Description

Book Synopsis
In Wildlife of Nebraska: A Natural History, Paul A. Johnsgard surveys the variety and biology of more than six hundred Nebraska species. Narrative accounts describe the ecology and biology of the state's birds, its mammals, and its reptiles and amphibians, summarizing the abundance, distributions, and habitats of this wildlife. To provide an introduction to the state's major ecosystems, climate, and topography, Johnsgard examines major public-access natural areas, including national monuments, wildlife refuges and grasslands, state parks and wildlife management areas, and nature preserves. Including more than thirty-five line drawings by the author along with physiographic, ecological, and historical maps, Wildlife of Nebraska is an essential guide to the wildlife of the Cornhusker State.

Trade Review
“Celebrates the gifts of a half century spent roaming Nebraska’s back roads, trails, and sometimes-forgotten places.”—Nebraska Magazine
“Many scientists and historians have written about the natural history of the Great Plains, but few so compellingly as Paul Johnsgard.”—Annals of Iowa
“A classic of nature writing that combines the keen observance of the scientist with the sensitivity of the naturalist.”—Outdoor Press
“Nature writing at its best.”—Nancy Plain, Roundup Magazine

Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations and Symbols
Chapter 1. Introduction to Nebraska and Its Biological Environment
The Geography and Biogeography of Nebraska
Nebraska as a Biological Transition and Genetic Suture Zone
Dispersal Corridors and Historic Biogeographic Changes
Global Warming and Changing Climates
Chapter 2. Mammals
Dawn of the Age of Mammals, 150–65 Million Years Ago
Nebraska’s Mammals, 58–24 Million Years Ago
Nebraska’s Mammals, 23–22 Million Years Ago
Nebraska’s Mammals, 12–10 Million Years Ago
Selected Species Profiles
Family Didelphidae (Opossums)
Virginia Opossum. Didelphis virginiana
Family Leporidae (Hares and Rabbits)
White-tailed Jackrabbit. Lepus townsendii
Black-tailed Jackrabbit. Lepus californicus
Eastern Cottontail. Sylvilagus floridanus
Desert Cottontail. Sylvilagus audubonii
Family Soricidae (Shrews)
Cinereus (Masked) Shrew. Sorex cinereus
Family Vespertilionidae (Vesper Bats)
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat. Corynorhinus townsendii
Big Brown Bat. Eptesicus fuscus
Silver-haired Bat. Lasionycteris noctivagans
Eastern Red Bat. Lasiurus borealis
Hoary Bat. Lasiurus cinereus
Little Brown Myotis. Myotis lucifugus
Family Felidae (Cats)
Canada Lynx. Lynx canadensis
Bobcat. Lynx rufus
Cougar (Puma, Mountain Lion). Puma concolor
Family Canidae (Dogs)
Coyote. Canis latrans
Gray Fox. Urocyon cinereoargenteus
Red Fox. Vulpes vulpes
Swift Fox. Vulpes velox
Family Mustelidae (Weasels)
American Badger. Taxidea taxus
American Mink. Neovison vison
Northern River Otter. Lontra canadensis
Long-tailed Weasel. Mustela frenata
Black-footed Ferret. Mustela nigripes
Family Mephitidae (Skunks)
Striped Skunk. Mephitis
Eastern Spotted Skunk. Spilogale putorius
Family Procyonidae (Raccoons)
Northern Raccoon. Procyon lotor
Family Cervidae (Deer)
Elk. Cervus canadensis
White-tailed Deer. Odocoileus virginianus
Mule Deer. Odocoileus hemionus
Family Antilocapridae (Pronghorns)
Pronghorn. Antilocapra americana
Family Bovidae (Bison, Sheep, and Goats)
American Bison. Bison bison
Bighorn (Mountain) Sheep. Ovis canadensis
Family Sciuridae (Squirrels, Marmots, and Prairie Dogs)
Black-tailed Prairie Dog. Cynomys ludovicianus
Southern Flying Squirrel. Glaucomys volans
Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel. Ictidomys tridecemlineatus
Least Chipmunk. Tamias minimus
Family Castoridae (Beavers)
Beaver. Castor canadensis
