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

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Begin Page Eleven
Family Corvidae

Gray Jay -- Perisoreus canadensis
An extremely rare winter visitor or vagrant . There are early records from Belmont (presumably Dawes County) and Monroe Canyon (Dawes County). It has also been reported from Sioux , Cuming, and Douglas counties, usually during winter and spring months. These birds presumably originate from the Black Hills, where the species is known to breed commonly .

Migration: This species has been observed from November 12 to April (no date), but almost no specific dates are available.

Habitats: Associated throughout the year with coniferous or mixed forests.

Comments: Like other jays this is an inquisitive and bold bird, often acting as a "camp robber" in protected sites such as parks, stealing bits of food that it is able to carry off and perhaps cache for later consumption.


Steller's Jay -- Cyanocitta stelleri
An extremely rare vagrant . More often seen in western parts of the state, but in addition to sightings in Scotts Bluff and Sioux counties, it has been seen in Keith, Lincoln, Logan, and Lancaster counties. It is also a vagrant in South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Migration: This species has been observed from October 6 to April 30, with two records each for November, December, January, and April.

Habitats: Throughout most of the year this species is associated with montane coniferous or mixed forests and woodlands, but sometimes flocks or individuals move to city edges and feeding stations during the fall and winter.

Comments: Steller's jays are bold and brassy birds of the American west. In a few areas they overlap with blue jays, and have been known to hybridize with them rarely. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Blue Jay -- Cyanocitta cristata
A common permanent resident statewide, perhaps somewhat less common in western Nebraska than in eastern parts of the state. It is also a resident almost throughout the Plains States, excepting the extreme southwestern portions.

Habitats: Throughout the year this species is widely distributed in forests, parks suburbs, cities, and almost anywhere a combination of trees and grasslands occur. It is somewhat more adapted to city life than is the Steller's jay.

Comments: This familiar bird of cities and countryside is a noisy and sometimes annoying bird, as it will often steal eggs from the nests of smaller songbirds. However, its "thief" call warns all within range of possible danger, and it sometimes effectively mimics the alarm calls of red-shouldered and red-tailed hawks. 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.


(Scrub Jay) -- Aphelocoma coerulensis.
Hypothetical . There are some early questionable references to this species in western Nebraska, but these have been generally discounted. A student reported seeing this species in Bull Canyon, Banner County, very close to the Wyoming border (Nebraska Bird Review 48:89). This species is resident in eastern Colorado, New Mexico, and adjacent Oklahoma, and has wandered to central Kansas.


Pinyon Jay -- Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus
An uncommon permanent resident of the Pine Ridge area. Vagrants sometimes appear elsewhere in the state (Lincoln, Dawson, and Webster counties) during winter months. Breeding also occurs in western South Dakota and along the Cimarron River Valley.

Migration: Probably a permanent resident in northwestern Nebraska. Vagrants sometimes appear in other parts of the state during late winter or spring.

Habitats: In the Black Hills, and probably also in the Pine Ridge, this species is found in pine forests where the soil is fairly dry and the trees are small and scattered.

Comments: This is another of the attractive members of the corvid Family, with similar raucous notes and tendencies to cache food that are common to many species. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Clark's Nutcracker -- Nucifraga columbiana
An extremely rare vagrant species in Nebraska, with most records from the Pine Ridge area, but reported as far east as Douglas and Cass counties. Possibly bred near Harrison in l987 (Nebraska Bird Review 63:114).

Migration: Probably an irregular vagrant. Records extend from September 4 to November 9 in the fall, and from March 2 to June 25 in the spring, with the largest number of records for September.

Habitats: Throughout the year this species is normally associated with montane coniferous forests, but winter vagrants may appear almost anywhere.

Comments: The memories of these birds, which often cache seeds for months, and then are able to locate them accurately, is simply amazing. Although rare in Nebraska, they are popular birds in the mountains of Colorado, where they will sometimes take food from one's hand. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population increase during that period.


