Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2005MA45B

Cryptic Marsh Birds as Bioindicators of Wetland Health

Institute: Massachusetts
Year Established: 2005 Start Date: 2005-03-01 End Date: 2006-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $5,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $11,786

Principal Investigators: Brian Tavernia, J. Reed

Project Summary: Freshwater wetlands in Massachusetts are threatened by exotic invasive plant species such as purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and phragmites (Phragmites australis). Invasion by these exotic wetland plants effectively reduces habitat for native wildlife, and is of particular concern to state-listed species. The impacts of wetland loss have been especially studied in birds , partly because of their potential as bioindicators.

This projects goals are to determine (1) the status in Massachusetts of cryptic marsh birds that currently are state-listed (as endangered, threatened, or of concern), or are proposed for listing; and (2) their relationships to the presence and abundance of exotic wetland plants

The PI and several assistants will survey up to 177 wetlands throughout Massachusetts for cryptic marsh birds. Birds will be surveyed using broadcast calls to elicit vocalizations from local birds. In conjunction with these surveys, we will create maps showing the locations of birds relative to major vegetation types. In addition, field maps of wetland edges and boundaries of major vegetation types will be made from color-enhanced aerial photographs, and data will be recorded in GIS.

The results of this study will indicate whether cryptic marsh birds are sensitive to the presence and abundance of exotic wetland plants, and if there is a difference in effect among the plant species.