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Publication Date

6-1-2003

Abstract

While there is no one single reason for the decline in songbird numbers throughout the country, one contributing factor is the spread of the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater). These birds were once limited to the short-grass prairies. Today however, this highly adaptive bird is found throughout North America. This is a problem because of the reproductive strategies the species employs. Because the female cowbird can lay as many as 70 eggs per season, susceptible species of songbirds, such as the Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapillus) and the Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia), that are already endangered, are particularly at risk. For the past three years the Private Lands and Habitat Program in partnership with numerous private organizations and state agencies, has been working with private landowners to help control the Brown-headed Cowbird population in Central Texas. Traps are run during the prime songbird nesting season of March 1 through May 31. Data is collected by each landowner and submitted to TPWD on a weekly basis. Each year since 2000 there has been an increased number of participating landowners that have contributed to the project’s success. Currently there are cowbird traps in 33 counties. Anecdotal evidence suggests that local songbird populations have increased dramatically in areas where trapping has taken place, clearly demonstrating that cowbird trapping is a viable conservation practice.

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