Black-billed Magpie -- Pica pica
A common permanent resident in western Nebraska, becoming rarer eastwardly, but present virtually statewide during winter months, when vagrants wander eastward. It breeds widely in the Plains States, from North Dakota south to Kansas and extreme northern New Mexico.

Habitats: Throughout the year the species normally frequents wooded canyons and river-bottom forests and forest edges, but ranges out into more arid environments wherever there are thickets of shrubs or small trees that provide nest sites.

Comments: Magpies are widespread and highly adaptable birds that seem to have their eastern breeding limits in the state rather rigidly limited to areas west of Grand Island. Their large stick nests, usually placed in low trees, are a certain indicator of breeding pairs in the area.. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


American Crow -- Corvus brachyrhynchos
A common to abundant spring and fall migrant statewide, and a common summer resident. Numbers are greatly increased in winter by migrants from farther north, so the species is present throughout the year. Breeding occurs over most of the Plains States region excepting the southwestern portions, and the species is a migrant throughout.

Habitats: Throughout the year this species occurs in a wide variety of forests, wooded river bottoms, suburban areas, orchards, parks and woodlots.

Comments: The familiar crow has become more of a city-adapted bird in recent decades, where is gains some safety from great horned owls and perhaps some large hawks. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20 to 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.


Chihuahuan Raven -- Corvus cryptoleucus
Previously an uncommon or local resident in Adams and Kearney counties; at present perhaps a rare and irregular breeder in the state, with a recent nesting record for Dundy County (Nebraska Bird Review 45:16) and a possible nest of this species (or perhaps an American crow) in the Grand Island area (Nebraska Bird Review 44:38-39). There are scattered sightings of vagrants elsewhere in the state, but the status of this species in the state remains very questionable. Regular breeding occurs from western Kansas and eastern Colorado southward.

Migration: Too few dates are available for an analysis. Six initial spring sightings range from January 1 to June 6, with no obvious clustering of dates. No fall departure dates are available.

Habitats: The usual breeding habitat consists of open and arid grasslands, with scattered trees, telephone poles, or windmills for nest sites. It is generally not associated with river valleys or heavily forested areas.

Comments: This species used to be called the "white-necked raven," but the white bases of the neck feathers are rarely visible. It is only slightly larger than the American crow, and has a slightly higher-pitched voice. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Common Raven -- Corvus corax
Extirpated or nearly so from Nebraska. Previously occurred and probably bred in western parts of the state, but extirpated by 1900. Recent sightings attributed to this species include two for Scotts Bluff County and one each for Adams and Douglas counties, all between March 31 and May 26. Similarities to the Chihuahuan raven make such sightings suspect, but the species does occur in the eastern plains of Colorado during winter months.

Habitats: This species is associated with open plains, canyons and forests throughout the year.

Comments: Perhaps the common raven will one day return to western Nebraska,, but the egg- and chick-eating tendencies of these birds make them a threat to many other species, and so its absence is not a great loss. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.



Family Alaudidae

Horned Lark -- Eremophila alpestris
A common to abundant spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide, and a common winter visitor as well. Several subspecies are present in the state at various times of the year. It breeds in or migrates through the entire Plains States region.

Habitats: A variety of low-stature open habitats are used by this species throughout the year, but in Nebraska it is mostly found in natural grasslands and cultivated fields. The sparse grasslands of the Sandhills are probably a nearly optimum habitat.

Comments: Probably few if any other species of songbirds are as common as the horned lark in the Nebraska Sandhills, although the coloration of the birds matches their substrate so well that they are usually overlooked until they fly, when their mostly black tails become apparent. 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 decline during that period.



Family Hirundinidae

Purple Martin -- Progne subis
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident throughout most of Nebraska, with the western limits generally east of a line from eastern Cherry County through Red Willow County. The range may still be expanding west, but presently Ogallala, Lewellen and Crescent Lake represent the approximate western limits. It breeds in the eastern parts of the Plains States, from North Dakota south to Texas.

Migration: The range of 143 initial spring sightings is from March 8 to June 5, with a median of April 10. Half of the records fall within the period March 27 to April 15. The range of 101 final fall sightings is from July 22 to October 15, with a median of August 30. Half of the records fall within the period August 20-September 15.

