OBBC - Field Protocol – Census

Ottawa Breeding
Bird Count
Census Plot Program Protocol
With help from:
Ottawa FieldNaturalists’ Club
Contact the OBBC:
Ottawa Breeding Bird Count
Geomatics and Landscape Ecology Research Laboratory
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1S 5B6 Canada
Website: www.glel.carleton.ca/ottawabirds
E-mail: [email protected]
May 2007
Spot-mapping in a nutshell
In the Field:
The OBBC’s census plots are based on the “spotmapping” methodology, in which a series of visits
is made to a pre-defined plot and all bird
observations (by sight or sound) are recorded on
precise maps (field maps). The most important
types of observations to record are counter-singing
events and other interactions between two birds of
the same species that are likely to indicate the
boundaries of breeding territories and the locations
of any active nests. At the end of the season, field
map observations are copied onto a separate map
for each species (species maps), which
summarises all of the information obtained for that
species. Each species map is then analysed to
estimate the number of territories of the various
species on the plot.
Carry the field map with you on a clipboard as you
systematically work your way through the plot.
Use a sharp pencil to clearly record the position
and behaviour of every bird encountered in the
plot. You will need your binoculars and may need
a compass or GPS unit if the boundaries of your
plot are difficult to identify on the ground (if you
do not have access to this equipment, contact the
coordinator as we may have extras that we can
lend out). “Spishing” or other bird luring
techniques may be helpful but should be used
sparingly to avoid flushing birds off the plot or
luring them from outside the plot or into habitats
and structures they would not normally use.
One of the advantages of the spot-mapping method
is the production of maps showing the approximate
location of every bird territory or nest in the plot.
Changes in these maps over multiple years can be
compared in detail to changes that occur in the
various habitat features in the plot. The detailed
natural history of birds that comes from using spotmapping methods is unmatched by any other
standardized survey methodology. Detailed
information on the habitat use (both natural and
human-made habitat) of nesting birds in each plot
is particularly useful to identify ways that we
might modify development to create the best
conditions possible for native bird communities.
During each breeding season, a minimum of 5
mapping visits must be conducted in each census
plot during peak breeding season, between 24 May
and 07 July. Most visits should be completed early
in the morning before approximately 10:00am,
when many bird species are most active. The
entire area of the plot must be covered during each
mapping visit, which should normally require a
period of a few hours. Spacing of the visits should
be fairly even throughout the season, within
constraints imposed by weather and other
commitments. Cold, wet, or windy days are to be
avoided since the level of activity and detection of
birds will be much reduced. Light, showery days
may be acceptable weather as birds can be
relatively active between periodic showers. Visits
should not be conducted in wind stronger than 3 on
the Beaufort Scale and in precipitation any heavier
than a light drizzle.
Volunteer Requirements
•
Observers must be competent to identify
readily both by sight and sound, all species
likely to occur in their plot and physically
capable of covering a 10 hectare plot
without excessive fatigue.
If surveying two plots
• Observers must survey their designated
plots in different types of development with
the same degree of effort to ensure that the
results reflect true differences between bird
communities.
When to Visit
Additional visits during the breeding season are
useful. More than ten visits to any plot is
unnecessary and will not likely to add much new
information. If desired, additional visits outside of
the peak breeding season can be useful to account
for species that tend to breed earlier or later than
most (e.g., Wilson’s Snipe, American Woodcock,
Mourning Dove, American Goldfinch). At least
one evening mapping visit can also be useful to
capture species that tend to be most active later in
the day (e.g., owls and many marsh and grassland
birds).
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If surveying two plots
It should be possible to conduct mapping visits of
both plots in a single morning. However, bird
activity changes quickly as the morning
progresses, consequently you should ensure that
you vary the order of visits to each plot. Again,
additional mapping visits are encouraged so long
as the number of visits is the same in both plots.
Fieldwork Procedures:
The aim of each visit is to mark on the map, the
location and movements of every bird present or
flying over during the visit; but to record each
individual once only. The symbols section and the
example maps show how this can be done. Since
birds are small, difficult to see, and fast-moving
relative to the observer, some inadvertent doublecounting is unavoidable. However, your goal
should be to limit this as much as possible.
It is essential that bird species and their activities
be recorded on the field-map using the standard
codes and symbols. Your field maps will be
retained as the primary record of what was
observed on your plot and it is essential that they
be comprehensible to the count organizers and to
anyone who may choose to re-analyse your
information at some later date.
