Harris’s sparrow (Zonotrichia querula): COSEWIC assessment and status report 2017

Harris’s Sparrow

Harris’s Sparrow
Photo: © by Ron Ridout (with permission)

Special concern
2017

Table of contents

List of figures

  • Figure 1. Global distribution of Harris’s Sparrow during breeding (light gray; adapted from James et al. 1976; Cadman 2007) and wintering (dark gray; adapted from National Audubon Society 2015; eBird 2016; Norment et al. 2016) seasons, including irregular occurrences within dashed lines.
  • Figure 2. Harris’s Sparrow breeding evidence during the Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas, 2010-2014 (MBBA 2015).
  • Figure 3. Harris’s Sparrow breeding evidence during the 2nd (2001-2005) Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, 2010-2014 (Cadman et al. 1987 and 2007).
  • Figure 4. Annual trends of Harris’s Sparrow observations (1980 – 2014) from the Christmas Bird Count (National Audubon Society 2015), in the USA, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
  • Figure 5. eBird records (eBird 2016) of Harris’s Sparrow (2004 – 2014), December – February in the core non-breeding states within the USA.
  • Figure 6. Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory trends of Harris’s Sparrow (1994 – 2014) in spring.
  • Figure 7. Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory trends of Harris’s Sparrow (1993 – 2014) in fall.
  • Figure 8. Delta Marsh Bird Observatory trends of Harris’s Sparrow (2006 – 2010), spring.
  • Figure 9. Delta Marsh Bird Observatory trends of Harris’s Sparrow (1993 – 2010), fall.

List of tables

  • Table 1. Summary of Harris’s Sparrow population trends over the past 10 and 35 years, according to the Christmas Bird Count (National Audubon Society 2015).
  • Table 2. Summary of Harris’s Sparrow population trends over the past ten years, according to eBird (2016) data adjusted to the frequency of observation during the December 1 – February 28 period of 2004 – 2014.

List of appendices

  • Appendix 1. Threats assessment worksheet for Harris’s Sparrow.

 

Document information

COSEWIC Assessment and status report on the Harris’s Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula) in Canada, 2017

COSEWIC Assessment and status report on the Harris’s Sparrow

COSEWIC
Committee on the Status
of Endangered Wildlife
in Canada

COSEWIC logo

COSEPAC
Comité sur la situation
des espèces en péril
au Canada

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) status reports are working documents used in assigning the status of wildlife species suspected of being at risk. This report may be cited as follows:

COSEWIC. 2017. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Harris’s Sparrow Zonotrichia querula in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 36 pp. (Species at Risk Public Registry website).

Production note:

COSEWIC would like to acknowledge Natural Resource Solutions Inc. (Kenneth Burrell) for writing the status report on Harris’s Sparrow, Zonotrichia querula, in Canada, prepared under contract with Environment and Climate Change Canada. This report was overseen and edited by Marcel Gahbauer, Co-chair of the COSEWIC Birds Specialist Subcommittee

For additional copies contact:

COSEWIC Secretariat
c/o Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0H3

Tel.: 819-938-4125
Fax: 819-938-3984
E-mail: COSEWIC E-mail
Website: COSEWIC

Également disponible en français sous le titre Ếvaluation et Rapport de situation du COSEPAC sur le Bruant à face noire (Zonotrichia querula) au Canada.

Cover illustration/photo:

Harris’s Sparrow -- photo by Ron Ridout (with permission).

COSEWIC assessment summary

Assessment summary - November 2017

Common name
Harris’s Sparrow
Scientific name
Zonotrichia querula
Status
Special concern
Reason for designation
This northern ground-nesting bird is the only songbird that breeds exclusively in Canada. Data from Christmas Bird Counts in the US Midwest wintering grounds show a significant long-term decline of 59% over the past 35 years, including 16% over the past decade. The species may be affected by climate change on the breeding grounds, while threats on the wintering grounds include habitat loss, pesticide use, road mortality, and predation by feral cats.
Occurrence
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario
Status history
Designated Special Concern in April 2017.

COSEWIC executive summary

Harris’s Sparrow
Zonotrichia querula

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Harris’s Sparrow is a large sparrow with a distinctive black hood and bib. Both sexes have similar plumage. Non-breeding and first-year birds are similar to each other in plumage, lacking much of the black bib and facial patterning found in breeding individuals. Harris’s Sparrow is the only passerine that breeds exclusively in Canada.

Distribution

Harris’s Sparrow is a long-distance temperate migrant that is found exclusively in North America. The species breeds along the tree-line in northern Canada (Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and irregularly Ontario), and winters in the central Midwest region of the United States (regularly in Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and irregularly in Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and South Dakota). Because of limited accessibility of the breeding range, relatively little is known about the species in Canada.

Habitat

Harris’s Sparrow favours a mosaic of upland and tundra, with scattered lakes. Breeding territories typically include coniferous trees; densities are highest where forest stands are dominated by spruce or tamarack, interspersed with shrubs typically <1 m tall. In winter and during migration, the species frequents a variety of habitats, with riparian thickets, grasslands, woodland edges, hedgerows, and willow thickets commonly used.

Biology

Harris’s Sparrow is a socially monogamous breeder that consumes fruits, seeds, and insects. Throughout the breeding season, the species is initially heavily dependent on fruits, before switching its diet as the breeding season progresses to include more insects and seeds as snow cover disappears. Nests are constructed and incubated by the female and are placed on the ground in densely concealed ground vegetation. Average clutch size is 4.07 eggs, with a range of 3 – 5 eggs. Incubation lasts 12 – 13.5 days and young fledge after 8.5 – 10 days. Research on the Thelon River in Northwest Territories documented a hatching rate of 76%, fledging rate of 62.5%, and overall nest success rate of 47.5%, with 2.07 fledged young per pair.

Population Sizes and Trends

The global population, which breeds exclusively in Canada, is estimated at 500,000 – 5,000,000 individuals, with the most recent estimates indicating ~2,000,000 individuals.

Christmas Bird Count (CBC) data indicate a significant long-term rate of annual decline of -2.58% between 1980 and 2014, amounting to a total population loss of 59% over the last 35 years. Over the most recent 10-year period (2004 to 2014), CBC data show a decline of -1.77% per year amounting to a cumulative loss of 16%.

Threats and Limiting Factors

Throughout the wintering grounds in the Midwestern United States, the conversion of grassland and fringe lands for agricultural purposes is thought to be a factor in the decline of Harris’s Sparrow. Pesticide use throughout the wintering grounds has been linked to declines in Harris’s Sparrow; while the relative influence of this factor is unknown, it is anticipated to be negative and potentially considerable in severity.

Within the breeding range, concerns include habitat loss linked to deforestation near the northern edge of the species’ range associated with forest fires, quarries and mine development, and climate change, which may reduce suitable breeding habitat while allowing ectoparasites and mammalian predators, such as Red Fox, to spread north.

More studies are needed to assess the species throughout its annual life cycle and assess the relative importance of different threats on its breeding and wintering grounds.

Protection, Status and Ranks

Harris’s Sparrow and its nest and eggs are protected in Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. The Act prohibits the sale or possession of migratory birds and their nests, and any activities that are harmful to migratory birds, their eggs, or their nests, except as permitted under the Migratory Birds Regulations. It is protected in the United States under the Migratory Birds Treaty Act.

Harris’s Sparrow is ranked as globally secure by NatureServe. Within Canada the species is ranked as secure nationally, secure in Alberta and Saskatchewan and vulnerable in Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. COSEWIC assessed this species as Special Concern in April 2017.

