Golden-winged Warbler by Bill Hubrick

(June 9, 2011) On June 2, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced the results of a 90-day finding on a petition submitted to list the Golden-Winged Warbler under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Service determined that listing the species may be warranted, and is now initiating a status review of the Golden-Winged Warbler. FWS is requesting scientific data and other information from the public.

The Golden-winged Warbler’s breeding range is scattered across wide areas of early-successional forest in the eastern and central United States, and as such, listing the species would require the designation of large swaths of Critical Habitat. This could prove controversial, as it would potentially bring the bird’s needs into conflict with energy, agricultural, and other development interests.

Populations of the Golden-winged Warbler have experienced alarming declines due to loss, degradation, and modification of its preferred early-successional habitat.  Hybridization with the closely-related Blue-winged Warbler and nest parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds are also factors in this species’ decline, as is deforestation on its wintering grounds in Central and South America.

This species is listed as being of the Highest Concern on the U.S. WatchList.  ABC is working to boost Golden-winged populations in a number of ways, such as the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (a coalition of federal and local agencies, citizens, and other groups dedicated to restoring forests on reclaimed mine sites in the eastern United States).  These restored forests can provide much-needed habitat for the Golden-winged Warbler and other early-successional species such as the American Woodcock.

To restore essential wintering habitat for the Golden-winged Warbler, ABC and partners in Latin America are working with local communities, coffee growers, and ranchers to promote bird-friendly practices such as silvipasture and shade coffee. ABC is also working to restore native forests by planting thousands of trees to restore wintering habitat for the Golden-winged Warbler and other neotropical migrants.

To submit information to FWS prior to their August 1 deadline, visit www.regulations.gov and enter docket number FWS-R3-ES-2011-0028.  For this review, FWS is seeking only data and information to assist with the status review. General letters of support/opposition will not be considered at this time.