As you enter the plot, record the date and your
starting time. On completion, note your finishing
time (we use your total time spent surveying as a
measure of consistency in effort between years and
plots) and complete the rest of the visit information
on the field map. On subsequent visits to the plot,
vary your starting location and the direction of
travel so that no portion of the plot is surveyed
repeatedly at the same time of day.
Your movements should be as systematic as
possible given the accessibility of the plot, as to
cover all areas only once during a visit. In plots
where all areas can be easily accessed (plots in
parks and natural areas), your movements should
roughly follow a grid pattern that takes you back
and forth across the complete width (or length) of
the plot. On a 10 hectare plot, the most efficient
pattern is to walk along 5-6 straight line paths
running parallel to the plot boundary. In plots
where some areas are not accessible (e.g., plots
with a great deal of private property), you should
do your best to cover the entire area as
systematically as possible while ensuring that you
remain on public land (streets, paths, parks, alleys).
If large portions of the plot are inaccessible or
difficult to survey effectively, please contact the
OBBC coordinators ASAP. If you are comfortable
approaching local residents, by all means do so.
Most will be happy to know what you are doing,
and may even be willing to let you access their
property. Coverage of your plot should be as even
as possible. However, more time can be allowed
for areas with high bird density to ensure that all
birds are recorded.
What to Record
All birds seen or heard during visits are relevant to
the census and every bird observed should be
recorded on the field and species maps using the 4letter species codes. While the focus of the census
is on birds breeding within the plot, observations
of birds flying over or through the plot are relevant
and should be recorded. This includes species that
may be observed in flocks (e.g., pigeons, crows,
and starlings) or singly (e.g., gulls and birds of
prey).
Birds just outside of the plot boundary (within
50m) should also be plotted on the map since this
extra information is essential for defining the full
extent of the territories which straddle the
boundary. In addition, these birds may be found
inside the plot on following visits. Simultaneous
observations (dotted lines) are, as always,
especially valuable. Please add any feature,
building or habitat that helps you locate birds on
the field maps.
Intensive nest searching is not recommended as it
is exceedingly time-consuming and must be done
with utmost care to avoid disturbance and/or
damage to nests. However, record the locations of
any nests you discover during normal census
efforts. Also please consider collecting the
appropriate nest-monitoring information and
submitting your observations on the OBBC
website. If you find a nest and are not able to
monitor it (visit every 7 days), please record data
for the first observation, enter it online and send an
email to the OBBC coordinators.
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Species and activity codes:
This standard list of symbols and conventions is designed for clear and unambiguous recording. Symbols can
be combined where necessary. Additional activities of territorial significance, such as display or mating,
should be noted using an appropriate and clear abbreviation that is explained on the margins of the field map.
Symbol
Explanation of Symbol
American robin observations with age, sex, or number of birds if
appropriate.
Indicates a pair of Robins
Indicates two pairs of Robins together (4 birds total)
Juvenile Robins with parent(s) in attendance
Robin – calling (not singing)
Robin – repeatedly calling or giving alarm calls (not singing) thought
to have strong territorial significance
Robin – Singing
Aggressive encounter between two Robins
An occupied nest of Robins. Do not mark unoccupied nests on the
map at all (unless it was known to be active earlier that same season).
Occupied nest in a nest box (in this case, a Starling nest).
Occupied nest with adult sitting (in this case, a House Wren)
Robin carrying nest material
Robin carrying food
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Movement of birds can be indicated by an arrow, using the following conventions
A Robin, flying over (seen only in flight)
A singing Robin initially perched then flying away (not seen to land)
A Grackle observed flying in and landing (first seen in flight)
A House Wren moving between two locations (the solid line indicates it
was definitely the same bird)
The following conventions are used to indicate which observations relate to different, and which to the same
individual birds. The proper use of these lines and symbols are essential for the accurate assessment of
territory clusters.
Two House Finches in song at the same time, i.e., definitely different
birds. The dotted line indicates a simultaneous observation and is of very
great value in separating territories.
Two Robin nests occupied simultaneously and therefore belonging to
different pairs. Only adjacent nests need to be marked this way
One singing Robin. The solid line indicates that it is definitely the same
bird, observed twice during the same visit, singing from two different
places. This type of observation is very useful in defining the extent of
individual territories.