Technical summary

Scientific name:
Zonotrichia querula
English name:
Harris’s Sparrow
French name:
Bruant à face noire
Range of occurrence in Canada:
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario

Demographic information

Demographic information
Summary items Information
Generation time ­2 to 3 yrs
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected] continuing decline in number of mature individuals? Yes, observed
Estimated percent of continuing decline in total number of mature individuals within [5 years or 2 generations] Unknown
[Observed, estimated, inferred, or suspected] percent [reduction or increase] in total number of mature individuals over the last [10 years, or 3 generations]. 16% reduction observed over the most recent 10-year period of data from the Christmas Bird Count
[Projected or suspected] percent [reduction or increase] in total number of mature individuals over the next [10 years, or 3 generations]. Unknown, but long-term decline expected to continue unless threats are identified and addressed.
[Observed, estimated, inferred, or suspected] percent [reduction or increase] in total number of mature individuals over any [10 years, or 3 generations] period, over a time period including both the past and the future. Unknown, but long-term decline expected to continue unless threats are identified and addressed.
Are the causes of the decline a. clearly reversible and b. understood and c. ceased? a. Unknown
b. No
c. No
Are there extreme fluctuations in number of mature individuals No

Extent and occupancy information

Extent and occupancy information
Summary items Information
Estimated extent of occurrence Based on a minimum convex polygon provided in Figure 1 1,368,784 km2 (breeding range)
1,377,973 km2 (wintering range)
Index of area of occupancy (IAO)
(Always report 2x2 grid value).
>2,000 km2
Is the population “severely fragmented” ie. is >50% of its total area of occupancy in habitat patches that are (a) smaller than would be required to support a viable population, and (b) separated from other habitat patches by a distance larger than the species can be expected to disperse? a. No
b. No
!!!(use plausible range to reflect uncertainty if appropriate) Unknown, but >10
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected] decline in extent of occurrence? Unknown
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected] decline in index of area of occupancy? Unknown
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected] decline in number of subpopulations? N/A
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected] decline in !!!? Unknown
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected] decline in [area, extent and/or quality] of habitat? Unknown
Are there extreme fluctuations in number of subpopulations? N/A
Are there extreme fluctuations in !!!? No
Are there extreme fluctuations in extent of occurrence? No
Are there extreme fluctuations in index of area of occupancy? No

Number of mature individuals (in each subpopulation)

Number of mature individuals (in each subpopulation)
Population N Mature Individuals
blank cell Crude estimate ranging between 500,000 – 5,000,000 (Blancher et al. 2007); more recent estimate of 2,000,000 based on Rosenberg et al. (2016).
Total 2,000,000

Quantitative analysis

Quantitative analysis
Summary items Information
Probability of extinction in the wild. Quantitative analysis not undertaken

Threats (actual or imminent, to populations or habitats, from highest impact to least)

Threats (actual or imminent, to populations or habitats, from highest impact to least)
Summary items Information
Was a threats calculator completed for this species and if so, by whom?

Yes, on September 26, 2016 by Kenneth Burrell, Dave Fraser, Marcel Gahbauer, Suzanne Carrière, Richard Elliot, Pam Sinclair, Myles Lamont, Chris Norment, Rudolf Koes, Jim Rising, Samuel Hache, Amy Ganton, Joanna James. Overall threat of high-medium, based on:

  • Direct and indirect effects of agricultural and forestry pesticides (high-low)
  • Habitat conversion in relation to housing and urban areas on the wintering grounds (low)
  • Collision risk from roads and railroads (low)
  • Invasive non-native/alien species, in particular cat predation on the wintering grounds (low)

Habitat conversion for agriculture, renewable energy, fire and fire suppression, and climate change are among the other potential threats that may affect Harris’s Sparrow, but not enough is known to evaluate their effects at this time.

Rescue effect (immigration from outside Canada)

Rescue effect (immigration from outside Canada)
Summary items Information
Status of outside population(s) most likely to provide immigrants to Canada. N/A. Species’ breeding range is found exclusively in Canada.
Is immigration known or possible? N/A
Would immigrants be adapted to survive in Canada? N/A
Is there sufficient habitat for immigrants in Canada? N/A
Are conditions deteriorating in Canada? !!! N/A
Are conditions for the source population deteriorating? !!! N/A
Is the Canadian population considered to be a sink? !!! N/A
Is rescue from outside populations likely? N/A

Data sensitive species

Data sensitive species
Summary items Information
Is this a data sensitive species? No; the species is widely distributed and still relatively common throughout the breeding range in Canada.

Status history

Status history
Summary items Information
COSEWIC: Designated Special Concern in April 2017.

Status and reasons for designation:

Status and reasons for designation:
Summary items Information
Status Special Concern
Alpha-numeric codes Not applicable
Reasons for designation: This northern ground-nesting bird is the only songbird that breeds exclusively in Canada. Data from Christmas Bird Counts in the US Midwest wintering grounds show a significant long-term decline of 59% over the past 35 years, including 16% over the past decade. The species may be affected by climate change on the breeding grounds, while threats on the wintering grounds include habitat loss, pesticide use, road mortality, and predation by feral cats.

Applicability of criteria

Applicability of criteria
Summary items Information
Criterion A (Decline in Total Number of Mature Individuals) Not applicable, as the decline over the past 10 years is ~16%.
Criterion B (Small Distribution Range and Decline or Fluctuation) Not applicable, given extensive distribution.
Criterion C (Small and Declining Number of Mature Individuals) Not applicable, given population estimate of ~2 million.
Criterion D (Very Small or Restricted Population) Not applicable, given population estimate of ~2 million.
Criterion E (Quantitative Analysis) Not assessed.

COSEWIC history

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) was created in 1977 as a result of a recommendation at the Federal-Provincial Wildlife Conference held in 1976. It arose from the need for a single, official, scientifically sound, national listing of wildlife species at risk. In 1978, COSEWIC designated its first species and produced its first list of Canadian species at risk. Species designated at meetings of the full committee are added to the list. On June 5, 2003, the Species at Risk Act (SARA) was proclaimed. SARA establishes COSEWIC as an advisory body ensuring that species will continue to be assessed under a rigorous and independent scientific process.

COSEWIC mandate

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assesses the national status of wild species, subspecies, varieties, or other designatable units that are considered to be at risk in Canada. Designations are made on native species for the following taxonomic groups: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, arthropods, molluscs, vascular plants, mosses, and lichens.

COSEWIC membership

COSEWIC comprises members from each provincial and territorial government wildlife agency, four federal entities (Canadian Wildlife Service, Parks Canada Agency, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Federal Biodiversity Information Partnership, chaired by the Canadian Museum of Nature), three non-government science members and the co-chairs of the species specialist subcommittees and the Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge subcommittee. The Committee meets to consider status reports on candidate species.

Definitions (2016)

Wildlife species
A species, subspecies, variety, or geographically or genetically distinct population of animal, plant or other organism, other than a bacterium or virus, that is wild by nature and is either native to Canada or has extended its range into Canada without human intervention and has been present in Canada for at least 50 years.
Extinct (X)
A wildlife species that no longer exists.
Extirpated (XT)
A wildlife species no longer existing in the wild in Canada, but occurring elsewhere.
Endangered (E)
A wildlife species facing imminent extirpation or extinction.
Threatened (T)
A wildlife species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed.
Special concern (SC)
(Note: Formerly described as “Vulnerable” from 1990 to 1999, or “Rare” prior to 1990.)
A wildlife species that may become a threatened or an endangered species because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.
Not at risk (NAR)
(Note: Formerly described as “Not in any category”, or “No designation required.”)
A wildlife species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk of extinction given the current circumstances.
Data deficient (DD)
(Note: Formerly described as “Indeterminate” from 1994 to 1999 or “ISIBD” [insufficient scientific information on which to base a designation] prior to 1994. Definition of the [DD] category revised in 2006.)
A category that applies when the available information is insufficient (a) to resolve a species’ eligibility for assessment or (b) to permit an assessment of the species’ risk of extinction.

The Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, provides full administrative and financial support to the COSEWIC Secretariat.

