred Owl -- Strix varia An uncommon permanent resident in eastern Nebraska, becoming rarer westwardly, and absent from most or all of the western half of the state. The western breeding limits of this species are not known, but it is a rare straggler to eastern Colorado. Also breeds widely through the eastern portions of the Plains States. Habitats: Throughout the year this species is found in dense river-bottom woods, which in Nebraska are typically of hardwoods. However, coniferous forests are also used when available, and seem to be preferred. Comments: The dark brown eyes of the barred owl mark it as a highly nocturnal species; those that hunt during the day and in twilight have yellow eyes. It is also one of the most vocal of owls, and can be easily called up by imitation or playback of its calls. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period. Great Gray Owl -- Strix nebulosa Accidental . In addition to a specimen record from Douglas County for December of 1893, a bird was shot during January of 1978 in Dixon County, and a specimen was taken in the vicinity of Long Pine, Brown County in 1977 (Nebraska Bird Review 47:63). It was also observed in Douglas County in April 1948, in Lincoln County in January of 1950, Long-eared Owl -- Asio otus A permanent resident in wooded areas such as major river valleys throughout the state, uncommon in the east and becoming rarer westwardly. The population is probably supplemented from migrants from farther north during winter. Also breeds and migrates throughout the other Plains States. Migration: Twenty-four spring sightings range from January 2 to May 14, with a median of March 9th. Nineteen fall sightings are from July 21 to December 31, with a median of November 24. These limited data suggest that the species is a summer resident and a late fall and early spring migrant, with frequent overwintering. Habitats: Throughout the year this species is associated with wooded areas, including riverbottom forests, parks, orchards and woodlots. Both coniferous and hardwood forests are utilized, with the former apparently preferred. Comments, This attractive owl is mainly a bird of rather dense forests in the east, but two newly fledged young were found perched in low junipers at Cedar Point Biological Station, Keith County, in 1995. Like the barred owl it is quite a vocal bird, but it is hard to find during daytime hours as it hides quietly in dense wood vegetation. Short-eared Owl -- Asio flammeus A permanent resident throughout Nebraska, being more common in the summer in the Sandhills and other natural grasslands. During winter the population is apparently supplemented by migrants from farther north. Probably least common in the Pine Ridge area. Also breeds in the other Plains States south to about Kansas, and occurs farther south during migration. Migration: Thirty-five spring sightings range from January 8 to June 6, with a median of March 12. Twenty-nine fall sightings are from July 20 to December 31, with a median of November 30. The data are very similar to those of the long-eared owl, suggesting that the species is a summer resident and a late fall and early spring migrant, with frequent overwintering. Habitats: Throughout the year this species is found in open, grass-dominated environments, and in Nebraska the Sandhills prairie and other natural grasslands are favored habitats. Nesting usually occurs in grassy cover, with several pairs often nesting fairly close to one another in a loose colonial situation. Comments: Like the northern harrier this is a prairie raptor, and is probably gradually declining as native grasslands disappear. Sometimes it hunts during daylight, when it resembles a gigantic moth coursing over marshes and grasslands. Boreal Owl -- Aegolius funereus Accidental . There are two early Lancaster County records for October, 1907 and December, 1892, and a more recent record from Webster County in December of 1963 (Nebraska Bird Review 32:13). Casual in South Dakota. Northern Saw-whet Owl -- Aegolius acadicus An uncommon to rare winter visitor at least in eastern Nebraska, and perhaps statewide. There are no definite breeding records, but calling by a territorial male was heard yearly at Fort Robinson for many years during the 1980s, and again in 1997 near Ash Creek Canyon, northeastern Dawes County.. The species is known to nest in the nearby Black Hills of South Dakota, and also breeds in Minnesota, but otherwise is a migrant or winter visitor in the Plains States. Migration: Ten fall records are from July 29 to December 22, with a median of November 8. Seven spring records are from January 1 to May 16, with a median of February 20. These limited data suggest that the species is primarily a winter visitor. In northwestern Nebraska it is reportedly a rare summer resident, arriving as early as April l8 (Rosche, 1982). Habitats: Although normally associated with rather dense woods, especially cedar groves in Nebraska, this species sometimes appears in unexpected locations during migration. In the Black Hills of South Dakota it breeds in pine and spruce forests, and probably the same is true in the Pine Ridge area. Comments: Most saw-whet owls in Nebraska are obviously migrants, but there is always the chance that a breeding pair will turn up someday in the Pine Ridge or Niobrara Valley.

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THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKAAND ADJACENT PLAINS STATESPaul A. Johnsgard

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