The question-marked sold line indicates that the observations are probably
the same bird. This is particularly useful when your route of travel brings
you back past an area already covered. It is possible to mark new positions
of (probably) the same birds previously recorded, without risking doublecounting. If you record birds in this situation without using the questionmarked solid line, your estimate of territories will be biased (overestimated).
No line joining the observations: it is assumed that the birds are likely
different but depending on the pattern of other observations, they may be
treated as if only one bird was involved
Where adjacent nests are marked without a line, it indicates that they are
first and second broods of the same pair or replacement nests following an
earlier failure.
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After the field visit:
Transfer your observations from the field map to
the species maps after each visit (when your
memories are most clear) or after all visits have
been completed. The species maps include all
observations that have been made of each species
during all visits in a season. The 4-letter species
codes on the field map are replaced by letters
representing each visit on the species map (making
clear when each observation was made) but all
other numbers and symbols are retained exactly as
they appear on the field map. At the end of the
season, the relative position of each observation on
each species map is interpreted to determine the
number of territories of each species within a plot.
The interpretation process can seem complicated
but after a season of observations and on the
ground experience in a particular plot, many
observers find it a surprisingly easy and rewarding
process.
To transfer observations, start with any species and
copy all observations of that species on the field
map of a particular mapping visit to a dedicated
species map. Substitute the species code from the
field map with the appropriate visit letter (for
example, “AMRO” on the field map of your
second visit (visit B) would be replaced by “B” on
the American Robin, species map). As you
transfer each observation, it is essential that it is
crossed-out on the field map (with a light stroke of
a pen) to ensure that all observations are
transferred and none are double-counted. Copy all
symbols (arrows, dotted-lines, etc.) exactly as they
Ideal cluster
appear on the field map. Working in pencil is
often the easiest way to keep each species map as
clean and clear as possible but if you prefer to save
paper, combine less common species onto a single
species map using different colours for each
species (e.g., red pen for HOWR observations and
blue pen for COGR observations).
Once all species maps are complete, please doublecheck the field maps for any missed observations.
Even the most experienced observers often miss
one (or more). After this final check you are ready
to determine the number of territories for each
species in your plot(s).
Interpreting the Species Maps:
The guidelines for interpreting the number of
territories from species maps in spot-mapping
studies were first published in 1968 and are
standardized among different studies. These
guidelines were taken from Bibby et al. 2000 (Bird
Census Techniques, 2nd ed. Academic Press,
London). Estimating the number of territories
from species maps is an inherently subjective
process (different observers may derive different
numbers from the same species map) but following
these guidelines as closely as possible will provide
the most precise estimates possible. Having said
that, your knowledge of the plot and the species is
an important factor in some situations and these
guidelines should not be interpreted as absolutely
fixed and rigid rules.
Interpreting
clusters using solid
and dotted lines
Figure 1. Example of clustering of observations
Ideal Clusters
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Typical species maps show discrete groupings of
letters (A, B, C…) indicating the positions held by
territorial males on different visits. Each grouping
or cluster may show a sequence of observations on
different visits of the same bird (or pair of bird) but
in practice will probably show some duplication
(individual birds recorded more than once on a
single visit). Areas from which dotted lines
originate are readily identified as potential clusters.
Minimum requirements for a cluster
To be accepted as a valid cluster there must be a
grouping of 2 or more observations that are at least
10 days apart. This rule is written in stone for all
species except in situations where an active nest
containing eggs or young is found.
Dotted lines
Two observations joined by a dotted line should
not be included in the same cluster unless it is
probable that the observations refer to a male and
female of the same pair or to juveniles. These
lines are most valuable in delimiting clusters.
Solid lines
Two observations joined by a solid line should
never be treated as part of two separate territories.
Records joined by a solid line with a question mark
may be treated as if they were separate birds or the
same bird according to the pattern of observations
from other visits.
Multiple sightings
Observations of multiple birds seen together may
be recorded as, for example, 2AMRO♂ for 2
American Robin males seen together. Another
common example would be an observation of
territorial conflict between two or more birds.
These observations can be split between two or
more clusters in situations where the remainder of
the observations suggest it is appropriate.
Double observations
Double or repeat observations may frequently
appear within apparently good clusters. A single
bird may be unknowingly recorded more than once
during a visit or may in fact be different birds (e.g.,
perhaps the territory holder and a migrant or
unpaired bird). Where there are more than two
double observations, or where the distribution of
the remainder of the observations suggests a
potential division in the cluster, you should
consider drawing two clusters.
