“Species of concern” refers to species that may be in need of conservation actions basedupon current research. The actions vary due to the type of threat and health of thepopulations and may include monitoring the populations, threats and habitats; presentinga proposal to list the species as threatened or endangered; or other actions. Species ofconcern are not legally protected by the Endangered Species Act or the Illinois EndangeredSpecies Protection Act unless they are also listed as threatened or endangered by theappropriate entity (federal, state or both) though all birds are afforded some protectionsby other state and federal laws. Identifying a species as one of concern can help underscorethe need for data collection, increase public awareness, encourage research projects andpromote voluntary efforts to conserve the species. The 25 species depicted on this posterwere selected by Jeff Walk of The Nature Conservancy to represent the birds in greatestneed of conservation in Illinois. More information about these birds can be found on theback of the poster.

This poster was made possible by:

Illinois Department ofNatural ResourcesDivision of Education

Funding for this poster was made possiblein part by a donation from the IllinoisAudubon Society.

Species ListForest

eastern whip-poor-will Caprimulgusvociferus

Kentucky warbler Geothlypis formosuswood thrush Hylocichla mustelina

Grasslandbobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorusHenslow’s sparrow Ammodramus henslowiiloggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianusupland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda

OpenAmerican golden-plover Pluvialis

dominicaShrub/Savanna

Bewick’s wren Thryomanes bewickiibrown thrasher Toxostoma rufumnorthern bobwhite Colinus virginianusnorthern flicker Colaptes auratusprairie warbler Setophaga discolorred-headed woodpecker Melanerpes

erythrocephalusyellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus

Water/Wetlandbald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephaluscommon gallinule Gallinula galeataking rail Rallus elegansleast tern Sternula antillarumlesser scaup Aythya affinislittle blue heron Egretta caeruleamarsh wren Cistothorus palustrissandhill crane Grus canadensiswillow flycatcher Empidonax trailliyellow-headed blackbird Xanthocephalus

xanthocephalus

Photo © John Cassady

Photo © Brian Tang

Photo © Adele Hodde, IDNR

Photo © Rob Curtis, The Early Birder

Photo © David Brewer

Photo © Rob Curtis, The Early Birder

Photo © Brian Tang

Photo © Adele Hodde, IDNR

Photo © Rob Curtis, The Early Birder

Photo © Brian Tang

Photo © Rob Curtis, The Early Birder

Photo © Stephen J. M

axson smaxsonphotos@gmail.com

Photo © Rob Curtis, The Early Birder

Photo © Rob Curtis, The Early Birder

Photo © Adele Hodde, IDNR

Photo © Brian TangPhoto © David Brewer

Photo © John Cassady

Photo © John Cassady

Photo © Brian Tang

Photo © Brian Tang

Photo © David Brewer

Photo © Brian Tang

Photo © Rob Curtis, The Early Birder

Photo © Illini Im

ages by Steve Patterson

eastern whip-poor-willCaprimulgus vociferus

Kentucky warblerGeothlypis formosa

wood thrushHylocichla mustelina

bobolinkDolichonyx oryzivorus

Henslow’s sparrowAmmodramus henslowii

loggerhead shrikeLanius ludovicianus

upland sandpiperBartramia longicauda

American golden-ploverPluvialis dominica

Bewick’s wrenThryomanes bewickii

brown thrasherToxostoma rufum

northern bobwhiteColinus virginianus

northern flickerColaptes auratus

prairie warblerSetophaga discolor

red-headed woodpeckerMelanerpes erythrocephalus

yellow-billed cuckooCoccyzus americanus

bald eagleHaliaeetus leucocephalus

common gallinuleGallinula galeata

king railRallus elegans

least ternSternula antillarum

lesser scaupAythya affinis

little blue heronEgretta caerulea

marsh wrenCistothorus palustris

sandhill craneGrus canadensis

willow flycatcherEmpidonax trailli

yellow-headed blackbirdXanthocephalus xanthocephalus

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Species Descriptions Length measurement refers to bill tip to tail tip in preserved specimens and varies somewhat from that of live birds.