Wildlife species description and significance

Name and classification

Scientific Name: Zonotrichia querula (Nuttall, 1840)

English Name: Harris’s Sparrow

French Name: Bruant à face noire

Class: Aves

Order: Passeriformes

Family: Emberizidae

Genus: Zonotrichia

Species: Zonotrichia querula

Classification follows the American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU 1998; Chesser et al. 2015). No geographic variation or subspecies are recognized (AOU 1998; Norment et al. 2016). Currently there are five species within the genus Zonotrichia (AOU 1998).

Morphological description

Harris’s Sparrow is a large sparrow (body length: 17-20 cm, body mass: 30-45 g) with a distinctive facial and breast pattern. Both sexes have similar plumage. Breeding adults have a well-defined black hood and bib, which includes black throughout the front of the face and the top of the head extending to the nape and upper throat. Black streaking occurs throughout the breast and flanks. The bill and legs are a fleshy pink. The wings are dominated by two white wing bars, while the remainder of the wings and back are mottled brown and gray. Non-breeding and first-year birds are similar to each other in plumage, lacking much of the black bib and facial patterning found on breeding individuals. Variation in the amount of black in the face and bib occurs, with older birds and males typically showing more black, while the face is primarily brown and gray. Vocalizations for the species are similar to other species in the genus, specifically the first part of the White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) song. The song is described as a plaintive whistle by Semple and Sutton (1932) and a one-toned whistled “seeeeeee seeee seeee” by Sibley (2000). Aging of individuals, particularly first-year birds, is possible by examining retained juvenile flight feathers (Pyle 1997; Norment et al. 2016).

Population spatial structure and variability

No evidence exists for population structuring within the species’ population. The species’ population is contiguous throughout the breeding range; no significant barriers to dispersal and movement have been identified. There is a clinal increase in clutch size as latitude increases (Norment 1992a,b).

Designatable units

No subspecies have been recognized for Harris’s Sparrow (AOU 1998; Norment et al. 2016); all Harris’s Sparrows breeding in Canada are within a single population and therefore only one designable unit is considered in this report.

Special significance

Harris’s Sparrow is the only endemic breeding passerine in Canada (Norment et al. 2016). The species is one of the last North American songbird species to have its nests and eggs discovered, in 1931, with relatively little known about its basic breeding ecology until recently (Norment et al. 2016).

No Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge is currently available for this species.

Distribution

Global range

Harris’s Sparrow is a medium-distance temperate migrant that is found exclusively in North America. The species breeds along the treeline in northern Canada (Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and irregularly Ontario), and winters in the central Midwest region of the United States (South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Iowa). The core of the winter range includes north-central Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska (Figure 1). Migratory routes are not well understood, but are expected to follow a narrow band between the breeding and wintering grounds. Additionally, the species winters, as a vagrant, in scattered peripheral locations throughout the lower 48 contiguous US states and less so in southern Canada and extreme northern Mexico (National Audubon Society 2015; eBird 2016).

Figure 1. Global distribution of Harris’s Sparrow during breeding (light gray; adapted from James et al. 1976; Cadman 2007) and wintering (dark gray; adapted from National Audubon Society 2015; eBird 2016; Norment et al. 2016) seasons, including irregular occurrences within dashed lines.
Global distribution of Harris’s Sparrow during breeding (light  gray; adapted from James et al. 1976
Long description for Figure 1

Map showing the global distribution of the Harris’s Sparrow in North America. The species breeds along the treeline in northern Canada (in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and irregularly Ontario) and winters in the central Midwest region of the United States (in South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Iowa).

 

Canadian range

Harris’s Sparrow breeds principally near the treeline, in parts of the Southern Arctic, Taiga Plains, Taiga Shield, and Hudson Plains EcoZones, west of Hudson Bay (Government of Canada 2013).

In Manitoba, the species breeds in the Far North, where it is regularly observed along and west of the Nelson River, extending to the far northwestern corner of the province and northeastern Saskatchewan (eBird 2016; Norment et al. 2016; Figure 2). In Nunavut, the species breeds in the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions. Within the Kivalliq Region, it is found primarily in the southern two-thirds of the Region, as far north as Rankin Inlet, at which point the breeding range extends northwest from the coastline to an area east of Umingmaktok, in the Kitikmeot Region (eBird 2016; Norment et al. 2016). In Kitikmeot, Harris’s Sparrow is found along the Arctic Ocean coastline, west to Kugluktuk and Clifton Point (eBird 2016; Norment et al. 2016). In the Northwest Territories the species’ range extends west to the Mackenzie River delta, and possibly into extreme northeastern Yukon (Eckert pers. comm. 2015). The southwestern edge of the range extends from the northwestern Northwest Territories across the south of Great Bear Lake, to northeastern Saskatchewan (eBird 2016; Norment et al. 2016).

Data from the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlases (1981-1985 and 2001-2005; Cadman et al. 1987, 2007) and James et al. (1976) indicate that irregular breeding occurs at scattered locations near the Hudson Bay coast (Figure 3).

Figure 2. Harris’s Sparrow breeding evidence during the Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas, 2010-2014 (MBBA 2015). Numbers spaced throughout the map (1-14) represent atlas coverage zones.
Harris’s Sparrow breeding evidence during the  Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas, 2010-2014 (MBBA 2015)
Long description for Figure 2

Map indicating the breeding range (using grid cells) of the Harris’s Sparrow in Manitoba, based on breeding bird atlas data from 2010 to 2014. The species is observed along and west of the Nelson River, extending to the far northwestern corner of the province.

 

Figure 3. Harris’s Sparrow breeding evidence during the 2nd (2001-2005) Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, 2010-2014 (Cadman et al. 1987 and 2007). The gray lines delineate the boundaries of the Carolinian, Lake Simcoe-Rideau, Southern Shield, Northern Shield, and Hudson Bay Lowland ecological regions (from south to north).
Harris’s Sparrow breeding evidence during the  2nd (2001-2005) Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, 2010-2014
Long description for Figure 3

Maps indicating the breeding range (using grid cells) of the Harris’s Sparrow in Ontario, based on breeding bird atlas data. The maps show that irregular breeding occurs at scattered locations near the Hudson Bay coast.

 

Extent of occurrence and area of occupancy

Extent of occurrence is estimated to be 1,368,784 km2 in the breeding range, and 1,377,973 km2 in the wintering range (Figure 1). Distribution within the breeding range is not sufficiently documented to calculate area of occupancy, but it is certainly >2,000 km2.

Search effort

Distributional data for Harris’s Sparrow in Canada predominantly come from the Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas (2015), conducted in 2010-2014, the Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre, and observations from individual observers contacted for the preparation of this status report (see Acknowledgements).

The distribution maps from NatureServe Explorer (2015) and Birds of North America (Norment et al. 2016) are considered the most reliable for the species, and have been corroborated with data from the Northwest Territories/Nunavut Bird Checklist Survey (ECCC 2016) and eBird (2016) for the past 10 years in June and July.

Habitat

Habitat requirements

Breeding habitat

Throughout their breeding range, Harris’s Sparrows favour the forest/upland tundra transition zone. Breeding territories typically include coniferous trees; densities are highest where forest stands are dominated by spruce (Picea sp.) and to a lesser extent Tamarack (Larix laricina), with shrubby understorey vegetation (Harper 1953; Gillespie and Kendeigh 1982; Norment 1992a; Norment et al. 2016). Densities have been observed to decline with decreasing tree and understorey vegetation abundance (Norment et al. 2016). The species infrequently nests in areas where trees are absent; in these cases shrub cover is particularly important for nest placement and concealment (Clarke 1944; Sealy 1967; Norment et al. 2016). Favoured breeding habitat typically has small, isolated forest stands (ranging from a small clump of trees to 12 ha) interspersed throughout the breeding territory (Norment 1992a; Norment et al. 2016).

