Western Purple Martin (Progne subis arboricola) Occurrence on the Siuslaw National Forest, Summer 2019

Open-File Report 2020-1130
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Abstract

The western subspecies of the purple martin (Progne subis arboricola) is currently listed as a “critically” sensitive species in four ecoregions of western Oregon: Coast Range, Klamath Mountains, West Cascades, and Willamette Valley (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2019). Importantly distinct from the abundant and widespread eastern subspecies (Progne subis subis), the western subspecies is of particular concern to Federal forest managers. Whereas the eastern subspecies is almost entirely dependent on artificial human-provided housing, the western subspecies continues to rely on natural cavities for nesting habitat (Bettinger, 2003). Accurate estimates of the regional abundance of the western purple martin are difficult to obtain; the most recent statewide census for Oregon, conducted in 2005, estimated the population at 1,100 pairs (Western Purple Martin Working Group, 2010). Several factors, including a small population size, loss of breeding habitat, and reductions in the number of suitable nesting sites have put populations of the western purple martin at risk throughout much of the Pacific Northwest region (Rockwell, 2019).

Suggested Citation

Hagar, J.C., and Branch, E.C., 2020, Western purple martin (Progne subis arboricola) occurrence on the Siuslaw National Forest, summer 2019: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2020-1130, 25 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201130.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Background
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited
  • Appendix A
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Western purple martin (Progne subis arboricola) occurrence on the Siuslaw National Forest, Summer 2019
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2020-1130
DOI 10.3133/ofr20201130
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Description iv, 25 p.
Country United States
State Oregon
Other Geospatial Siuslaw National Forest
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details