** = endangered in Illinois * = threatened in Illinois ^ = federally endangered

More information about Illinois birds is available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The Division of Natural Heritage manages and monitors bird populations and provides assistance to landowners regarding establishingand maintaining bird habitat. The IDNR Division of Education provides supplemental resources for educators to use, including the Illinois Common Birds activity book, Illinois Birds resources trunk available for loan from more than 50 lendinglocations statewide, Field Trip Packs for early childhood educators and the Biodiversity of Illinois series of CD-ROMs that are field guides to more than 1,000 species in the state. The Illinois Audubon Society’s mission is to promote the perpetuation

and appreciation of the native flora and fauna of Illinois and the habitats that support them. Fundamental to this end are the control of pollution, the conservation of energy and all natural resources, a sound ecological relationship between human populations and their environmentsand the education and involvement of the public in such efforts.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

Division of Education Division of Natural Heritage 2315 Clear Lake Avenue (office) P. O. Box 2547 (mailing)One Natural Resources Way One Natural Resources Way Springfield, IL 62703 Springfield, IL 62708Springfield, IL 62702-1271 Springfield, IL 62702-1271 217-544-2473

http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/education http://www.dnr.illinois.gov http://www.illinoisaudubon.org217-524-4126 217-785-8691dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov

Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and those funded by the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies is available to all individuals regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability, age,religion or other non-merit factors. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the funding source’s civil rights officeand/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, IDNR, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271; 217-785-0067;TTY 217/782-9175. This information may be provided in an alternative format if required. Contact the DNR Clearinghouse at217/782-7498 for assistance.

Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois.XXM – 7/12 • IOCI 12-0857

Illinois Birds: Volume 3 - Species of Concern © 2012, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield, Illinois

Resources

ILLINOIS BIRDS: Volume 3

“Species of concern” is an informal term that is applied to species that may be in need of conservation actions based upon current research. The actions vary due to the type of threat and health of the populations. They may include periodic monitoring of the populations, threats and habitats;presentation of a proposal to list the species as threatened or endangered; or other actions between these two extremes. Species of concern are not legally protected by the Endangered Species Act or the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act unless they are also listed as threatened or endangeredby the appropriate entity (federal, state or both). A few of the species on the poster only visit the state during migration or winter here. The American golden-plover may have more than half of its worldwide population in a few eastern Illinois counties as it passes through in migration. Identifying aspecies as one of concern can help underscore the need for data collection, increase public awareness, encourage cooperative research efforts and promote voluntary efforts to conserve the species.

Habitats provide food, water, shelter and space for species. A good habitat must have all of these components and in the proper configuration. Habitat loss and degradation are the two main factors causing species decline. If a habitat is eliminated or altered to make it unsuitable for a species,then members of that species must die, seek out and find a new habitat or survive as best they can with habitats that may be very marginal. Even habitat alteration in other parts of the world can have effects on birds that live in Illinois. Those species that migrate for the winter or return to areasnorth of Illinois for nesting can be seriously impacted by changes in their migratory routes and homes. Other factors affecting bird species are competition from invasive species, historically low populations due to being on the edge of the species’ range, habitat fragmentation and humanactions/inactions. Humans are the main cause for habitat loss and degradation. Humans, however, can be the solution to these issues.

