A conservation effort in California is underway to save one of the state’s most endangered birds: the tricolored blackbird. Once numbering in the millions, this unique species has faced a perilous decline.
But now, thanks to an unprecedented collaboration between conservationists, farmers, and government agencies, there could be a brighter future for this often-overlooked bird.
The Plight of the Tricolored Blackbird
Tricolored blackbirds have suffered dramatic population declines over the past century, largely due to the loss of their native wetland habitat. With over 95% of the global population breeding in California, this species is highly vulnerable.(ref)
In recent decades, many of the largest breeding colonies have shifted to nesting in agricultural fields, particularly triticale crops grown for dairy cattle feed. This has led to a deadly conflict, as harvest often coincides with the nesting season, resulting in the destruction of countless nests, eggs, and young birds.
Historically, tricolored blackbirds bred in immense colonies in natural freshwater wetlands of California’s Central Valley, with populations numbering in the millions. However, over 95% of these wetlands disappeared between the 1930s and 1980s due to human activity, leading to a reduction in the tricolored blackbird population.(ref) By 1991, their breeding population had fallen to approximately 35,000 adults.
A Groundbreaking Conservation Plan
In response to this crisis, a diverse alliance of environmental, agricultural, and government leaders came together to develop a pioneering Conservation Plan for the tricolored blackbird. This comprehensive strategy aims to boost populations through a combination of long-term conservation planning and short-term interventions.
By focusing on cooperative conservation efforts that benefit the birds, farmers, wildlife agencies, and conservation organizations, the plan represents a new paradigm in species recovery.
The Tricolored Blackbird Working Group, formed in the early 2000s, brings together farmers, agricultural associations, governmental agencies, researchers, and conservation organizations to implement the Conservation Plan. Their goal is to reverse the population decline and increase the tricolored blackbird population to more than 750,000.(ref)
Protecting Nesting Colonies
One key aspect of the conservation effort involves expanded surveys to locate and protect active breeding colonies each year. Conservationists collaborate with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other partners to safeguard these colonies, particularly those in agricultural fields. By working with farmers to delay harvest until after the nesting cycle is complete, thousands of tricolored blackbird nests can be saved.
In 2016, through cooperative agreements with farmers, all tricolored blackbird colonies found on agricultural fields were protected for the first time. Eight farmers delayed their harvest, resulting in the protection of about 60,000 nesting tricolored blackbirds.
By 2021, more than 170,000 adult tricolored blackbirds were protected on 11 dairy farms across four counties in the San Joaquin Valley.
Creating Alternative Nesting Habitat
In addition to protecting existing colonies, conservationists are also working to create alternative nesting habitat for the tricolored blackbird.
By restoring and managing wetlands specifically for this species, they aim to provide secure breeding sites that are less vulnerable to human disturbance. This habitat restoration work is critical for the long-term recovery of the species.
A Model for Collaborative Conservation
The success of the tricolored blackbird conservation effort demonstrates the power of collaboration and proactive intervention. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and implementing a science-based plan, conservationists have been able to make significant strides in protecting this imperiled species.
The Tricolored Blackbird Working Group continues to guide conservation efforts through habitat conservation projects, research to better understand the species’ life history, monitoring to document population trends, and outreach to enhance public awareness and support.
With sustained collaborative action, there is hope for the long-term survival of this unique and important bird.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.