| Why
Study Golden-winged Warblers? The
Golden-winged Warbler is declining precipitously in the northeastern U.S. (7.6% per year
in USFWS Region 5), while increasing in the northern and northwestern portions of its
range where farmland abandonment and clear cutting is common. The decline may be due, in
part, to a loss of shrubland habitat. In addition, this decline correlates with the range
expansion of the Blue-winged Warbler into the range of the Golden-winged Warbler. The
northward expansion and resultant zone of overlap has led not only to increased
competition, but also to widespread interbreeding between the Golden-winged and
Blue-winged warblers. Because of this wide-spread hybridization, populations of pure
Golden-winged Warblers may soon disappear after the arrival of the Blue-wings. Thus, the
atlases produced through GOWAP will address two management needs that relate to the
currently changing range of the Golden-winged Warbler and interactions with the
Blue-winged Warbler.
Project Objectives
- Identify important populations of Golden-winged Warblers in each state and physiographic
area and determine the status of these populations.
- Determine the range of acceptable habitats and area requirements (if any) of
Golden-winged Warblers, especially in relation to natural vs. human-created habitat types.
- Delineate key sites for acquisition, protection or management; identify habitat types,
general ownership, and level of threats at each site.
- Map the frequency of hybridization with Blue-winged Warblers throughout the range of
Golden-winged Warblers.
- Define the parameters that constitute a "safe haven" site for Golden-winged
Warblers in the regions of coexistence with Blue-winged Warblers.
- Develop management strategies to protect or enhance "safe haven" populations
throughout the species' range.
- Incorporate population objectives and management strategies for Golden-winged Warblers
into the PIF regional planning process.
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