Highest densities occur where vegetation composition is varied and shrubs are generally taller (i.e., >1m) (Obst pers. comm. 2015), with highest abundances occurring where forests are characterized as 10% Black Spruce (P. mariana) and White Spruce (P. glauca) forest, 27% Dwarf Birch (Betula glandulosa) – Willow (Salix sp.) shrublands, and 63% tundra (Norment 1992b; Norment et al. 2016). Breeding populations have been estimated to range from a low of 0.025 territorial males per ha in lowest density habitats (Harris et al. 1974) to 0.125 – 0.82 breeding pairs per ha in highest density habitats (Gillespie and Kendeigh 1982; Norment 1992b).

Subtle clinal variation occurs throughout the species’ breeding range with respect to vegetation found in their breeding territories (Norment et al. 2016). In the Northwest Territories the species generally nests in shrubby vegetation dominated by Dwarf Birch, alder (Alnus spp.), and willow (Semple and Sutton 1932; Harper 1953; Norment 1992b), while in Churchill, Manitoba the species is most common at the edge of spruce and tamarack forests (Gillespie and Kendeigh 1982), in clearings, and at the edges of burned areas (Semple and Sutton 1932; Norment et al. 2016).

Wintering and migration habitat

The species frequents a variety of habitats throughout the winter and migration periods, with riparian thickets, woodland edges, hedgerows, and willow thickets commonly used (NatureServe 2015). Studies conducted in Kansas (Graul 1967) and Oklahoma (Nice 1929; Bridgwater 1966) indicate the species favours disturbed areas, such as hedgerows, brush piles, and agricultural fields, as well as natural habitats such as secondary succession and riparian corridors (Norment et al. 2016).

Habitat trends

Breeding habitat

Human activities such as mining and road construction occur within the breeding range; the extent to which they affect breeding habitat remains unclear, but overall rate of change to breeding habitat is likely to be low.

Quantitative effects of climate change are not known; however, anecdotal evidence suggests that shifting of the treeline north may affect the species (Obst pers. comm. 2015), potentially both positively (e.g., increased abundance of shrub species beneficial to Harris’s Sparrows for foraging and nesting) and negatively (e.g., reduced suitable habitat at the southern edge of the species’ range; i.e., northern Manitoba). The amount and quality of breeding habitat for this species is not being monitored (trends are not available).

Wintering habitat

The winter range includes the central and southern Great Plains region of the USA, extending from South Dakota to Texas (Norment et al. 2016) where Harris’s Sparrows use open habitats, including riparian thickets, woodland edges, hedgerows, and willow thickets. The conversion of these types of habitat to agriculture and to a lesser extent urban sprawl is identified as a threat to the species, though it is unknown to what extent (NatureServe 2015).

Biology

Few recent studies have been conducted on Harris’s Sparrow in Canada. Past studies conducted by C. Norment in the Thelon River area, Northwest Territories, provide much of what is documented on the species’ breeding biology (e.g., Norment 1992a,b, 1993, 1994, 1995a, b). As a result, much of the information presented below draws on information summarized in the revised Birds of North America species account (Norment et al. 2016).

Life cycle and reproduction

Harris’s Sparrow is a socially monogamous breeder (Norment et al. 2016). Paired birds forage together, with the male following the female, most closely just prior to incubation (Norment et al. 2016). The species forms loose flocks in the late summer, just prior to fall migration (Norment et al. 2016).

Harris’s Sparrows generally arrive on their breeding territories in late May to early June (Norment et al. 2016). Nests are typically initiated in the second and third week in June (i.e., ~14 days after average arrival), or when snow-cover is ≤60% (NatureServe Explorer 2015; Norment et al. 2016). Nests have two layers: an inner layer composed primarily of dry grasses, mosses, and sedges, and an outer layer composed of lichens, mosses, and small twigs (Rees 1973). Females build the nests, incubate, and brood the young (Norment et al. 2016). Both sexes feed the young; however, males tend to do so less frequently, particularly early in the hatching stage (Norment et al. 2016). The species only initiates second broods if the first brood has failed before the eggs have hatched (Norment 1992b; Norment et al. 2016).

Norment (1992b) documented the incubation period as lasting 12 – 13.5 days and the nestling period 8.5 – 10 days. Average clutch size (n = 155) was 4.07 eggs, with a range from 3 – 5 eggs; timing of hatching was noted to be synchronous among nests (Norment 1992b). The hatching rate in Northwest Territories was 76%, fledging rate was 62.5%, and overall nest success (minimum one offspring fledged successfully) was 47.5%, with 2.07 young fledged per pair on average (Norment 1992b; NatureServe Explorer 2015; Norment et al. 2016). Fledgling mortality was noted to be primarily due to predation, with Arctic Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) and, to a lesser extent, Short-tailed Weasels (Mustela erminea) as the principal predators of young (NatureServe Explorer 2015).

Nests are always located on the ground and usually within dense ground vegetation for cover (Norment 1993). The probability of nest success increased with nest concealment (Norment 1993). Nests are often positioned under shrubs <1 m (NatureServe Explorer 2015; Norment et al. 2016). Plant species used for cover vary by latitude, but most are woody (Norment 1993). In Nunavut, Dwarf Birch (Betula pumila) is most commonly selected (68%; n = 65), while in Manitoba, it is Dwarf Labrador Tea (Rhododendron tomentosum) (32%; n = 26) (Norment 1993). In Northwest Territories, mean nest entrance orientation is at 140.5°, which is 170° away from the direction of prevailing storms (Norment 1993).

The age for birds to first breed is not known; however, it is believed to be one year, as for other Zonotrichia species (Norment 1992a; Chilton et al. 1995). The species has a sex ratio of 1:1 throughout established breeding territories (Norment et al. 2016).

The longevity record is 11 years, 8 months (Norment et al. 2016). Average survival of chicks from eggs to hatching ranged from 63.8% - 90.5% (Norment 1992b). Annual survival data indicate that adult survivorship averaged 38% over a 2-year study in Nunavut (Norment 1992b); the low estimate is likely a reflection of individuals shifting breeding sites. While generation time has not specifically been calculated, it is assumed to be 2-3 years, as for most other small passerines. One recorded hybrid with White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) was collected at Long Point, Ontario (Payne 1979).

Food

Harris’s Sparrows consume fruits, seeds, and insects; employing similar feeding habits to other Zonotrichia species, feeding on the ground, where they scratch and kick ground refuse (Norment 1992a). They forage in shrubs and trees less frequently than on the ground (Nice 1929; Semple and Sutton 1932; Norment et al. 2016).

Harris’s Sparrows consume a wide variety of plant species, including sedges (Carex spp. and Cyperus spp.), bulrushes (Scirpus spp.), birch (Betula spp.), pigweed (Amaranthus spp.), lamb’s-quarters (Chenopodium spp.), blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), and bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) (Semple and Sutton 1932). Berries are particularly important to Harris’s Sparrow when the birds first reach the breeding grounds and insects have not yet emerged (Norment and Fuller 1997). Norment and Fuller (1997) found that fruits such as Blueberry (Vaccinium sp.), Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), and Bearberry (Arctostaphylus sp.) comprised 82% of stomach contents before birds nested. In the same study, Norment and Fuller (1997) found that arthropods comprised 72.5% of adult Harris’s Sparrows diet during the nestling period and 81.5% of nestling diets.

Physiology and adaptability

Relatively little information on the species’ physiology exists; Norment (1995a) determined optimum temperature for Harris’s Sparrows during incubation was between +10°C and +20°C, allowing females to leave the nest for longer periods to forage and to return less frequently to tend to eggs. The same study (Norment 1995a) found that temperatures above +20°C resulted in adults attending the nest more frequently in an effort to provide shade and to help regulate fledgling body temperature (Norment et al. 2016). Harris’s Sparrows were also found to be poorly adapted to extreme temperatures during nesting, specifically when temperature reached above +30°C and below -10°C (Norment et al. 2016).