American golden-ploverPluvialis dominicaSize: 10.5”Identifying Features: The breeding adult is black below anddark with black and yellow markings on the upper side. A whitestripe in a question-mark shape extends from above the eye tothe neck. The nonbreeding bird is gray-brown, with the back andupper side darker than the underside of the bird.Illinois Range: This bird is a common migrant in Illinois. It ismost numerous in central Illinois during spring migration and lesscommon during fall migration when most sightings are alongLake Michigan.Migration: Spring migrants begin arriving in late March. Fall mi-gration starts in late August. The species winters in South America.Illinois Habitat: It is found in wet fields, pastures and grassymudflats eating insects and other aquatic invertebrates.Reasons for Concern: The loss of wetland and grassland habi-tats affects this species as it migrates through Illinois. At times,more than half of the world’s population of this bird is present ina few eastern Illinois counties.

bald eagleHaliaeetus leucocephalusSize: 30-31”Identifying Features: The head, neck and tail feathers of the adultbirds are white, while the rest of the feathers are dark brown. Thebill, eyes and feet are yellow. Immature birds do not develop thewhite plumage until they are at least three years old. Illinois Range: The bald eagle is a common migrant and winterresident in Illinois. Some eagles nest in the state, too.Migration: Spring migration begins in February or March. Fallmigration begins in August. This species winters in the continentalUnited States.Illinois Habitat: It can be found along major rivers and largelakes feeding on small birds, carrion, small mammals, fishes andwounded or ill waterfowl.Reasons for Concern: Bald eagles are recently recovered fromendangered species status. Humans are the main reason for baldeagle deaths in Illinois, either directly (shooting, poisoning, trapping)or indirectly (vehicle strikes, hitting power lines, electrocution).

Bewick’s wren**Thryomanes bewickiiSize: 5”Identifying Features: The white eye stripe and cocked tail withwhite edges are characteristic features. It is gray-brown aboveand white on the lower body.Illinois Range: Bewick’s wren is a rare migrant and summerresident in central and southern Illinois. Occasionally these birdswinter in southern and central Illinois. Migration: Spring migrants begin arriving in mid-April. Fallmigration begins in late October. Bewick’s wren winters in thesouth central United States. Illinois Habitat: It lives in dry, scrubby areas such as openwoodlands, farms, shrubland and urban areas near woods andfeeds on insects and spiders.Reasons for Concern: Competition for nest sites with housesparrows (Passer domesticus), song sparrows (Melospiza melodia),European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and house wrens (Troglodytesaedon), in particular, has led to this species’ decline throughoutthe eastern United States.

bobolinkDolichonyx oryzivorusSize: 6-8”Identifying Features: The breeding male is black underneathand black, tan and white on the back. The female is tan with darkstripes on the head. In fall and winter, the male’s coloration ismore like that of the female.Illinois Range: The bobolink is a common migrant statewideand a common summer resident in northern Illinois, decreasingsouthward. Migration: Migrants begin arriving in Illinois in late April.Fall migration begins in mid-August. The species winters inSouth America.Illinois Habitat: It lives in alfalfa fields, clover fields, hay fields,pastures and fence rows feeding on insects, fruits, grains and seeds.Reasons for Concern: Loss of grassland habitat and thebrown-headed cowbird’s (Molothrus ater) nest parasitism affectthis species.

brown thrasherToxostoma rufumSize: 12”Identifying Features: The brown thrasher is rust-red on theback and wings and cream-colored with rust-red stripes on thebelly. Each wing has two, white wing bars. The eyes are yellow,and the bill is curved. The tail is long. Illinois Range: This species is a common migrant and summerresident statewide and an uncommon winter resident in southernIllinois decreasing northward.Migration: Brown thrashers that migrate out of Illinois spendthe winter in the southern United States. Spring migrants beginarriving in March. Fall migrants begin arriving in late September. Illinois Habitat: It lives in fence rows and thickets, and it eatsbeetles, fruits, seeds and grains.Reasons for Concern: Destruction of fence rows and othershrubby areas as well as nest parasitism by the brown-headedcowbird affect this species.