Family Heteromyidae (Pocket Mice and Kangaroo Rats)
Ord’s Kangaroo Rat. Dipodomys ordii
Olive-backed Pocket Mouse. Perognathus fasciatus
Plains Pocket Mouse. Perognathus flavescens
Family Dipodidae (Jumping Mice)
Meadow Jumping Mouse. Zapus hudsonicus
Family Cricetidae (New World Mice)
Prairie Vole. Microtus ochrogaster
Meadow Vole. Microtus pennsylvanicus
Bushy-tailed Woodrat. Neotoma cinerea
Eastern Woodrat. Neotoma floridana
Muskrat. Ondatra zibethicus
Northern Grasshopper Mouse. Onychomys leucogaster
White-footed Deer Mouse. Peromyscus leucopus
American Deer Mouse. Peromyscus maniculatus
Western Harvest Mouse. Reithrodontomys megalotis
Plains Harvest Mouse. Reithrodontomys montanus
Family Erethizontidae (Porcupines)
Porcupine. Erethizon dorsatum
Chapter 3. Birds
The Recent History of Nebraska’s Birds
Declining and Extripated Species
Introduced and Invading Species
Overall Population Trends
The Geography of Nebraska’s Bird Fauna
Selected Species Profiles
Class Aves (Birds)
Family Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Swans)
Snow Goose. Anser caerulescens
Ross’s Goose. Anser rossii
Cackling Goose. Branta hutchinsii
Canada Goose. Branta canadensis
Trumpeter Swan. Cygnus buccinator
Wood Duck. Aix sponsa
Blue-winged Teal. Spatula (Anas) discors
Cinnamon Teal. Spatula cyanoptera
Northern Shoveler. Spatula clypeata
Gadwall. Mareca strepera
American Wigeon. Mareca americana
Mallard. Anas platyrhynchos
Northern Pintail. Anas acuta
Green-winged Teal. Anas crecca
Canvasback. Aythya valisineria
Redhead. Aythya americana
Ring-necked Duck. Aythya collaris
Lesser Scaup. Aythya affinis
Bufflehead. Bucephala albeola
Common Goldeneye. Bucephala clangula
Common Merganser. Mergus merganser
Ruddy Duck. Oxyura jamaicensis
Family Odontophoridae (New World Quails)
Northern Bobwhite. Colinus virginianus
Family Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys)
Ring-necked Pheasant. Phasianus colchicus
Sharp-tailed Grouse. Tympanuchus phasianellus
Greater Prairie-Chicken. Tympanuchus cupido
Wild Turkey. Meleagris gallopavo
Family Podicipedidae (Grebes)
Eared Grebe. Podiceps nigricollis
Clark’s Grebe. Aechmophorus clarkii
Western Grebe. Aechmophorus occidentalis
Family Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
Eurasian Collared-Dove. Streptopelia decaocto
Mourning Dove. Zenaida macroura
Family Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Coccyzus americanus
Family Caprimulgidae (Nightjars)
Common Nighthawk. Chordeiles minor
Common Poorwill. Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
Family Apodidae (Swifts)
White-throated Swift. Aeronautes saxatalis
Family Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Archilochus colubris
Family Rallidae (Rails and Coots)
Common Gallinule. Gallinula galeata
American Coot. Fulica americana
Family Gruidae (Cranes)
Sandhill Crane. Antigone canadensis
Whooping Crane. Grus americana
Family Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
Black-necked Stilt. Himantopus mexicanus
American Avocet. Recurvirostra americana
Family Charadriidae (Plovers)
Killdeer. Charadrius vociferus
Piping Plover. Charadrius melodus
Mountain Plover. Charadrius montanus
Snowy Plover. Charadrius nivosus
Family Scolopacidae (Sandpipers, Snipes, and Phalaropes)
Upland Sandpiper. Bartramia longicauda
Long-billed Curlew. Numenius americanus
Baird’s Sandpiper. Calidris bairdii
Least Sandpiper. Calidris minutilla
Long-billed Dowitcher. Limnodromus scolopaceus
Spotted Sandpiper. Actitis macularia
Lesser Yellowlegs. Tringa flavipes
Greater Yellowlegs. Tringa melanoleuca
Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Tryngites subruficollis
Wilson’s Phalarope. Phalaropus tricolor
Red-necked Phalarope. Phalaropus lobatus