During periods of inclement weather, birds abandon newly acquired breeding territories, returning to resume nesting after the inclement weather has passed (Norment et al. 2016). This strategy is beneficial when birds have not initiated egg-laying; however, it is detrimental and can be fatal to young birds or eggs recently laid.

Dispersal and migration

After fledging, juveniles disperse up to 500 m from natal sites; young and some adults may disperse over longer distances within the breeding range but this has not been documented (e.g., there are no banding encounters involving longer distance movements of birds captured or banded within Canada; Brewer et al. 2006; Norment et al. 2016).

Norment (1994) documented a 38% return rate for banded birds in NWT, with no substantial difference by sex. Adults which were unsuccessful nesters returned in subsequent years at much lower rates than successful birds (Norment 1994).

Based on banding and observation data (Brewer et al. 2006; eBird 2016) most birds are expected to migrate north and south through a narrow band between the breeding and wintering grounds. However, single individuals are observed frequently outside the expected wintering grounds and migration corridor.

Interspecific interactions

Throughout the breeding grounds the species is socially monogamous and forms loose flocks prior to departing for fall migration (Norment et al. 2016). During spring and fall migration and winter the species joins mixed-species flocks which may include White-crowned Sparrow, American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea), and Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) (Shuman et al. 1992; Thompson 1994; Robel et al. 1997).

Population sizes and trends

Sampling effort and methods

Harris’s Sparrow is one of the least studied passerines in North America, with only a few programs adequately designed to estimate population size or trends. Due to its remote northern breeding range, the species is not effectively surveyed by the Breeding Bird Survey, which typically provides population trend data for songbirds. Surveys providing relevant data are presented below.

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC)

The Christmas Bird Count originated in 1900 and tracks winter bird populations through annual surveys within fixed 24 km diameter count circles (National Audubon Society 2015). This program provides population and abundance estimates on most wintering landbirds in Canada and the USA, including Harris’s Sparrow. Within each count circle, CBC volunteers record all bird species and individuals on a single day between 14 December and 5 January of a given year. With the breeding grounds of Harris’s Sparrow almost completely unmonitored, the CBC provides the most reliable source of data for analyzing population trends.

CBC coverage in the Harris’s Sparrow’s core non-breeding range (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska) was relatively limited until 1980. Trend analyses were conducted using data from 1980 – 2014, and were analyzed in relation to an adjusted observation value for effort (birds per party hour). The analysis also looked at the entire winter range for the same timeframe, to capture the overall trend and to account for potentially substantial numbers of birds falling outside the core non-breeding range. State-specific analyses were also conducted for five states peripheral to the core non-breeding range; however, sample sizes were sufficient for generating trends only in Missouri and Iowa. Other states (e.g., Colorado, South Dakota, Arkansas) where Harris’s Sparrow occurs with some regularity during winter were reviewed, but sample sizes were too small to provide meaningful results or generate trends, and are therefore not discussed further. Analyses were not conducted for Canada or Mexico, given the small sample size for these regions.

The CBC trend analysis consisted of fitting simple linear regressions through effort-adjusted annual indices (birds per party hour), with trends expressed as geometric mean rates of change between the first year value of the line and the final year value (Smith et al. 2014). Annual indices consisted of single data points for each region-year, calculated as averages of all the CBC count circles per year, as available for download using the historical results by species filter from National Audubon Society (2015). Statistical significance was determined by P-values (P<0.05) describing the slope of the regression line. Data were analyzed using R v.3.2.3 (R Core Team 2015).

Manitoba breeding bird atlas

The Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas (MBBA), provides the first systematic mapping of the province’s breeding birds. Field data were collected over 2010 – 2014 (Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas 2015). Coverage varied, especially in the Far North within the breeding range of Harris’s Sparrow; overall 30% of atlas squares (10 km x 10 km) received at least some coverage, and effort of ≥10 hrs was considered adequate to detect the majority of species occurring in a square (Artuso pers. comm. 2016).

As this is the first breeding bird atlas for the province, data collected were only used to determine occurrence and abundance, but not trends.

eBird

eBird is a real-time, interactive, online checklist program, to which observers submit their observations (eBird 2016). The data can be compiled to summarize distribution and abundance patterns, and can then be used for conservation and educational purposes (eBird 2016). This program is relatively young (created in 2002) and usership has steadily increased since inception (eBird 2016). Although eBird data contain substantial bias in the form of false-positives, it was determined that these data should be presented, given the paucity of other data for Harris’s Sparrow and to compare with CBC data trends.

For the purpose of this status report, data were analyzed from the species’ core non-breeding range in the United States (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska) as well as these states individually, and two peripheral states (Iowa and Missouri) with sufficient quantities of data. Data were compiled for the months of December through February, and were used to generate the mean frequency of observations per checklist, to determine a trend analysis from 2004 – 2014.

Statistical modelling was conducted in the same manner as the CBC data analysis described above, using frequency of checklist observation as the method to calculate year-adjusted trends.

Canadian migration monitoring network (cmmn)

The Canadian Migration Monitoring Network is a joint program, run by individual observatories in collaboration with Bird Studies Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Service, aimed at monitoring landbird populations throughout Canada (Bird Studies Canada 2016). The CMMN includes over 25 monitoring stations throughout Canada that track landbird populations through standardized monitoring programs, such as mist-netting and daily censuses (Bird Studies Canada 2016).

Data were analyzed from the only CMMN sites within the narrow migration corridor of Harris’s Sparrow, Delta Marsh in Manitoba and Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory in Saskatchewan. Data from Delta Marsh Bird Observatory were analyzed from 2006 – 2010 in spring and 1993 – 2010 in fall. Data from Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory were analyzed from 1994 – 2014 in spring and 1993 – 2014 in fall.

Trend analyses were generated by NatureCounts (2016), using the ‘Population Trends’ tool. Statistical modelling was conducted using census and banding totals to calculate year-adjusted trends.

Abundance

Based principally on data extrapolated from the Christmas Bird Count, an estimate by Blancher et al. (2007) suggested that the population was 500,000 – 5,000,000; however, it should be noted that data for this species were limited. Based on more current data, the revised population estimate by Rosenberg et al. (2016) is a population of approximately 2,000,000 individuals. Given that the entire breeding population occurs within Canada, this estimate equates to the Canadian population.

Preliminary results from the Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas suggest that 200 atlas squares (10 x 10 km) recorded breeding evidence for Harris’s Sparrow. Breeding evidence for the species was most commonly recorded as possible (118 squares), with probable (62) and confirmed (20) squares less common (MBBA 2015). In atlas squares where Harris’s Sparrows were observed, the species was observed on 44.4% of all point counts (n = 1,096), with a mean abundance of 0.71 birds per count (n = 2,469). Additional data shared by the Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas indicate that the probability of detection is high (i.e., >70%) within extreme northwestern Manitoba, even along the Hudson Bay coast east of the Nelson River to the Ontario border, despite the scarcity of previous observations there (Artuso pers. comm. 2016, unpubl.).

Studies conducted by Gillespie and Kendleigh (1982) and Norment (1992b) in Manitoba and Northwest Territories suggest that densities range from 0.125 – 0.82 pairs per ha in suitable habitat. However, average density throughout the species’ range remains unknown.

Fluctuations and trends

Christmas bird counts

Data from the Christmas Bird Count (CBC; Table 1; Figure 4) indicate that over 35 years (1980 – 2014), Harris’s Sparrow has experienced a statistically significant long-term decline of -2.58% per year (P <0.001), representing a reduction in the total population through this timeframe of 59%. This rate of decline appears to have lessened in the past 10 years (-1.77% per year, P=0.211), equating to a statistically not significant estimated reduction in the total population of 15% from 2004 to 2014.

CBC data from three of the four core non-breeding states (Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska) indicate significant long-term annual rates of decline (-3.18%, -0.94%, -7.03%, respectively), while in the remaining state (Kansas), there has been a statistically significant short-term (10 year) decline (-9.48% per year).

