Kirtland's warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 11

Technical Summary

Dendroica kirtlandii

Kirtland’s Warbler – Paruline de Kirtland

Range of Occurrence in Canada:

Ontario, Québec

Extent and Area Information

Extent of occurrence (EO) (km²)
[explain source of information and calculation]:

Unknown

Specify trend in EO :

Unknown

Are there extreme fluctuations in EO?

Not likely

Area of occupancy (AO) (km²)
[explain source of information and calculation]:

Unknown

Specify trend in AO :

Unknown

Are there extreme fluctuations in AO?

Not likely

Number of known or inferred current locations :

One

Specify trend in # :

Likely stable

Are there extreme fluctuations in number of locations?

Not likely

Specify trend in area, extent or quality of habitat :

Relatively stable, although quality changes with succession

Population Information

Generation time (average age of parents in the population) :

1-2 years

Number of mature individuals :

Unknown but likely < 10

Total population trend:

Unknown

% decline over the last/next 10 years or 3 generations.

Unknown

Are there extreme fluctuations in number of mature individuals?

Not likely

Is the total population severely fragmented?

Unknown

Specify trend in number of populations :

Stable

Are there extreme fluctuations in number of populations?

No

List populations with number of mature individuals in each:

 

Threats (actual or imminent threats to populations or habitats)

Reduction in habitat quality from fire suppression, loss and fragmentation of jack pine stands, and cowbird parasitism in some areas

Rescue Effect (immigration from an outside source)

Status of outside population(s)?

Increasing

Is immigration known or possible?

Possible

Would immigrants be adapted to survive in Canada?

Yes

Is there sufficient habitat for immigrants in Canada?

Yes

Is rescue from outside populations likely?

Yes, populations in Michigan could provide source

Quantitative Analysis

Current Status

COSEWIC: Endangered (2000 and 2008)

Status and Reasons for Designation

Status: Endangered

Alpha-numeric code: D1

Reasons for Designation: This warbler is a globally endangered species that occurs in very small numbers in Ontario and possibly Quebec. It is a habitat specialist and extremely vulnerable to cowbird nest parasitism. Habitat management and cowbird control in Michigan, the core of its range, have resulted in population increases, which could provide a source of birds for Canada. However, the U.S. population is still small and the number of sightings in Canada has remained low and constant since 1990, so there is no evidence of rescue for the Canadian population.

Applicability of Criteria

  • Criterion A (Declining Total Population): Does not meet criterion.
  • Criterion B (Small Distribution, and Decline or Fluctuation): Does not meet criterion.
  • Criterion C (Small Total Population Size and Decline): Does not meet criterion.
  • Criterion D (Very Small Population or Restricted Distribution): Meets criterion for Endangered D1 with < 250 mature individuals.
  • Criterion E (Quantitative Analysis): None

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