Family Laridae (Gulls and Terns)
Least Tern. Sterna albifrons
Black Tern. Chlidonias niger
Forster’s Tern. Sterna forsteri
Family Gaviidae (Loons)
Common Loon. Gavia immer
Family Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants)
Double-crested Cormorant. Phalacrocorax auritus
Family Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
American White Pelican. Pelecanus erythroryhnchos
Family Ardeidae (Herons and Egrets)
American Bittern. Botaurus lentiginosus
Great Blue Heron. Ardea herodias
Snowy Egret. Egretta thula
Family Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
White-faced Ibis. Plegadis chihi
Family Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
Turkey Vulture. Cathartes aura
Family Pandionidae (Ospreys)
Osprey. Pandion haliaetus
Family Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles)
Golden Eagle. Aquila chrysaetos
Bald Eagle. Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Northern Harrier. Circus hudsonicus
Sharp-shinned Hawk. Accipiter striatus
Cooper’s Hawk. Accipiter cooperii
Northern Goshawk. Accipiter gentilis
Swainson’s Hawk. Buteo swainsoni
Red-tailed Hawk. Buteo jamaicensis
Ferruginous Hawk. Buteo regalis
Rough-legged Hawk. Buteo lagopus
Family Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Eastern Screech-Owl. Megascops asio
Great Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus
Burrowing Owl. Athene cunicularia
Long-eared Owl. Asio otus
Short-eared Owl. Asio flammeus
Northern Saw-whet Owl. Aegolius acadicus
Family Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
Belted Kingfisher. Megaceryle alcyon
Family Picidae (Woodpeckers)
Lewis’s Woodpecker. Melanerpes lewis
Red-headed Woodpecker. Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Downy Woodpecker. Dryobates pubescens
Hairy Woodpecker. Dryobates villosus
Northern Flicker. Colaptes auratus
Family Falconidae (Falcons)
American Kestrel. Falco sparverius
Merlin. Falco columbarius
Peregrine Falcon. Falco peregrinus
Prairie Falcon. Falco mexicanus
Order Passeriformes (Passerine Birds)
Family Tyrannidae (New World Flycatchers)
Western Wood-Pewee. Contopus sordidulus
Eastern Wood-Pewee. Contopus virens
Willow Flycatcher. Empidonax traillii
Least Flycatcher. Empidonax minimus
Cordilleran Flycatcher. Empidonax occidentalis
Say’s Phoebe. Sayornis saya
Western Kingbird. Tyrannus verticalis
Eastern Kingbird. Tyrannus tyrannus
Family Laniidae (Shrikes)
Loggerhead Shrike. Lanius ludovicianus
Family Vireonidae (Vireos)
Warbling Vireo. Vireo gilvus
Family Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
Pinyon Jay. Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus
Black-billed Magpie. Pica hudsonia
American Crow. Corvus brachyrhynchos
Family Alaudidae (Larks)
Horned Lark. Eremophila alpestris
Family Hirundinidae (Swallows)
Bank Swallow. Riparia riparia
Tree Swallow. Tachycineta bicolor
Violet-green Swallow. Tachycineta thalassina
Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Barn Swallow. Hirundo rustica
Cliff Swallow. Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Family Paridae (Chickadees and Titmice)
Black-capped Chickadee. Poecile atricapillus
Family Sittidae (Nuthatches)
Red-breasted Nuthatch. Sitta canadensis
White-breasted Nuthatch. Sitta carolinensis
Pygmy Nuthatch. Sitta pygmaea
Family Certhiidae (Treecreepers)
Brown Creeper. Certhia americana
Family Troglodytidae (Wrens)
Rock Wren. Salpinctes obsoletus
House Wren. Troglodytes aedon
Family Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Polioptila caerulea
Family Regulidae (Kinglets)
Golden-crowned Kinglet. Regulus satrapa
Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Regulus calendula
Family Turdidae (Thrushes)
Eastern Bluebird. Sialia sialis