You should also consider the following points
when interpreting double observations:
• the average territory size of the species
• the minimum number of observations
required for a suitable cluster
• the timing of the observation (e.g., the
likelihood of the species singing during
migration, observing non-territorial birds
that have finished breeding)
Excess observations
Some observations will be difficult to assign to
particular clusters. In general they should be
included in the nearest cluster, except where:
• the observations are close to the plot
boundary (likely belong to territories
outside the plot)
• the resulting cluster would be too large for
the species or has too many double
registrations
• the observations are likely to be of nonterritorial birds and/or late migrants
If after considering the above points some excess
observations remain, it is best to draw an arc
around them to indicate their likely origin (e.g., off
the plot, or belonging to the neighbouring cluster)
to show that their presence has been taken into
account during the analysis.
Diffuse observations
Common species in very uniform habitat may
show a diffuse rather than a clumped distribution.
Dotted lines are particularly important in these
circumstances. In these situations it is best to start
at the centre of territorial activity (observations on
successive visits or an area where dotted lines
originate), draw a cluster and then work outwards
towards areas where the pattern of groupings is
less clear. It is not a good idea to start arbitrarily at
the edge of the map.
Large territories
Species with large territories are a special problem
since the observations rarely form obvious spatial
clusters. Where the observations fall close to two
opposite edges of the plot with a substantial gap
between them, it is often better to assign them to
different groupings than to draw a single cluster
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covering most of the plot. Remember that the size
of the cluster drawn should always be appropriate
to the territory size of the species.
Spurious clusters
Clusters of observations sometimes occur, which
fulfill the minimum requirements but should not be
treated as separate clusters. For instance,
communal feeding areas (bird feeders) may result
in clusters that lack territorial behaviour and as
such they should not be treated as a single cluster
but instead should be included in the nearest
cluster. Also, adjacent clusters with no temporal
overlap (i.e., observations from visits A, B, and C
in one cluster and observations from visits D, and
E in a neighbouring cluster), may indicate a
territory-shift and should be merged into a single
cluster.
Colonial or non-territorial species
The territory mapping method works best for
territorial and non-colonial birds. For nonterritorial species or those with very small
territories within a larger daily home-range such as
Rock Pigeons and Purple Martins, group clusters
may be drawn. Each group cluster must contain a
potential (or ideally observed) nesting site (e.g.,
suitable building or nest box). If no potential nest
is found in a plot then it is best not to define
clusters.
Reporting Territories
The number of interpreted clusters or territories
should be entered on each species map. For our
purposes there are three territory types. A
‘complete’ territory is a cluster whose observations
lie completely within the census plot. A ‘partial’
territory is a cluster with half or more of its
observations within the plot boundaries. And a
‘fragment’ territory is a cluster with less than half
of its observations within the plot boundaries.
Data and Map Submission
At the end of the season, visit the OBBC website
and submit your data. Once your data is entered,
photocopy all field and species maps and send the
originals to the OBBC coordinators. Please try to
send us your completed maps by 31 July. We
encourage you to retain a copy of your maps as
submitted maps will be archived or in case the
originals are lost in the mail.
You’re done! Thank you for contributing to the
OBBC’s database and helping to build cities that
are habitat for native birds. Check the website in
the fall to see the results of your effort.
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List of species common names in English and French and the standard, 4-letter codes of birds breeding in the
Ottawa region according to the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005. Please use only these codes
for all observations to ensure your data is recorded properly in the OBBC database.