common gallinule**Gallinula galeataSize: 14”Identifying Features: The red bill that extends to a red platebetween the eyes, yellow bill tip and white stripe along the sidesare characteristic traits of this bird. The bill in immature gallinulesis not brightly colored. Illinois Range: This bird is an uncommon migrant and local sum-mer resident in northern Illinois. It is occasionally seen migratingin central and southern Illinois and may be a summer resident inthese locations.Migration: Spring migrants begin arriving in late April. Fallmigration starts in early September. This species winters in thesouthwestern United States and Central America. Illinois Habitat: The common gallinule frequents marshy areasand lakes seeking the plants, seeds, aquatic macroinvertebratesand amphibians that it eats.Reasons for Concern:The continued loss and reduction in qualityof wetland habitats affect this species.

eastern whip-poor-willCaprimulgus vociferus Size: 9.5”Identifying Features: This bird is brown with dark marks. Tailpatches are white in the male and buff-colored in the female. Thebill is tiny, and the wings are rounded.Illinois Range: The eastern whip-poor-will is an uncommonmigrant and summer resident statewide.Migration: The species winters from the southeastern andsouthern United States to Panama. Spring migrants begin arrivingin the state in March. Fall migration starts in August. Illinois Habitat: It lives in dry, open woodlands with littleunderstory and feeds on insects. Reasons for Concern: Habitat loss and fragmentation are majorconcerns for this species. Fire suppression is a main cause ofhabitat loss. Fire would provide more open woodland habitat.

Henslow’s sparrowAmmodramus henslowiiSize: 5”Identifying Features: The striped, green-brown head is flat-tened. The light breast has dark stripes. The wings are rust-red.There are two dark stripes below the eye. Illinois Range: Henslow’s sparrow is an uncommon migrant andsummer resident statewide and a very rare winter resident insouthern Illinois.Migration: Spring migration begins in mid-April. Fall migrantsstart to leave in mid-October. This species winters in the pineforests of the Gulf Coast states.Illinois Habitat: It lives in tall grasslands and fallow fields withlittle to no trees or shrubs feeding on seeds, insects and fruits.Reasons for Concern: The dense, undisturbed, tall grasslandhabitat required for this species is rare in Illinois. Once endangered,its population has recovered substantially due to grasslandsrestored through the Conservation Reserve Program.

Kentucky warblerGeothlypis formosusSize: 5.5”Identifying Features: The Kentucky warbler has a yellow bellyand a gray-green back. A black line in front of the eye continuesbehind the eye to form “sideburns.” A yellow line in front of eacheye circles the eye. The male and female are similar in appearance.Illinois Range: This species is a common migrant statewide anda summer resident in the southern two-thirds of the state. Migration: The Kentucky warbler winters from Mexico to northernSouth America. Spring migrants begin arriving in April, and theymigrate at night. Fall migration begins in August.Illinois Habitat: This species lives in the interior of forests,especially in ravines, where it seeks insects.Reasons for Concern: Habitat destruction and forest fragmen-tation are important factors in this species’ decline in Illinois.

king rail**Rallus elegansSize: 15”Identifying Features: This rust-red bird has a long, thin bill. Asmall white stripe is present over the eye. The back has a boldblack and tan pattern.Illinois Range: The king rail is a rare migrant and summer residentin Illinois. It is a very rare winter resident in the state.Migration: Spring migrants begin arriving in mid-April. Fallmigration starts in late October. The species winters in the GulfCoast states.Illinois Habitat: This bird inhabits cattail marshes or other areaswith shallow water and many plants where it finds aquaticmacroinvertebrates, plants, seeds and amphibians to eat.Reasons for Concern: Loss and degradation of wetland habitatscontinue to impact this species tremendously.

least tern**^Sternula antillarum Size: 9”Identifying Features: The yellow legs, yellow feet and whiteforehead patch are distinctive. The bill in breeding birds is yel-low with a black tip. There is a black edge to the outer wings.Nonbreeding and immature birds have a dark bill. Illinois Range: The least tern is an uncommon migrant and raresummer resident in southern Illinois. It may occasionally be seenas a migrant or wandering individual in northern Illinois.Migration: Spring migrants begin arriving in mid-May. Fallmigration starts in early September. This species winters inSouth America.