Mountain Bluebird. Sialia currucoides
Townsend’s Solitaire. Myadestes townsendi
Veery. Catharus fuscescens
Swainson’s Thrush. Catharus ustulatus
Hermit Thrush. Catharus guttatus
American Robin. Turdus migratorius
Family Mimidae (Thrashers, Catbirds, and Mockingbirds)
Gray Catbird. Dumetella carolinensis
Brown Thrasher. Toxostoma rufum
Sage Thrasher. Oreoscoptes montanus
Family Bombycillidae (Waxwings)
Bohemian Waxwing. Bombycilla garrulus
Cedar Waxwing. Bombycilla cedrorum
Family Motacillidae (Pipits)
American Pipit. Anthus rubescens
Sprague’s Pipit. Anthus spragueii
Family Fringillidae (Finches)
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch. Leucosticte tephrocotis
House Finch. Haemorhous mexicanus
Red Crossbill. Loxia curvirostra
Pine Siskin. Spinis pinus
American Goldfinch. Spinis tristis
Evening Grosbeak. Coccothraustes vespertinus
Family Calcariidae (Longspurs and Snow Buntings)
Chestnut-collared Longspur. Calcarius ornatus
McCown’s Longspur. Rhynchophanes mccownii
Family Passerellidae (New World Sparrows and Towhees)
Grasshopper Sparrow. Ammodramus savannarum
Lark Sparrow. Chondestes grammacus
Lark Bunting. Calamospiza melanocorys
Chipping Sparrow. Spizella passerina
Brewer’s Sparrow. Spizella breweri
American Tree Sparrow. Spizelloides arborea
Dark-eyed Junco. Junco hyemalis
White-crowned Sparrow. Zonotrichia leucophrys
White-throated Sparrow. Zonotrichia albicollis
Vesper Sparrow. Pooecetes gramineus
Henslow’s Sparrow. Centronyx henslowii
Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia
Swamp Sparrow. Melospiza georgiana
Spotted Towhee. Pipilo maculatus
Eastern Towhee. Pipilo erythropthalmus
Family Icteriidae (Yellow-breasted Chat)
Yellow-breasted Chat. Icteria virens
Family Icteridae (Blackbirds, Orioles, and Meadowlarks)
Yellow-headed Blackbird. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
Bobolink. Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Eastern Meadowlark. Sturnella magna
Western Meadowlark. Sturnella neglecta
Baltimore Oriole. Icterus galbula
Bullock’s Oriole. Icterus bullockii
Red-winged Blackbird. Agelaius phoeniceus
Brown-headed Cowbird. Molothrus ater
Brewer’s Blackbird. Euphagus cyanocephalus
Common Grackle. Quiscalus quiscula
Family Parulidae (New World Warblers)
Orange-crowned Warbler. Oreothlypis celata
Common Yellowthroat. Geothlypis trichas
American Redstart. Setophaga ruticilla
Yellow Warbler. Setophaga petechia
Yellow-rumped Warbler. Setophaga coronata
Wilson’s Warbler. Cardillina pusilla
Family Cardinalidae (Cardinals, Tanagers, and Grosbeaks)
Scarlet Tanager. Piranga olivacea
Western Tanager. Piranga ludoviciana
Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Pheucticus ludovicianus
Black-headed Grosbeak. Pheucticus melanocephalus
Lazuli Bunting. Passerina amoena
Indigo Bunting. Passerina cyanea
Dickcissel. Spiza americana
Chapter 4. Reptiles and Amphibians
An Introduction to Nebraska’s Reptiles and Amphibians
Selected Species Profiles
Amphibians (Salamanders, Toads, and Frogs)
Order Caudata (Salamanders)
Family Ambystomatidae (Mole Salamanders)
Barred Tiger Salamander. Ambystoma malvortium
Order Anura (Frogs and Toads)
Family Pelabatidae (Spadefoots)
Plains Spadefoot. Spea bombifrons
Family Bufonidae (Toads)
Woodhouse’s Toad. Anaxyrus (Bufo) woodhousei
Family Ranidae (Typical Frogs)
American Bullfrog. Lithobates (Rana) catesbiana
Plains Leopard Frog. Lithobates (Rana) blairi
Northern Leopard Frog. Lithobates (Rana) pipiens
Family Hylidae (Chorus Frogs)
Cope’s Gray Treefrog. Hyla chrysocelis
Boreal Chorus Frog. Pseudacris maculata
Reptiles (Turtles, Lizards, and Snakes)
Order Chelonia (Turtles)
Family Chelydridae (Snapping Turtles)
Eastern Snapping Turtle. Chelydra serpentina
Family Embydidae (Pond and Box Turtles)