Habitats: Widespread in urban, suburban and rural habitats, usually fairly near water and always where suitable nesting cavities are available. Typically these are in birdhouses, but the birds sometimes also nest in clusters of gourds or even in unused woodpecker holes or crevices in old buildings.

Comments: Purple martins are sociable nesters that readily accept martin houses, although it is necessary to keep house sparrows from confiscating such locations before the martins arrive in mid-April. The houses must also be place fairly high, in obstacle-free locations, if they are to be used by the birds. 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 decline during that period.


Tree Swallow -- Iridoprocne bicolor
A common spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rare farther west, and uncommon to rare summer resident in the forested valley of the Missouri, extending locally westward as far as Cherry County in the Niobrara Valley and Garden County in the Platte Valley. It also breeds in the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri, and migrates throughout the Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 86 initial spring sightings is from March 20 to June 8, with a median of April 29. Half of the records fall within the period April 14-May 11. Twenty-eight final fall sightings are from July 25 to October 27, with a median of September 17. Half of the records fall within the period August 26-October 7.

Habitats: During summer this species occurs in open woodlands, usually fairly close to water. Woodpecker holes in dead trees, especially aspens and willows, are favorite nesting sites.

Comments: Tree swallows have benefited from the bluebird nest-box program in Nebraska and elsewhere, and have expanded their breeding range in the state accordingly. There nests are always feather-lined, unlike those of bluebirds, and they are as much of a delight to have on one's property as are bluebirds themselves. 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.


Violet-green Swallow -- Tachycineta thalassina
A local but common spring and fall migrant and summer resident in western Nebraska, including the Pine Ridge area, the Wildcat Hills, and the Scottsbluff area. Vagrants have appeared east to Perkins and Cuming counties during migration. It also breeds in western South Dakota, migrates through eastern Colorado, and has bred once in western Kansas .

Migration: Thirty-eight initial spring sightings range from April 17 to June 10, with a median of May 13. Half of the records fall within the period May 5-19. Four final fall sightings are from August 20 to September 5, with a mean of August 27.

Habitats: During summer, this species is found in open forests such as ponderosa pine forests or poplar woodlands, but sometimes also extends into urban areas, occasionally nesting in birdhouses. Old woodpecker holes are the usual nesting sites in forested areas.

Comments: Violet-green swallows are close relatives of tree swallows, but perhaps are even more attractive. The "racing stripe" white markings on their upper tail-coverts seem to be a perfect decorative touch to their plumage, and make for easy identification. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Northern Rough-winged Swallow -- Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident throughout Nebraska, but perhaps less common westwardly. It breeds in and migrates through virtually the entire Plains States.

Migration: The range of 136 initial spring sightings is from March 2 to May 29, with a median of April 28. Half of the records fall within the period April 18-May 6. Seventy-two final fall sightings are from July 21 to October 15, with a median of September 3. Half of the records fall within the period August 23-September 15.

Habitats: This is an open-country species, often found near rivers or creeks having exposed vertical banks of clay or other materials that can be excavated to provide nest sites. Unlike the colonial bank swallow, this species is a solitary nester.

Comments: Rough-winged swallows are among the most common swallows in eastern Nebraska, especially near streams having steep-sided mud banks. They also nest in natural cavities of rocky outcrops, although perhaps less frequently. They have even been found to accept horizontally installed drainpipes as nesting cavities. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Bank Swallow -- Riparia riparia
A common spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming less common westwardly, and a summer resident almost statewide, but less frequent in western areas. It also breeds throughout most of the Plains States, south to northeastern Kansas, and is a regular migrant farther south.

Migration: The range of 104 initial spring sightings is from March 20 to June 8, with a median of May 6. Half of the records fall within the period April 28-May 6. Sixty-five final fall sightings range from July 31 to October 29, with a median of September 8. Half of the records fall within the period August 23-September 15.