Illinois Habitat: The preferred habitat includes rivers and lakeswith sandbars or sand islands where it feeds on fishes, insectsand other aquatic macroinvertebrates.Reasons for Concern: This species prefers to nest on sandbarsor sand islands, habitats that are rare and vulnerable to flooding,dredging, dumping and human disturbance.

lesser scaupAythya affinisSize: 15-18”Identifying Features: There is a white stripe on the back edgeof each wing that is visible when this duck flies. The male has ablue bill, purple head, black chest and black tail. All other areasare light gray with small dark marks. The female is dark brownwith a white area between the bill and eye.Illinois Range: This diving duck is a common migrant, uncommonwinter resident and rare summer resident in Illinois. Migration: Spring migrants begin arriving in late March andApril. Fall migration starts in September. This species winters inFlorida and Louisiana, although a few may overwinter in Illinois.Illinois Habitat: Lakes, rivers, ponds and sewage lagoons arethe Illinois habitats used by this bird to find the snails, mussels,mayflies and aquatic plants for its diet.Reasons for Concern: Populations of this species have de-clined tremendously. Accumulation of contaminants, climate andhabitat changes in its breeding range in northern North Americaand decreased quantity and quality of food in its winter andspring migration areas may all be factors in the decline.

little blue heron**Egretta caeruleaSize: 24”Identifying Features: The adult is blue-gray with a brown-pur-ple neck. There is a dark tip on the pale-blue bill. The immaturebird is white with gray wing tips. Illinois Range: The little blue heron is a common migrant andsummer resident in southern Illinois. It is an uncommon migrantand wanderer in the rest of the state. Migration: Spring migrants begin returning to Illinois in mid-April.Fall migration starts in early September. This species winters inthe southern United States and Central America.Illinois Habitat: It is found around shallow pools, sloughs,marshes, streams, rivers, ditches, lakes and ponds where it eatsfishes, amphibians, insects and aquatic macroinvertebrates.Reasons for Concern: This species is at the northern edge of itsbreeding range. The small amount of available nesting locationsand continued wetland habitat destruction contribute to its smallpopulation.

loggerhead shrike**Lanius ludovicianusSize: 9”Identifying Features: This gray bird has black wings with awhite patch on them and a black tail. A black facial stripe includesthe eye. The bill is short and hooked.Illinois Range: The loggerhead shrike is a rare migrant anduncommon to rare summer and winter resident statewide de-creasing northward.Migration: Spring migrants begin arriving in late March. Fallmigration starts in early October. Migrants winter in the southernUnited States and Central America.Illinois Habitat: The preferred habitat includes open areas, whereit perches on power lines, fences and in fence rows where it seeksinsects, reptiles, amphibians, small birds and small mammals to eat.Reasons for Concern: Continued destruction of fence rows andthorny tree species and loss of their associated grasslands leavelittle habitat for this bird to occupy.

marsh wrenCistothorus palustrisSize: 5”Identifying Features: The thin, curved bill, red-brown coloration,white eye stripe and white stripes on the upper back help to identifythis bird.Illinois Range: The marsh wren is an uncommon migrant, un-common summer resident and a rare winter resident statewide. Migration: Spring migrants begin arriving in late April. Fallmigration starts in early September. The marsh wren wintersin the southern United States and Central America.Illinois Habitat: Cattail marshes are the preferred habitat whereit eats insects and other invertebrates. It may also be seen inweedy areas during migration.Reasons for Concern: Destruction and degradation of wetlands,particularly marshes, result in habitat loss for this species.

northern bobwhiteColinus virginianusSize: 8-11”Identifying Features: This small, plump, rust-red bird has ashort, stubby tail. The chest has a white and rust pattern. Themale has a white throat and eye stripe. These areas are morecream- or tan-colored in the female.Illinois Range: This bird is a permanent resident statewide,decreasing in abundance northward. Migration: The northern bobwhite does not migrate.Illinois Habitat: It lives in orchards, fence rows, hay fields, pasturesand grassy fields and eats insects, seeds, grains and fruits.Reasons for Concern: Habitat loss and degradation along withextreme weather conditions greatly impact this ground-nestingspecies.

