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These four native Florida bird species are threatened or facing extinction. Here’s what to know.

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While America’s birds are still under siege Which Florida birds are at risk? Here are four that Florida bird scientists are trying to protect.

What birds are found only in Florida?

Florida Teal within Oscar State Park Scherer On Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, the Florida teal is considered an endangered species by both the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and is listed as an endangered species. “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The Florida Scrub-Jay is the only endemic or endemic bird species in Florida. Despite being listed as an endangered species by Florida in 1975 and by the federal government in 1987, scrub-jays continue to suffer population declines. This species grows in high, dry, well-drained areas known as scrubland. They depend on fire to maintain their arid environment, according to the Florida Audubon Society.

Florida land acquisition programs have grown to protect groves in Brevard, Lake, Orange and Seminole counties, but earlier grove restoration efforts will be critical to restoring bird populations, the Florida Audubon Society said. on the website

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What birds are legally protected in Florida?

Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act All bird species, both migratory and resident, are protected, meaning that intentional removal of these birds, their eggs, nests and young is prohibited without appropriate permission.

What is the difference between Federal Endangered and Federal Endangered?

More than 3 billion birds have been lost in the United States since 1970, and dozens of species are considered endangered, threatened or at risk.

The Florida Audubon Society says the species is endangered, meaning a species is in danger of extinction. While the species is federally threatened, it means the species is likely to be endangered in the near future.

What is the No. 1 threat to birds?

loss of habitat invasive species And human activities affect the decline of birds. But many species continue to decline without scientists being able to pinpoint the cause.

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Being able to determine why a bird dies is critical to preventing the extinction of a beloved bird, according to Road to Recovery, an organization focused on reviving some of the country’s fastest-declining birds.

What other problems do other Florida birds have?

Can’t be found anywhere else but Florida. The Florida Locust Sparrow was once called the “North America’s most endangered bird,” it lives exclusively in Florida’s arid prairie habitat, where more than 85% have been destroyed.

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Florida Locust Sparrow

Florida Locust Sparrow

It has disappeared from 10 Florida counties and its habitat has fragmented. Estimates of the available population vary from 7,500 to 11,000. It thrives in the Ocala National Forest, where conservation efforts have protected large areas of its habitat.

Everglade snail kite

Snail Kites feed on apple snails, a freshwater mollusk in Central and South Florida wetlands, including the Everglades, according to the Florida Audubon Society. Drainage in these areas has led to bird deaths by Florida and the government. The middle is listed as an endangered species.

A male snail kite flies down a drainage ditch on Corkscrew Road near the new Verdana Village Development in Estero on August 15, 2022. This medium-sized bird of prey is endangered and commonly found in the Everglades and Lake Okeecho. B. Local colonies have increased the population of Harns Marsh and other Lee Count areas including this area.  At least five birds have been seen in this area outside Corkscrew.  Apple snails are their staple food.  They also eat exotic apple snails.

A male snail kite flies down a drainage ditch on Corkscrew Road near the new Verdana Village Development in Estero on August 15, 2022. This medium-sized bird of prey is endangered and commonly found in the Everglades and Lake Okeecho. B. Local colonies have increased the population of Harns Marsh and other Lee Count areas including this area. At least five birds have been seen in this area outside Corkscrew. Apple snails are their staple food. They also eat exotic apple snails.

The Florida Audubon Society is working to restore river grass in Snail Kites’ primary habitat, the Florida Everglades.

wooden stork

Wood Stork, one of Florida’s signature wading birds It is another bird that has suffered the destruction of the state’s wetlands. According to the Florida Audubon Society, it is classified as a threatened bird by Florida and the federal government.

Wood storks and chicks are threatened by a nest on MC2, or Bird Island, in Indian River Lake near Sewall's Point on Friday 21 April 2023 once a month during spring.  FWC biologist and senior program member Mike Justin.  Martin County's Department of Ecosystem Managers perform bird counts to monitor the island's health. The FWC designated the island as a Critical Wildlife Sanctuary (CWA) in 2014.  Gather daily or seasonally to breed, feed or rest. The state's endangered species, such as the oyster finch  ibis  Little blue heron, red heron and wood stork use the MC2 to live or nest.  State rules specifically prohibit dogs, vehicles, boats, and fishing in these areas.

Wood storks and chicks are threatened by the nest on MC2, or Bird Island, in Indian River Lake near Sewall’s Point on Friday, April 21, 2023, once a month during spring. FWC biologist and Mike Yustin, senior project manager at the Martin County Department of Ecosystems. Bird counting is performed to monitor the island’s health. The FWC designated the island as a Critical Wildlife Sanctuary (CWA) in 2014. Gather daily or seasonally to breed, feed or rest. The state’s endangered species, such as the oyster finch ibis Lesser blue heron, red heron and wood stork use the MC2 to live or nest. State rules specifically prohibit dogs, vehicles, boats, and fishing in these areas.

tricky birds in shallow water spinning its pink feet and captures small prey trying to escape with its beak. The drowning of wetlands causes changes in the cycle of high and low tide. This made it difficult for the Wood Storks to find food for the babies, who eventually starved to death.

This article originally appeared on the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida Birds Threatened With Extinction, Including Four Native Birds.

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