English Name
Code
French Name
English Name
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
American Bittern
Least Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Black-crown N.-Heron
Turkey Vulture
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Gadwall
American Wigeon
American Black Duck
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Lesser Scaup
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Northern Goshawk
Red-should Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Gray Partridge
Ring-necked Pheasant
Ruffed Grouse
Spruce Grouse
Wild Turkey
Yellow Rail
King Rail
Virginia Rail
Sora
Common Moorhen
COLO
PBGR
AMBI
LEBI
GBHE
GRHE
BCNH
TUVU
CAGO
WODU
GADW
AMWI
ABDU
MALL
BWTE
NSHO
NOPI
GWTE
RNDU
LESC
HOME
COME
RUDU
OSPR
NOHA
SSHA
COHA
NOGO
RSHA
BWHA
RTHA
AMKE
MERL
PEFA
GRPA
RIPH
RUGR
SPGR
WITU
YERA
KIRA
VIRA
SORA
COMO
Plongeon huard
Grèbe à bec bigarré
Butor d'Amérique
Petit Blongios
Grand Héron
Héron vert
Bihoreau gris
Urubu à tête rouge
Bernache du Canada
Canard branchu
Canard chipeau
Canard d'Amérique
Canard noir
Canard colvert
Sarcelle à ailes bleues
Canard souchet
Canard pilet
Sarcelle d'hiver
Fuligule à collier
Petit Fuligule
Harle couronné
Grand Harle
Érismature rousse
Balbuzard pêcheur
Busard Saint-Martin
Épervier brun
Épervier de Cooper
Autour des palombes
Buse à épaulettes
Petite Buse
Buse à queue rousse
Crécerelle d'Amérique
Faucon émerillon
Faucon pèlerin
Perdrix grise
Faisan de colchide
Gélinotte huppée
Tétras du Canada
Dindon sauvage
Râle jaune
Râle élégant
Râle de Virginie
Marouette de Caroline
Gallinule poule-d'eau
American Coot
Sandhill Crane
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Upland Sandpiper
Common Snipe
American Woodcock
Wilson's Phalarope
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Common Tern
Black Tern
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Black-billed Cuckoo
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Black/Yell-billed Cuckoo
Eastern Screech-Owl
Great Horned Owl
Northern Hawk Owl
Barred Owl
Great Gray Owl
Long-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
North Saw-whet Owl
Common Nighthawk
Whip-poor-will
Chimney Swift
Ruby-thr Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-head Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Gr Crested Flycatcher
Code
AMCO
SACR
KILL
SPSA
UPSA
COSN
AMWO
WIPH
RBGU
HERG
COTE
BLTE
RODO
MODO
BBCU
YBCU
CUCK
EASO
GHOW
NHOW
BDOW
GGOW
LEOW
SEOW
NSWO
CONI
WPWI
CHSW
RTHU
BEKI
RHWO
YBSA
DOWO
HAWO
NOFL
PIWO
OSFL
EAWP
YBFL
ALFL
WIFL
LEFL
EAPH
GCFL
French Name
Foulque d'Amérique
Grue du Canada
Pluvier kildir
Chevalier grivelé
Maubèche des champs
Bécassine de Wilson
Bécasse d'Amérique
Phalarope de Wilson
Goéland à bec cerclé
Goéland argenté
Sterne pierregarin
Guifette noire
Pigeon biset
Tourterelle triste
Coulicou à bec noir
Coulicou à bec jaune
Coulicou à bec noir/jaune
Petit-duc maculé
Grand-duc d'Amérique
Chouette épervière
Chouette rayée
Chouette lapone
Hibou moyen-duc
Hibou des marais
Petite Nyctale
Engoulevent d'Amérique
Engoulevent bois-pourri
Martinet ramoneur
Colibri à gorge rubis
Martin-pêcheur d'Amérique
Pic à tête rouge
Pic maculé
Pic mineur
Pic chevelu
Pic flamboyant
Grand Pic
Moucherolle à côtés olive
Pioui de l'Est
Moucherolle à ventre jaune
Moucherolle des aulnes
Moucherolle des saules
Moucherolle tchébec
Moucherolle phébi
Tyran huppé
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English Name
Code
French Name
English Name
Code
French Name
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
EAKI
YTVI
BHVI
WAVI
PHVI
REVI
BLJA
Tyran tritri
Viréo à gorge jaune
Viréo à tête bleue
Viréo mélodieux
Viréo de Philadelphie
Viréo aux yeux rouges
Geai bleu
Magnolia Warbler
Cape May Warbler
Black-thr Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-thr Green Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Pine Warbler
MAWA
CMWA
BTBW
YRWA
BTNW
BLBW
PIWA
American Crow
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow
North Rgh-wing
Swallow
Bank Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capp Chickadee
Red-breast Nuthatch
White-breast Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Winter Wren
Sedge Wren
Marsh Wren
Golden-crown Kinglet
Ruby-crown Kinglet
Blue-gr Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Swainson's Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Golden-winged Warbler