northern flickerColaptes auratusSize: 12-14”Identifying Features: A large, white rump patch shows whenthe bird flies. Its back is brown with dark bars. There is a blackpatch on the upper chest and a red patch on the back of the head.The male has a black patch below each eye.Illinois Range: This species is a common migrant, summerresident and winter resident statewide.Migration: Those flickers that migrate out of Illinois for the wintergo to the southern United States. Spring migrants begin arrivingin Illinois in March. Fall migration begins in July.Illinois Habitat:The northern flicker lives in open forests, orchards,pastures and urban areas where it feeds on ants, beetles, grainsand fruits.Reasons for Concern: The habitats that this species prefercontinue to be eliminated or degraded in Illinois.

prairie warblerSetophaga discolor Size: 5”Identifying Features: This bird bobs its tail. Both male and fe-male are yellow on the belly with dark stripes on the sides and ablack mark through the eye. The back is green-brown. The malehas a prominent dark mark below the eye. The mark is presentbut much smaller and lighter in the female.Illinois Range: The prairie warbler is a common migrant andsummer resident in southern Illinois, with populations decreasingnorthward in the state.Migration: It winters in the southern United States and the WestIndies. Spring migrants begin arriving in April. Fall migration startsin August.Illinois Habitat: The prairie warbler lives in brushy areas, road-sides, abandoned fields and Christmas tree farms and eats insects.Reasons for Concern: Habitat loss and degradation are themajor factors causing this species’ population to decline.

red-headed woodpeckerMelanerpes erythrocephalusSize: 8.5-9.5”Identifying Features: This bird’s head feathers are entirely red.There is a white patch on each wing and a white rump patch. Thechest and belly are white, too. The back, wings and tail are black.The immature bird of this species has a brown head and isgenerally brown where the adults show black.Illinois Range: The red-headed woodpecker is a common migrantand uncommon summer resident statewide. In some years, manyof these birds winter in southern Illinois.Migration: Spring migration begins in February. Fall migrationbegins in August. Those birds migrating out of Illinois go to thesouthern United States.Illinois Habitat: This species lives in woodland edges, openareas in woodlands and in open areas with scattered trees andtelephone poles seeking insects, acorns and grains for food.Reasons for Concern: Habitats for this species continue tobe degraded or destroyed.

sandhill craneGrus canadensisSize: 40-48”Identifying Features: A red patch on the head extends to theback of the beak. The feathers are gray in adults, and brown inimmature cranes. It has long legs, a long neck and a wingspanof 6-7’. The feathers over the rump stick out in a bustle.Illinois Range: This species is a common migrant statewide anda summer resident in northern Illinois.Migration: Spring migration begins in late February. Fall migrationstarts in mid-September. The sandhill crane winters in the southernUnited States. Illinois Habitat: It lives in prairies, fields, edges of swampy areas,marshes and lakes eating plant and animal materials.Reasons for Concern:Wetland destruction and disturbance arethe main threats to this species that expanded its range into Illinoisin 1979.

upland sandpiper**Bartramia longicaudaSize: 11-12”Identifying Features: This bird is mottled brown above and onthe throat, and white on the lower side. The head is small with ashort bill. The long tail and yellow legs are distinctive features. Illinois Range: The upland sandpiper is a rare migrant andsummer resident in Illinois. The bird nests in central and northernIllinois.Migration: Spring migrants begin arriving in early April. Fallmigration starts in July. This bird winters as far south as centralArgentina and Uruguay in South America. Illinois Habitat: It lives in prairies, pastures, hay fields, grasslandsadjacent to air fields, clover fields and fallow fields where it findsinsects, worms, small crustaceans and other small aquatic animalsto eat.Reasons for Concern: The continued loss and fragmentation ofgrassland habitat is detrimental to this species.

willow flycatcherEmpidonax trailliSize: 5.75”Identifying Features: The best identifying feature of this birdis its song of fitz-bew, that rises and falls. The back is gray-green.There are two white wing bars. Unlike some of the other similarflycatchers, the eye ring is not evident. Illinois Range: This bird is a common migrant through Illinois.It is a common summer resident in northern and central Illinoisand a rare summer resident in southern Illinois.

