Code
CCBTR-23-03
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
The eastern black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis) is one of two subspecies that occur in North America. The form is listed as endangered in six states along the Atlantic Coast and has been recently listed as threatened at the federal level. Black rails have experienced a southward range contraction within historical times and a catastrophic decline over the past 30 years at least throughout the northern portion of the breeding range. Historic population size was likely in the tens of thousands but is now believed to be in the low thousands to hundreds. The underlying cause for declines of coastal populations is believed to be ongoing rises in sea-level and associated drops in key demographic parameters though the expansion of Phragmites australis australis throughout the east coast may have also contributed to their decline. Given the secretive nature of this marsh dwelling bird, and associated bird species, little is known about its occurrence, distribution, and abundance at Cape (CALO) Lookout or Cape Hatteras (CAHA) National Seashores. An Inventory of marsh birds is required to inform management decisions on a cabin relocation project (demolition and construction), road/trail construction, dock construction, and dredging projects associated with hurricane recovery in a near marsh habitat. In addition, accurate population surveys for the eastern black rail would benefit CALO management of future critical habitat designations. During the 2022 field season, we conducted 613 surveys at 219 survey points on North Core, South Core, and Shackleford Island. We conducted an additional 16 surveys at 16 points at Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge. These surveys resulted in the detection of 209 Clapper Rails at 97 points, 150 Seaside Sparrows at 60 points, 18 Virginia Rails at 10 points, a single Marsh Wren, and 11 Black Rails at 7 points. Black Rails detections on CALO were restricted to the high marsh habitat on the northern end of North Core Banks. 6 detections were recorded at three points. Detections at 3 points result in a raw occupancy of 1.37%.
Topic
Abund/Distr, Habitat Quality/Use/Movement
Species
Black Rail, .MARSHBIRDS
Source
Center for Conservation Biology Technical Report Series, CCBTR-23-03
Recommended Citation
Paxton, B. J. 2023. Black Rail Inventory at Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras National Seashores, Interim Report for 2022: Surveys of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Center for Conservation Biology Technical Report Series: CCBTR-23-03. William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA. 15 pp.
