Type: report

Article abstract: This Conservation Plan (Plan) was developed to promote and facilitate cooperative efforts to ensure the long-term persistence of the Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) (tricolor). This species has suffered an alarming population decline. Loss of native habitats, a habit of nesting in extremely large and dense colonies, and an attraction for nesting in croplands nearing harvest conspired against this species? survival in California?s fertile valleys (see Biological Information in Appendix A). Concern over the future of the species united a diverse coalition of parties, the Tricolored Blackbird Working Group. This Plan is the work of that group and represents their commitment, and the other signatories to this document, to securing the future of tricolors. This work will be accomplished largely through voluntary, coordinated, and collaborative conservation actions of many interested stakeholders. Signatories to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) associated with this Plan commit to support the implementation of: (1) habitat conservation projects to benefit the species; (2) a research program to more thoroughly understand the species? life history; (3) a monitoring program to effectively document population trends and distribution; and (4) an outreach and education program to enhance public and private landowner awareness, and to build public support for conservation. It is the intention of the signatories to develop, enhance, and implement comprehensive and collaborative conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of tricolors.