Migration: Spring migrants begin arriving in Illinois in mid-May.Fall migrants start their journey from Illinois in late September.Willow flycatchers winter in Central and South America.Illinois Habitat: It may be found in willow thickets and scrub areaswhere it eats insects.Reasons for Concern: Habitat destruction and degradation arethe main reasons for its decline.

wood thrushHylocichla mustelinaSize: 8”Identifying Features: This bird has a brown back with a rust-redhead. The white belly has dark, round spots.Illinois Range:The wood thrush is a common migrant and summerresident statewide.Migration: It winters from southern Texas through northernSouth America. Spring migrants begin arriving in late April. Fallmigration begins in September.Illinois Habitat: This bird lives in bottomland forests andwooded ravines on river bluffs searching for insects, millipedesand fruits to eat.Reasons for Concern: Destruction and degradation of bottomlandforests as well as nest parasitism by the brown-headed cowbirdaffect this species.

yellow-billed cuckooCoccyzus americanusSize: 11-13”Identifying Features: This species has a slim body with a longtail. There are white spots at the tip of the tail feathers. The wingsare rust-red. The belly is white, and the back is brown. The lowerhalf of the bill is yellow.Illinois Range: The yellow-billed cuckoo is a common migrantand summer resident statewide.Migration: It winters in South America. Spring migrants beginarriving in late April. Fall migration begins in September. Illinois Habitat: This bird inhabits woodland edges, openwoods, orchards and thickets and feeds on insect larvae andcicadas. Reasons for Concern: Destruction and degradation of habitatare the main reasons for this species’ decline.

yellow-headed blackbird**Xanthocephalus xanthocephalusSize: 8-11”Identifying Features: The male’s plumage is black on the bodywith a yellow head and chest. The black wings have a few whitepatches. The female is brown with a yellow face.Illinois Range: This bird is a locally uncommon migrant andsummer resident in northern Illinois. It is a rare migrant in the restof the state.Migration: It winters from the southwestern United Statesthrough southern Mexico. Spring migrants begin arriving in Illinoisin late March. Fall migration begins in July.Illinois Habitat: The yellow-headed blackbird lives in marshesand eats insects, grains and seeds. Reasons for Concern: Loss of wetland habitat has greatlyimpacted this species. Illinois is also on the eastern edge of itsnatural range, and it has never been common in the state. TheIllinois populations are isolated from the rest of this bird’s naturalrange and connections to the other populations could be greatlybeneficial.

The following ideas are practical steps that you can take to helpconserve bird species.n Participate in International Migratory Bird Day, held on the sec-

ond Saturday in May, to educate others about migratory birds.n Write to state and national elected representatives to voice

your concern over the plight of birds.n Contact local environmental organizations, such as the

Illinois Audubon Society, to find out what they are doingto conserve birds.

n Contact local representatives and parks personnel to learnabout local land-use issues. Find out how you can learnabout important local hearings, to provide public input onland-use decisions.

n Conduct a school- or district-wide “Migratory Bird Day” toeducate others in your school district about birds.

n Take field trips to observe birds and contribute observationsabout bird populations to bird censuses or counts.

n Plant native trees in appropriate places to increase birdhabitat.

n Take steps to reduce, reuse and recycle paper.n Plant a butterfly garden to provide habitat that supports

insects that birds feed on.n Donate money to land preservation efforts.n Educate others about the dangers to birds from feral cats.n Leave snags and fallen trees in wood lots to provide habitat

for birds and the insects they feed upon.

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