Western Painted Turtle. Chrysemys picta
Ornate Box Turtle. Terrapene ornata
Family Trionychidae (Softshell Turtles)
Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle. Apalone mutica
Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle. Apalone spinifera
Order Lacertilia (Lizards)
Family Scincidae (Skinks)
Many-lined Skink. Eumeces (Plestiodon) multivirgatus
Northern Prairie Skink. Plestiodon septentrionalis
Family Phrynosomatidae (Spiny, Earless, Tree, and Horned Lizards)
Greater (Mountain) Short-horned Lizard. Phrynosoma hernandesi
Prairie Lizard. Sceloporus (undulatus) consobrinus
Common Sagebrush Lizard. Sceloporus graciosus
Order Serpentes (Snakes)
Family Colubridae (Harmless Egg-laying Snakes)
Gophersnake (Bullsnake). Pituophis catenifer
Family Natricidae (Live-bearing Snakes)
Wandering (Western Terrestrial) Gartersnake. Thamnophis elegans
Plains Gartersnake. Thamnophis radix
Common Gartersnake. Thamnophis sirtalis
Family Dipsadidae (Rear-fanged Snakes)
Plains (Western) Hog-nosed Snake. Heterodon nasicus
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake. Heterodon platyrhinos
Family Viperidae (Pitvipers)
Prairie (Western) Rattlesnake. Crotalus viridis
Massasauga Rattlesnake. Sistrurus catenatus
Chapter 5. Species Checklist and Status/Habitat Codes
Data Sources and Abundance, Habitat, and Conservation Categories
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles and Amphibians
Amphibians
Lizards
Snakes
Chapter 6. Some Natural Treasures of Nebraska
References

Wildlife of Nebraska

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    Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
    Publication Date: 01/10/2020
    ISBN13: 9781496220264, 978-1496220264
    ISBN10: 1496220269
    Also in:
    Plains and grasslands The Earth: natural history: general interest Wildlife: general interest

    Description

    Book Synopsis
    In Wildlife of Nebraska: A Natural History, Paul A. Johnsgard surveys the variety and biology of more than six hundred Nebraska species. Narrative accounts describe the ecology and biology of the state's birds, its mammals, and its reptiles and amphibians, summarizing the abundance, distributions, and habitats of this wildlife. To provide an introduction to the state's major ecosystems, climate, and topography, Johnsgard examines major public-access natural areas, including national monuments, wildlife refuges and grasslands, state parks and wildlife management areas, and nature preserves. Including more than thirty-five line drawings by the author along with physiographic, ecological, and historical maps, Wildlife of Nebraska is an essential guide to the wildlife of the Cornhusker State.

    Trade Review
    “Celebrates the gifts of a half century spent roaming Nebraska’s back roads, trails, and sometimes-forgotten places.”—Nebraska Magazine
    “Many scientists and historians have written about the natural history of the Great Plains, but few so compellingly as Paul Johnsgard.”—Annals of Iowa
    “A classic of nature writing that combines the keen observance of the scientist with the sensitivity of the naturalist.”—Outdoor Press
    “Nature writing at its best.”—Nancy Plain, Roundup Magazine

    Table of Contents
    List of Illustrations
    Acknowledgments
    Abbreviations and Symbols
    Chapter 1. Introduction to Nebraska and Its Biological Environment
    The Geography and Biogeography of Nebraska
    Nebraska as a Biological Transition and Genetic Suture Zone
    Dispersal Corridors and Historic Biogeographic Changes
    Global Warming and Changing Climates
    Chapter 2. Mammals
    Dawn of the Age of Mammals, 150–65 Million Years Ago
    Nebraska’s Mammals, 58–24 Million Years Ago