Habitats: While in Nebraska this species occurs in a variety of open habitats, especially grasslands and croplands, but is typically found near water and is dependent on suitable potential nest sites in the form of vertical banks of clay, sand or gravel that can be excavated by the birds.

Comments: Bank swallows are local nesters in the state, requiring rather large areas of barren road-cuts to support a breeding colony. The nearly vertical clay-like banks of loess that are common beside roads along the Missouri valley provide a perfect nesting situation for these birds. 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 decline during that period.


Cave Swallow -- Petrochelidon fulva
Accidental . Two birds were caught and banded at Cedar Point Biological Station, Keith County, on May 3l, l99l and June 26, l995 (Brown et al., 1996).


Cliff Swallow -- Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide. It also breeds in or migrates through the entire Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 125 initial spring sightings is from March 22 to June 10, with a median of April 28. Half of the records fall within the period April 29-May 18. The range of 101 final fall sightings is from July 22 to October 30, with a median of September 4. Half of the records fall within the period August 20-September 15.

Habitats: This species occurs over open areas of farmlands, towns, near cliffs, around bridges, and in other areas where mud supplies and potential nest sites exist on vertical and overhanging surfaces. Highly colonial, and often nesting in the same locations year after year.

Comments: There are few if any locations in America that support larger numbers of cliff swallows than the bridges, culverts, and similar structures in the central and western Platte Valley. Breeding colonies supporting up to several thousand nests are present in some locations, and the numbers of mosquitoes, midges and similar aerial insects that are consumed in a summer must be astronomical. 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.


Barn Swallow -- Hirundo rustica
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide. Judging from migration records, the most common of the swallows in Nebraska. It breeds in and migrates through the entire Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 155 initial spring sightings is from March 9 to June 10, with a median of April 23. Half of the records fall within the period April 18-30. The range of 119 final fall sightings is from August 5 to October 6, with a median of September 30. Half of the records fall between September 19 and October 6.

Habitats: Extremely widespread during the summer, this species occupies open forests, farmlands, suburbs, and rural areas, usually nesting on or inside buildings that have horizontal beams available for nesting sites. Typically colonial and sometimes nesting near or among cliff swallows.

Comments: This is one of the most familiar of our swallows, and few farms in the state lack at least one pair of these graceful birds. At times they will also nest in urban areas, often choosing porch eaves or carports for nest sites. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.



Family Paridae

Black-capped Chickadee -- Poecile atricapillus
A common permanent resident statewide. The population increases during winter months with the arrival of migrants from further north. Also breeds widely in the Plains States south to southern Kansas, and occurs as a migrant slightly farther south.

Habitats: Throughout the year this species is found in deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as orchards and woodlots. Nesting often occurs in edge situations or open areas of forests, but during the winter period the birds frequently appear at residential feeding stations, especially where suet is available.

Comments: Nearly everybody knows the chickadee by both voice and appearance, and it is a regular visitor at feeding stations where suet is available. It is a very hardy little bird, surviving sub-zero temperatures for long periods. Its song is lower-pitched and slower than that of the very similar Carolina chickadee. 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.


Carolina Chickadee -- Poecile carolinensis
Accidental . Specimens were captured in Fontenelle Forest, Sarpy County, in July of 1974, after the species was first heard in the forest in the winter of 1969 (Nebraska Bird Review 42:57). The species is resident from southern Kansas southward through Oklahoma and parts of Texas.
These records are considered unacceptable by the NOU Records Committee (1997)


Mountain Chickadee -- Poecile gambeli
An extremely rare winter visitor in western Nebraska. It has been reported at least eleven times in Scotts Bluff County, and one or more times in Lincoln, Dawson and Sioux counties. It has also been observed in western South Dakota, southwestern Kansas, and northwestern Oklahoma.

Migration: Records for this rare winter vagrant extent from October 5 to May 23. The largest number of records are for October (5), November (4) and December (4), followed by February and April, with two each.

Habitats: Normally associated with montane coniferous forests throughout the year, but winter vagrants may appear at residential feeding stations.

