At a glance through national or state bird guides you’ll see much information on many of Missouri’s birds, but one assemblage of species has slipped beneath the radar…the marsh-dwelling birds known as Rails and their close kin. King, Virginia, Black, and Yellow Rails, Sora, and Least and American Bitterns are secretive birds that dwell in habitats difficult to access. Due to wetland habitat loss, populations of these species have been in serious decline.
Bird surveys conducted with a standardized protocol, such as the Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) have been found to be unreliable for the secretive marsh birds. Researchers have teamed for the last decade to establish an the most effect survey method for marsh birds and have developed the Standardized North American Marsh Bird Monitoring Protocols.We will a address the need to for more information on these birds beginning in 2012 using the standardized protocol in Missouri. MRBO is working with the MDC, NRCS, FWS, and the Central Hardwoods Joint Venture to plan surveys. Using scientific rigor in selecting survey locations we will:
- Establish 100-200 survey points in wetlands across Missouri.
- Conduct surveys at each point during three windows: April, May, and 1 June – 15 July.
- Provide all data to the MDC, NRCS, USFWS and CHJV for incorporation into habitat management strategies and, in the case of Virginia Rail and Sora, to provide information supporting harvest limits.
We plan to expand upon the 2012 effort to aid in long-term monitoring through the foreseeable future, which will further give insights into population trend analysis. Additionally, data will provide a starting point for addressing other questions such as, “What is the response of specific marsh bird species in Missouri to hydrological management regimes? What are marsh bird migration pathways and how are they important to harvest management?”
Further research regarding the vocalization rates of marsh birds and the efficacy of the standard protocol will be accomplished with the deployment of Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs). We hope to improve current survey protocol by using these recording devises to assess impact of human observer bias and measure species response to broadcasts by determining natural temporal rates of vocalizations.
MRBO Assistant Director Ethan Duke will serve as Principal Investigator for the state-wide program. Our first surveys will begin in 2012 and in following years phase into a volunteer effort. The North American Marsh Bird Program was designed to incorporate volunteer involvement and will run well in the hands of the environmental stewardship of Missourians.
Important Marsh Bird Project Information
A Sampling Design Framework
USGS Marsh Birds Database
Marsh Bird Standardized Survey Protocol
A King Rail (Rallus elegans)
US Fish and Wildlife Service photo.
Conservation in Missouri through research, education, and outreach
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Contact Information
Director: Dana Ripper: dana.ripper@mrbo.org
Assistant Director: Ethan Duke: ethan.duke@mrbo.org
MRBO Office: 660.886.8788
A 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization located in Marshall, MO
