Why Study Cerulean Warblers?

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Why Study Ceruleans?

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Why Study Cerulean Warblers?

The Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea) received one of the highest overall rankings in the national PIF prioritization scheme, and it ranks second in terms of immediate conservation concern in the Northeast (Rosenberg and Wells 1995). These priority rankings reflect both a small total population and a significant declining trend in the region (3.2% per year since 1966, based on Breeding Bird Survey data). In portions of the Northeast, however, Cerulean Warblers are thought to be expanding their range and population size. In many parts of its range, the species is not adequately sampled by the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) because of its low overall population density and patchy distribution. Accurate population trends, therefore, are unusually difficult to estimate.

Based on a recent draft status assessment of Cerulean Warblers for the USFWS (Hamel, unpublished report), it is clear that little or no reliable information on this species is available for many areas. Conservation planning for regional populations of Cerulean Warblers is hampered by our poor knowledge of the species' population status, habitat affinities, area requirements, and threats, even in areas that hold the bulk of the population (such as Pennsylvania and Western Virginia). The best hope we have for filling these gaps in our knowledge is by coordinating efforts of professional biologists and experienced birders through a simple protocol designed to survey Cerulean Warblers throughout the region.

The final report, "An Atlas of Cerulean Warbler Populations," is now complete and has been submitted to the USFWS.

Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Road
Ithaca, NY 14850

Phone: (607) 254-2465
Fax: (607) 254-2415
e-mail