Trends from the peripheral states examined (Missouri and Iowa) were predominantly positive, but not significant. These states account for a small proportion of wintering Harris’s Sparrows and do not reflect the overall trend of the species.

Table 1. Summary of Harris’s Sparrow population trends over the past 10 and 35 years, according to the Christmas Bird Count (National Audubon Society 2015). * denotes P<0.05, ** denotes P<0.001, and ns denotes not significant.
Region Period Annual rate of change (%/year) P value
USA 1980 – 2014 -2.58 **
USA 2004 – 2014 -1.77 ns
Texas 1980 – 2014 -3.18 **
Texas 2004 – 2014 +14.17 ns
Oklahoma 1980 – 2014 -0.94 *
Oklahoma 2004 – 2014 -1.55 ns
Nebraska 1980 – 2014 -7.03 **
Nebraska 2004 – 2014 +2.96 ns
Kansas 1980 – 2014 -0.78 ns
Kansas 2004 – 2014 -9.48 *
Missouri 1980 – 2014 +0.33 ns
Missouri 2004 – 2014 +11.34 ns
Iowa 1980 – 2014 -1.01 ns
Iowa 2004 – 2014 +10.66 ns
Figure 4. Annual trends of Harris’s Sparrow observations (1980 – 2014) from the Christmas Bird Count (National Audubon Society 2015), in the USA, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Annual trends of Harris’s Sparrow observations (1980 – 2014) from  the Christmas Bird Count
Long description for Figure 4

Charts showing annual trends in observations of the Harris’s Sparrow (birds per party hour) from 1980 to 2014, based on the Christmas Bird Count, for the United States, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.

 

The only significant trend over the short-term period was in Kansas (-9.48%; P <0.05). In Texas, a dramatic increase of 14.2% per year has been observed; however, it is not statistically significant at ɑ=0.05 (P = 0.099). Potential explanations for this include concentration of the species in suitable habitat, as a result of habitat losses (due to agricultural conversion) in the northern extent of its wintering range, or harsher winters forcing the species farther south in recent winters. While there appears to be some plasticity in winter distribution from year to year, no consistent change in area of winter occurrence is evident.

eBird

For the purpose of this status report, data from eBird have been compared with data from the CBC. Based on trend analyses for the 2004 – 2014 time period, significant trends were noted for the core non-breeding states overall (-13.47%, P=0.031; Figure 5) as well as Missouri (+11.09%, P=0.035) (Table 2). While the downward trend for the core wintering states as a group is larger than that indicated by the CBC, both programs point to significant overall declines over the short or long term. Non-significant declining trends were noted for Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Iowa, while observations in Nebraska increased.

Figure 5. eBird records (eBird 2016) of Harris’s Sparrow (2004 – 2014), December – February in the core non-breeding states within the USA.
eBird records (eBird 2016) of Harris’s Sparrow (2004 – 2014
Long description for Figure 5

Chart showing eBird records (eBird 2016) of the Harris’s Sparrow from 2004 to 2014 (December to February period) in the core non-breeding states within the United States.

 

Table 2. Summary of Harris’s Sparrow population trends over the past ten years, according to eBird (2016) data adjusted to the frequency of observation during the December 1 – February 28 period of 2004 – 2014. * denotes P<0.05, ** denotes P<0.001, and ns denotes not significant.
Region Period Annual rate of change (%/year) P value
Core non-breeding states 2004 – 2014 -13.47 *
Texas 2004 – 2014 -1.91 ns
Oklahoma 2004 – 2014 -2.39 ns
Nebraska 2004 – 2014 +8.16 ns
Kansas 2004 – 2014 -1.54 ns
Missouri 2004 – 2014 +11.09 *
Iowa 2004 – 2014 -4.38 ns

Canadian migration monitoring network (cmmn)

Data from the CMMN indicate that significant trends were detected for Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory, Saskatchewan, but not from Delta Marsh Bird Observatory, Manitoba. At Last Mountain Lake, Harris’s Sparrow has undergone a significant decline throughout the fall long-term dataset (1993 – 2014); however, both spring (Figure 6) and fall (Figure 7) datasets indicate a short-term (2004 – 2014) increase (24.23% and 1.41% respectively), with the spring trend being significant.

Figure 6. Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory trends of Harris’s Sparrow (1994 – 2014) in spring; * denotes a significant trend.
Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory trends of Harris’s Sparrow  (1994 – 2014) in spring
Long description for Figure 6

Chart illustrating trend in the population of the Harris’s Sparrow recorded at the Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory in spring from 1994 to 2014.

 

Figure 7. Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory trends of Harris’s Sparrow (1993 – 2014) in fall; * denotes a significant trend.
Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory trends of Harris’s Sparrow  (1993 – 2014) in fall
Long description for Figure 7

Chart illustrating trend in the population of the Harris’s Sparrow recorded at the Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory in fall from 1993 to 2014.

 

Data from Delta Marsh Bird Observatory indicate non-significant trends for both spring (short-term; Figure 8) and fall (long-term; Figure 9) datasets. Spring data (2004 – 2010) indicate an increase of 12.56% per year, while fall data (1993 – 2010) indicate a decrease of -0.02% per year.

Figure 8. Delta Marsh Bird Observatory trends of Harris’s Sparrow (2006 – 2010), spring.
Delta  Marsh Bird Observatory trends of Harris’s Sparrow (2006 – 2010), spring
Long description for Figure 8

Chart illustrating trend in the population of the Harris’s Sparrow recorded at the Delta Marsh Bird Observatory in spring from 2006 to 2010.

 

Figure 9. Delta Marsh Bird Observatory trends of Harris’s Sparrow (1993 – 2010), fall.
Delta  Marsh Bird Observatory trends of Harris’s Sparrow (1993 – 2010), fall.
Long description for Figure 9

Chart illustrating trend in the population of the Harris’s Sparrow recorded at the Delta Marsh Bird Observatory in fall from 1993 to 2010.

 

Rescue effect

Not applicable. Harris’s Sparrow is an endemic breeding species in Canada; as such there is no potential for rescue from outside populations.

Threats and limiting factors

Threats are described below and summarized in Appendix 1 based on a modified version of the IUCN-CMP (World Conservation Union-Conservation Measures Partnership) unified threats classification system (COSEWIC 2014), which resulted in an overall score for Harris’s Sparrow of high to medium.

Category 9.3: Agricultural and forestry effluents (low to high threat)

Pesticide use throughout the wintering grounds has been linked to declines in grassland birds (Norment pers. comm. 2016). Neonicotinoids in particular have been implicated in widespread declines of a variety of taxa in the last decade (Hallmann et al. 2014; Gibbons et al. 2015). The degree to which pesticides have historically or are currently affecting Harris’s Sparrow is unclear (Norment et al. 2016), but severity is likely slight at minimum, and could be moderate to serious.

Category 1.1: Housing and urban areas (low threat)

Residential and, to a lesser extent, commercial developments may be removing suitable wintering habitat for Harris’s Sparrow (Norment et al. 2016); however, development is largely confined to the fringes of existing urban areas. Window kills may represent the greatest concern with respect to this threat (Bracey et al. 2016); however, no studies have specifically documented the frequency of window kills of Harris’s Sparrow.

Category 4: Transportation and service corridors (low threat)

Most Harris’s Sparrows are exposed to roads on their wintering grounds, and as terrestrially foraging birds, they may be at risk of vehicle collisions (Molhoff 1979), though only a small percentage of individuals are likely to be affected, and the overall effect is likely low. Transmission and distribution lines are unlikely to pose more than a negligible collision risk and may actually be neutral or beneficial to Harris’s Sparrow on the wintering grounds by providing suitable habitat (Norment et al. 2016).