Comments: This species tends to replace the black-capped in coniferous forests, but they are very similar in size and behavior. Its whistled "fee-bee" call is extended to three or four notes that descend in pitch.


(Boreal Chickadee) -- Poecile hudsonicus
Hypothetical . A single individual was observed during the winter of 1972-73 in Lancaster County (Nebraska Bird Review 41:43). It has also been reported a few times in South Dakota and North Dakota, and breeds in northern Minnesota.


Tufted Titmouse -- Baeolophus bicolor
A common permanent resident in eastern Nebraska, with breeding largely limited to the Missouri's forested valley, north probably to the South Dakota border and west along the Big Blue Valley at least as far as Saline County. Elsewhere, it breeds from Iowa southward through Missouri and eastern Kansas to Oklahoma and northeastern Texas.

Habitats: Throughout most of its range this species is generally found in coniferous or deciduous forests, orchards, woodlots and suburban areas. At the edge of its range in Nebraska it is confined to bottomland deciduous forest.

Comments: The loud "Peter, Peter, Peter" call of this species is a certain indication of the presence of tufted titmice in an area, long before the bird is usually visible. Near Lincoln it is limited to the mature forests of Wilderness Park, but it is more common along the Missouri Valley. 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.



Family Sittidae

Red-breasted Nuthatch -- Sitta canadensis
A common winter visitor in eastern Nebraska and the Pine Ridge; generally uncommon elsewhere in the state. There is only one definite nesting record, for Nebraska National Forest, Cherry County in 1980. It may breed regularly in the Pine Ridge area, where nest-building has been observed in Sowbelly Canyon, Sioux County. It breeds regularly in the Black Hills and in northern Minnesota, and occurs as a migrant throughout the Plains States.

Migration: Seventy-two initial fall sightings range from August 10 to December 31, with a median of October 9. Half of the records fall within the period September 18-October 17. Thirty-nine final spring sightings are from January 4 to June 8, with a median of April 3. Half of the records fall within the period March 3-April 23.

Habitats: Except for the northern Panhandle, where the species probably breeds in coniferous forests, this bird is likely to be found in conifer plantations, mixed woodlands, and sometimes also appears at feeding stations during winter.

Comments: Over most of Nebraska this species is a winter visitor, especially around coniferous plantings. Its voice is similar to that of the white-breasted nuthatch, but is more rapid and higher-pitched.


White-breasted Nuthatch -- Sitta carolinensis
An uncommon permanent resident in eastern Nebraska, breeding in wooded habitats locally as far west as the Pine Ridge area in the Niobrara Valley and to at least Hall County in the Platte Valley. It also breeds widely in the other Plains States, mainly in eastern portions, but west locally to the Black Hills.

Habitats: In Nebraska this species is generally associated with fairly mature floodplain forests during the breeding season, while during the rest of the year it is more widespread and often visits residential feeding stations, especially where suet is provided.

Comments: The long, sharp beak of nuthatches adapts them to probing in the crevices of tree bark, feeding on some of the same insects that woodpeckers consume. The distinctive voice of this species reminds one of a toy trumpet or the bleating of a miniature sheep. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Pygmy Nuthatch -- Sitta pygmaea
Probably a local but regular permanent resident of the Pine Ridge area. A single nesting record exists, for Sioux County (Nebraska Bird Review 40:70). It also nests at Ash Creek Canyon, northeastern Dawes County, and probably in Chadron State Park, Dawes County as well as in the Wildcat Hills, Scotts Bluff County (nest excavation seen by author). Vagrants sometimes appear east to Lancaster County. It is also a permanent resident of the Black Hills.

Habitats: Throughout the year this species is generally associated with ponderosa pines, especially those growing in open, park-like situations. In the winter, vagrants may appear along cottonwood-lined rivers, often in small flocks.

Comments: Pygmy nuthatches are tiny nuthatches that feed in the same manner as the larger species, and they have a voice that is even higher pitched and the notes more rapid than in the red-breasted nuthatch. There are only a few definite nest records for the state so far, which are for Sioux County, plus some possible single records for Dawes and Douglas counties. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population decline during that period.


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