Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) Surveys
Tricolored blackbird is a state-listed endangered species that has declined dramatically in southern California. Once abundant
and widespread in San Diego County, there are few known breeding populations remaining at marshes on Conserved Lands.
AECOM biologists surveyed for tricolored blackbirds in spring 2021 at historic and recently documented breeding habitats and at
potentially suitable habitats. Surveys were to determine if tricolored blackbirds are present during the breeding season and to estimate
population size and breeding status. AECOM biologists used a protocol developed by SDMMP to evaluate habitat quality and
threats at each suitable habitat site, even those without tricolored blackbirds. These data , and data from subsequent yearly surveys, will be provided to SDMMP to develop management recommendations for tricolored blackbird. Tricolored blackbirds will be surveyed for annually.
Project Focus
Tricolored blackbird
Emily Perkins
San Diego Association of Governments
San Diego Management and Monitoring Program
AECOM
Kris Preston
Sarah McCutcheon
Kris Preston
Andrew Fisher; Loren Merrill
Project Protocol
This survey protocol outlines the methods for conducting TRBL surveys across San Diego County in April and May 2021. A team of two surveyors will collect data using two different software packages-Ful
26.77KB Tricolored Blackbird Habitat and Threat Assessment Protocol.docxTricolored blackbird Agelaius tricolor
Goal: Protect, enhance, and restore Tricolored blackbird occupied and historically occupied habitat to create resilient, self-sustaining populations that provide for persistence over the long-term (>100 years).
MON-IMP-IMG AGETRI-3
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11
Beginning in 2017, annually inspect suitable nesting habitat at current and historically occupied sites (see occurrence table) to determine management needs (including need for additional water) taking care not to disturb nesting tricolored blackbirds, and use a regional IMG monitoring protocol to collect covariate data on human activities and other threats to determine management needs.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Conduct regional IMG monitoring protocol surveys to determine management needs (including need for additonal water) taking care not to disturb nesting tricolored blackbirds, | available for implementation | Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) Surveys |
| IMP-2 | Based upon threat evaluation, determine if routine management or more intensive management is warranted. | available for implementation | |
| IMP-3 | Submit monitoring data and management recommendations to MSP web portal | available for implementation | Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) Surveys |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Annual IMG monitoring of Tricolored Blackbird completed | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| Herbivory/predation | |
| Human uses of the Preserves | HUMUSE |
| Parasitism/disease | |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
| File name | Lead Author | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tricolored Blackbird Habitat and Threat Assessment Protocol 2023 | AECOM | 2023 | protocol supplement |
| File name | Lead Author | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Summary of Tricolored Blackbird surveys | AECOM | 2022 | report |
| 2021 Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) Surveys Across Western San Diego County | Fisher, Andrew | 2022 | powerpoint presentation |
| 2023 Summary of Tricolored Blackbird surveys | AECOM | 2023 | report |
| Recording - March 2022 SDMMP Management and Monitoring Coordination Meeting | Fisher, Andrew; Merrill, Loren | 2022 | recording |