Category 8.1: Invasive non-native/alien species (low threat)

Cat predation is a possible threat on wintering grounds, given the overall extent of this issue and the particular vulnerability of birds that forage terrestrially (Blancher 2013; Loss et al. 2013); while no reports have specifically addressed cat predation on Harris’s Sparrow to date, it is nonetheless likely a credible concern.

Negligible and unknown threats:

Increases in the population of various raptors (e.g., Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus), Cooper’s Hawk (A. cooperii), and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)) may be resulting in greater predation risk on Harris’s Sparrow through its annual cycle (Sauer et al. 2014), although it is unclear to what extent, and this threat is currently assessed as unknown.

The conversion of grassland and fringe lands for agricultural purposes in the Midwestern United States could be one of the most important factors in the Harris’s Sparrow’s decline (Norment pers. comm. 2016; Norment et al. 2016). Within the species’ northern wintering range limit (i.e., Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas), approximately 530,000 ha of grass-dominated land cover was converted to cropland between 2006 and 2011 (Wright and Wimberly 2013); similar changes have been documented in the core wintering range in Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma and are negatively affecting a suite of grassland species in this region (Coppedge et al. 2001; Evans and Potts 2015). Clearing of hedgerows and other shelterbelts in association with agricultural intensification and the reduction of fringe lands may be particularly detrimental towards the species (Norment et al. 2016). However, because Harris’s Sparrow uses open habitat and may feed on waste grain, the net effect of agriculture (Threat Category 2) is unknown at this time.

Oil and gas and renewable energy developments (Threat Category 3) may represent potential threats to a wide group of species, including Harris’s Sparrow, given the large areas required for infrastructure placements (Preston and Kim 2016) and potential causes of mortality, especially at wind energy facilities (Zimmerling et al. 2013; Bird Studies Canada et al. 2016). However, these potential impacts have not been studied with respect to Harris’s Sparrow in particular and it has been noted that right-of-way areas may actually be beneficial for the species (Norment pers. comm. 2016); therefore these effects are currently considered negligible to unknown. Effects of mining are considered negligible, since up to 2.8% of the Harris’s Sparrow’s breeding range is within 10 km of mines or exploratory quarries (Fournier and Carrière pers. comm. 2016), but the primary effect of vegetation clearing for mines would be over a smaller area and associated impacts, such as increased vehicle traffic, would be increased.

Within the breeding range, fire has potential to negatively affect nesting success in a given year (Black and Bliss 1980; Arsenault and Payette 1992; Flannigan et al. 2001), but also to positively affect the species through creating habitat openings suitable for nesting. As such, the net effects of fire and fire suppression (Threat Category 7.1) are considered unknown.

Climate change (Threat Category 11) may reduce the forest-tundra zone located along the southern edge of the species’ breeding range and potentially result in a geographic shift northwards (Rizzo 1988; Zoltai 1988; Payette et al. 2001). The species’ response to treeline shifts northward is supported through the change in observations of the species in the Churchill, MB region dating back to the 1930s, when the species was more common, compared to the present day (Jehl and Smith 1970; Jehl 2004; Di Labio pers. comm. 2015). Additionally, climate change may result in more severe weather events which could have negative impacts on survival rates of nestlings (Norment et al. 2016). Range expansions of mammalian predators, such as Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) (Naughton 2012), and flying ectoparasites (e.g., biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) and mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) (Tomás et al. 2008) may result from climate change, and negatively impact nestling Harris’s Sparrows.

Protection, status and ranks

Legal protection and status

In Canada, Harris’s Sparrow and its nest and eggs are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA 1994). The MBCA prohibits the sale or possession of migratory birds and their nests, and any activities that are harmful to migratory birds, their eggs, or their nests, except as permitted under the Migratory Bird Regulations. It is similarly protected in the United States under the Migratory Birds Treaty Act (1918).

Non-legal status and ranks

Harris’s Sparrow is ranked as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List by BirdLife International (2015) and Globally Secure (G5; reviewed 1996) by NatureServe Explorer (2015). In Canada the species is ranked as Secure, Breeding and Nonbreeding (N5B and N5N); within Nunavut the species is not ranked (SNR), in Saskatchewan it is ranked Secure (S5), while in Manitoba and the Northwest Territories the species is listed as Vulnerable (S3; NatureServe Explorer 2015). Within Texas, the species is ranked as Apparently Secure (S4; NatureServe Explorer 2015). The species has not been ranked elsewhere.

Habitat protection and ownership

Harris’s Sparrow is reported to breed in Wapusk National Park in Manitoba and likely also does in Tuktut Nogait National Park in Northwest Territories. Individuals may pass through other protected areas during migration or on the wintering grounds, but overall there is limited legal protection of habitat throughout the Harris’s Sparrow’s annual range.

Acknowledgements and authorities contacted

Many people responded to a general request for information on Harris’s Sparrow in Canada and the USA, including the following people: Ken Abraham, Christian Artuso, Bruce Bennett, David Britton, Dick Cannings, Syd Cannings, Suzanne Carrière, Vanessa Charlwood, Mike Chutter, Bruce Di Labio, Kiel Drake, Cameron Eckert, Bonnie Fournier, Marcel Gahbauer, Samuel Hache, Audrey Heagy, Reid Hildebrandt, Rudolf Koes, Tom Jung, Bruce MacDonald, Scott MacDougall-Shackleton, Stuart Mackenzie, Jon McCracken, Patrick Nantel, Chris Norment, Joachim Obst, Rhiannon Pankratz, Lisa Pirie-Dominix, Jennie Rausch, James Rising, Rich Russell, Pamela Sinclair, Sonia Schnobb, Don Sutherland, Doug Tate, Phil Taylor, Doug Tozer, and Ken Tuininga. In addition to those who all provided information, the report writer would like to thank the appropriate Conservation Data Centres, Natural Heritage Information Centres, and the Parks Canada Agency for input on the species.

This report was greatly aided by comments received from the following people: Mike Burrell, Richard Elliot, Marcel Gahbauer, Elaine Gosnell, Lillian Knopf, Nathan Miller, and David Stephenson.

Doug Tozer kindly helped with the statistical analysis of the Christmas Bird Count data, which was integral to this status report. Lillian Knopf created Figures 4 and 5. Gerry Schaus created Figure 1 and completed the EOO calculation, per guidance from Jenny Wu.

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Biographical summary of report writer(s)

Kenneth Burrell is a biologist with Natural Resource Solutions Inc. (NRSI), an environmental consulting firm, located in Waterloo, Ontario. At NRSI, Kenneth serves as the lead ornithological consultant and specializes in natural resource inventories and evaluations, research and impact studies. Kenneth is actively involved in the Ontario birding community, including eBird and the Ontario Field Ornitholgoists, serving on the Board of Directors since 2014 and the Ontario Bird Records Committee since 2011. Since completion of his MSc in 2013, Kenneth has published papers covering a range of topics in field ornithology, including spring reorientation flights in the Pelee region, hybrid warblers, eBird and its applications, and most recently on the assignment of stable isotopes in determining species origins.

Collections examined

No collections were examined.

Appendix 1. Threats assessment worksheet for Harris’s Sparrow.