Blue/Gold-wing
Warbler
Brewster's Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Northern Parula
Yellow Warbler
Chestn-sided Warbler
AMCR
CORA
HOLA
PUMA
TRES
Corneille d'Amérique
Grand Corbeau
Alouette hausse-col
Hirondelle noire
Hirondelle bicolore
Palm Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Black-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
PAWA
BBWA
BAWW
AMRE
OVEN
Paruline à tête cendrée
Paruline tigrée
Paruline bleue
Paruline à croupion jaune
Paruline à gorge noire
Paruline à gorge orangée
Paruline des pins
Paruline à couronne
rousse
Paruline à poitrine baie
Paruline noir et blanc
Paruline flamboyante
Paruline couronnée
NRWS
BANS
CLSW
BARS
BCCH
RBNU
WBNU
BRCR
CARW
HOWR
WIWR
SEWR
MAWR
GCKI
RCKI
BGGN
EABL
VEER
SWTH
HETH
WOTH
AMRO
GRCA
NOMO
BRTH
EUST
CEDW
GWWA
Hirondelle à ailes hérissées
Hirondelle de rivage
Hirondelle à front blanc
Hirondelle rustique
Mésange à tête noire
Sittelle à poitrine rousse
Sittelle à poitrine blanche
Grimpereau brun
Troglodyte de Caroline
Troglodyte familier
Troglodyte mignon
Troglodyte à bec court
Troglodyte des marais
Roitelet à couronne dorée
Roitelet à couronne rubis
Gobemoucheron gris-bleu
Merlebleu de l'Est
Grive fauve
Grive à dos olive
Grive solitaire
Grive des bois
Merle d'Amérique
Moqueur chat
Moqueur polyglotte
Moqueur roux
Étourneau sansonnet
Jaseur d'Amérique
Paruline à ailes dorées
Paruline à ailes
bleues/dorées
Paruline de Brewster
Paruline à joues grises
Paruline à collier
Paruline jaune
Paruline à flancs marron
North Waterthrush
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Canada Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throat Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breast Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Red-wing Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
Brown-head Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
House Finch
NOWA
MOWA
COYE
CAWA
SCTA
EATO
CHSP
CCSP
FISP
VESP
SAVS
GRSP
SOSP
LISP
SWSP
WTSP
DEJU
NOCA
RBGR
INBU
BOBO
RWBL
EAME
COGR
BHCO
BAOR
PUFI
HOFI
Paruline des ruisseaux
Paruline triste
Paruline masquée
Paruline du Canada
Tangara écarlate
Tohi à flancs roux
Bruant familier
Bruant des plaines
Bruant des champs
Bruant vespéral
Bruant des prés
Bruant sauterelle
Bruant chanteur
Bruant de Lincoln
Bruant des marais
Bruant à gorge blanche
Junco ardoisé
Cardinal rouge
Cardinal à poitrine rose
Passerin indigo
Goglu des prés
Carouge à épaulettes
Sturnelle des prés
Quiscale bronzé
Vacher à tête brune
Oriole de Baltimore
Roselin pourpré
Roselin familier
Red Crossbill
White-winged Crossbill
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
Evening Grosbeak
House Sparrow
RECR
WWCR
PISI
AMGO
EVGR
HOSP
Bec-croisé des sapins
Bec-croisé bifascié
Tarin des pins
Chardonneret jaune
Gros-bec errant
Moineau domestique
BGWW
BRWA
NAWA
NOPA
YWAR
CSWA
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List of species common names in English and French and the standard, 4-letter codes of birds occurring but
likely not breeding in the Ottawa region according to the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005.
Please use only these codes for all observations to ensure your data is recorded properly in the OBBC database.
English Name
Code French Name
English Name
Code
French Name
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Snow Goose
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Solitary Sandpiper
Bonaparte's Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
HOGR
RNGR
DCCO
GREG
SNGO
BUFF
RBME
GRYE
LEYE
SOSA
BOGU
GBBG
Boreal Owl
Boreal Chickadee
Bohemian Waxwing
Tennessee Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
American Tree Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Rusty Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Pine Grosbeak
Common Redpoll
BOOW
BOCH
BOWA
TEWA
BLPW
WIWA
ATSP
FOSP
WCSP
RUBL
BRBL
PIGR
CORE
Nyctale de Tengmalm
Mésange à tête brune
Jaseur boréal
Paruline obscure
Paruline rayée
Paruline à calotte noire
Bruant hudsonien
Bruant fauve
Bruant à couronne blanche
Quiscale rouilleux
Quiscale de Brewer
Durbec des sapins
Sizerin flammé
Grèbe esclavon
Grèbe jougris
Cormoran à aigrettes
Grande Aigrette
Oie des neiges
Petit Garrot
Harle huppé
Grand Chevalier
Petit Chevalier
Chevalier solitaire
Mouette de Bonaparte
Goéland marin
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