Threats assessment worksheet

Species or ecosystem scientific name:
Harris's Sparrow
Elcode
ABPBXA405
Date:
26/09/2016
Assessor(s):
Kenneth Burrell, Dave Fraser, Marcel Gahbauer, Suzanne Carrière, Richard Elliot, Pam Sinclair, Myles Lamont, Chris Norment, Rudolf Koes, Jim Rising, Samuel Hache, Amy Ganton, Joanna James
Overall threat impact calculation help:
Threat impact Threat impact (descriptions) Level 1 Threat impact counts:
high range
Level 1 Threat impact counts:
low range
A Very high 0 0
B High 1 0
C Medium 0 0
D Low 3 4
- Calculated overall threat impact: High Medium
Assigned overall threat impact:
BC = High - Medium
Overall threat comments
Several categories are unknown, and trend data are more limited than for some other birds. However, the range of medium-high is likely appropriate given the best available information.
Threat table
Threat Threat Impact (calculated) Impact (calculated) Scope (next 10 Yrs) Severity (10 Yrs or 3 Gen.) Timing Comments
1 Residential & commercial development D Low Large (31-70%) Slight (1-10%) High (Continuing) Overall low human population within the breeding grounds, not expected to affect the species. Within wintering range, development may be displacing suitable habitat, but largely limited to fringes of existing urban areas. Window kills may be the greatest concern with respect to this threat, but magnitude has not been documented for this species in particular.
1.1 Housing & urban areas D Low Large (31-70%) Slight (1-10%) High (Continuing) The focus for this threat is an increase in housing in the wintering range, with a specific focus on window kills and the effects of housing in urban areas. However, urban expansion within the wintering range is generally not rapid. While the species frequents backyard feeders and may therefore have some tolerance to suburban expansion, this also increases risk of window collisions. This may also be a risk along parts of the migratory route, although specific evidence is lacking.
1.2 Commercial & industrial areas blank cell Negligible Negligible (<1%) Unknown High (Continuing) blank cell
1.3 Tourism & recreation areas blank cell Negligible Negligible (<1%) Slight (1-10%) Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs) May be some slight impact through the breeding grounds associated with lodges; unknown to what extent, however. Score applies to entire range (life cycle) of the species.
2 Agriculture & aquaculture blank cell Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown  
2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops blank cell Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Threat applies primarily to winter range, and to a lesser extent migratory routes, but not breeding range. The species prefers open habitat with adjacent shelter (e.g., hedgerows), and as such, loss or conversion of such habitat could be a threat, but more data are required to understand potential scope and severity.
2.2 Wood & pulp plantations blank cell Negligible Negligible (<1%) Unknown High (Continuing) This threat could be present in the wintering range to a minimal extent.
2.3 Livestock farming & ranching blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Pasture land may provide good habitat, with a mix of grassy and shrubby areas
2.4 Marine & freshwater aquaculture blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
3 Energy production & mining blank cell Negligible Negligible (<1%) Extreme - Serious (31-100%) High (Continuing)  
3.1 Oil & gas drilling blank cell Unknown Small (1-10%) Unknown Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs) Minimal scope within breeding range; somewhat more within wintering range, but severity is unclear because pipeline right-of-way habitat can be attractive for this species and disturbance would be limited to development periods. Fracking is occurring in parts of the wintering grounds, but effects on Harris's Sparrow have not been documented.
3.2 Mining & quarrying blank cell Negligible Negligible (<1%) Extreme - Serious (31-100%) High (Continuing) Some mining and exploratory quarries expected to be developed within the breeding range in the near future. With a conservative 10 km buffer around each proposed mine, this could account for 2.8% of the breeding range, but the primary effect of direct habitat loss would be limited to a fraction of this area, although some less intense effects of noise and dust may extend farther. This threat does not apply to the wintering grounds.
3.3 Renewable energy blank cell Negligible Negligible (<1%) Unknown High (Continuing) Some solar and wind energy developments exist within the wintering range, and more are likely to be built, but effects on this species are unclear
4 Transportation & service corridors D Low Pervasive (71-100%) Slight (1-10%) High (Continuing) blank cell
4.1 Roads & railroads D Low Pervasive (71-100%) Slight (1-10%) High (Continuing) Most individuals are likely exposed to roads and railroads on wintering grounds; few exist on breeding grounds, though increasing somewhat. As there is no evidence that this species is particularly susceptible to vehicle collisions, severity is considered slight.
4.2 Utility & service lines blank cell Unknown Pervasive - Large (31-100%) Unknown High (Continuing) Many to most individuals are likely exposed to utility and service lines on migration and on wintering grounds, but collision risk is expected to be minimal, and in some situations, rights-of-way may have a positive effect through providing suitable habitat for the species; overall the severity is unknown.
4.3 Shipping lanes blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
4.4 Flight paths blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
5 Biological resource use blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell  
5.2 Gathering terrestrial plants blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
5.3 Logging & wood harvesting blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
5.4 Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
6 Human intrusions & disturbance blank cell Negligible Negligible (<1%) Unknown High (Continuing) blank cell
6.1 Recreational activities blank cell Negligible Restricted (11-30%) Negligible (<1%) High (Continuing) Very low human population throughout the breeding range, and even on wintering range, effects of recreational activities expected to be negligible.
6.2 War, civil unrest & military exercises blank cell Negligible Negligible (<1%) Unknown High (Continuing) blank cell
6.3 Work & other activities blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
7 Natural system modifications blank cell Unknown Restricted (11-30%) Unknown High (Continuing) blank cell
7.1 Fire & fire suppression blank cell Unknown Restricted (11-30%) Unknown High (Continuing) Forest fires are known to occur at the southern extent of its range. While they have potential to affect the species negatively (e.g., loss of nests), they can also have a positive influence (e.g., creation of new habitat); as such, severity at present is considered unknown.
7.2 Dams & water management/use blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
7.3 Other ecosystem modifications blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
8 Invasive & other problematic species & genes D Low Large (31-70%) Slight (1-10%) High (Continuing) blank cell
8.1 Invasive non-native/alien species D Low Large (31-70%) Slight (1-10%) High (Continuing) Cat predation is a concern for most terrestrial birds, and likely to cause some mortality on wintering grounds and along parts of migratory routes.
8.2 Problematic native species blank cell Unknown Unknown Unknown High (Continuing) Increases in populations of various raptors (e.g., Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Peregrine Falcon) may be increasing predation pressure throughout the annual cycle, but data specific to Harris's Sparrow are lacking. On the breeding grounds, northward range expansion and increasing abundance of Red Foxes and blood-sucking insects potentially may also pose a risk to Harris's Sparrow, but more research is required to determine potential effects.
8.3 Introduced genetic material blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
9 Pollution BD High - Low Pervasive - Large (31-100%) Serious - Slight (1-70%) High (Continuing) blank cell
9.1 Household sewage & urban waste water blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
9.2 Industrial & military effluents blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
9.3 Agricultural & forestry effluents BD High - Low Pervasive - Large (31-100%) Serious - Slight (1-70%) High (Continuing) Harris's Sparrow could encounter pesticides (such as neonicotinoids) in its wintering range and during migration, especially because it consumes seeds. While the severity of the effect is unclear, it is almost certainly negative and could potentially be considerable, through direct effects (from eating seeds) or indirect effects (reduction in insect prey).
9.4 Garbage & solid waste blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
9.5 Air-borne pollutants blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
9.6 Excess energy blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
10 Geological events blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
10.1 Volcanoes blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
10.2 Earthquakes/tsunamis blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
10.3 Avalanches/landslides blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
11 Climate change & severe weather blank cell Not Calculated (outside assessment timeframe) Pervasive (71-100%) Unknown Low (Possibly in the long term, >10 yrs) blank cell
11.1 Habitat shifting & alteration blank cell Unknown Small (1-10%) Unknown High (Continuing) There is some evidence of shifting range in relation to climate change, including greater shrub cover in some parts of the breeding range, compared to a decline in occurrence around Churchill, Manitoba, which may be related to drying out of land because of isostatic rebound. Overall, a northward shift in range is expected as temperatures increase, but whether there will be a net effect on the population is unknown.
11.2 Droughts blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
11.3 Temperature extremes blank cell Not Calculated (outside assessment timeframe) Pervasive (71-100%) Unknown Low (Possibly in the long term, >10 yrs) The species is vulnerable to extreme temperature fluctuations during nesting, when chicks are unable to cope with body heat regulation. It is possible that climate change may bring greater temperature fluctuations, but likely only in the longer term, and severity is difficult to predict at this point.
11.4 Storms & flooding blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell

Classification of Threats adopted from IUCN-CMP, Salafsky et al. (2008).

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