    Nebraska’s Mammals, 23–22 Million Years Ago
    Nebraska’s Mammals, 12–10 Million Years Ago
    Selected Species Profiles
    Family Didelphidae (Opossums)
    Virginia Opossum. Didelphis virginiana
    Family Leporidae (Hares and Rabbits)
    White-tailed Jackrabbit. Lepus townsendii
    Black-tailed Jackrabbit. Lepus californicus
    Eastern Cottontail. Sylvilagus floridanus
    Desert Cottontail. Sylvilagus audubonii
    Family Soricidae (Shrews)
    Cinereus (Masked) Shrew. Sorex cinereus
    Family Vespertilionidae (Vesper Bats)
    Townsend’s Big-eared Bat. Corynorhinus townsendii
    Big Brown Bat. Eptesicus fuscus
    Silver-haired Bat. Lasionycteris noctivagans
    Eastern Red Bat. Lasiurus borealis
    Hoary Bat. Lasiurus cinereus
    Little Brown Myotis. Myotis lucifugus
    Family Felidae (Cats)
    Canada Lynx. Lynx canadensis
    Bobcat. Lynx rufus
    Cougar (Puma, Mountain Lion). Puma concolor
    Family Canidae (Dogs)
    Coyote. Canis latrans
    Gray Fox. Urocyon cinereoargenteus
    Red Fox. Vulpes vulpes
    Swift Fox. Vulpes velox
    Family Mustelidae (Weasels)
    American Badger. Taxidea taxus
    American Mink. Neovison vison
    Northern River Otter. Lontra canadensis
    Long-tailed Weasel. Mustela frenata
    Black-footed Ferret. Mustela nigripes
    Family Mephitidae (Skunks)
    Striped Skunk. Mephitis
    Eastern Spotted Skunk. Spilogale putorius
    Family Procyonidae (Raccoons)
    Northern Raccoon. Procyon lotor
    Family Cervidae (Deer)
    Elk. Cervus canadensis
    White-tailed Deer. Odocoileus virginianus
    Mule Deer. Odocoileus hemionus
    Family Antilocapridae (Pronghorns)
    Pronghorn. Antilocapra americana
    Family Bovidae (Bison, Sheep, and Goats)
    American Bison. Bison bison
    Bighorn (Mountain) Sheep. Ovis canadensis
    Family Sciuridae (Squirrels, Marmots, and Prairie Dogs)
    Black-tailed Prairie Dog. Cynomys ludovicianus
    Southern Flying Squirrel. Glaucomys volans
    Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel. Ictidomys tridecemlineatus
    Least Chipmunk. Tamias minimus
    Family Castoridae (Beavers)
    Beaver. Castor canadensis
    Family Heteromyidae (Pocket Mice and Kangaroo Rats)
    Ord’s Kangaroo Rat. Dipodomys ordii
    Olive-backed Pocket Mouse. Perognathus fasciatus
    Plains Pocket Mouse. Perognathus flavescens
    Family Dipodidae (Jumping Mice)
    Meadow Jumping Mouse. Zapus hudsonicus
    Family Cricetidae (New World Mice)
    Prairie Vole. Microtus ochrogaster
    Meadow Vole. Microtus pennsylvanicus
    Bushy-tailed Woodrat. Neotoma cinerea
    Eastern Woodrat. Neotoma floridana
    Muskrat. Ondatra zibethicus
    Northern Grasshopper Mouse. Onychomys leucogaster
    White-footed Deer Mouse. Peromyscus leucopus
    American Deer Mouse. Peromyscus maniculatus
    Western Harvest Mouse. Reithrodontomys megalotis
    Plains Harvest Mouse. Reithrodontomys montanus
    Family Erethizontidae (Porcupines)
    Porcupine. Erethizon dorsatum
    Chapter 3. Birds
    The Recent History of Nebraska’s Birds
    Declining and Extripated Species
    Introduced and Invading Species
    Overall Population Trends
    The Geography of Nebraska’s Bird Fauna
    Selected Species Profiles
    Class Aves (Birds)
    Family Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Swans)
    Snow Goose. Anser caerulescens
    Ross’s Goose. Anser rossii
    Cackling Goose. Branta hutchinsii
    Canada Goose. Branta canadensis
    Trumpeter Swan. Cygnus buccinator
    Wood Duck. Aix sponsa
    Blue-winged Teal. Spatula (Anas) discors
    Cinnamon Teal. Spatula cyanoptera
    Northern Shoveler. Spatula clypeata
    Gadwall. Mareca strepera
    American Wigeon. Mareca americana
    Mallard. Anas platyrhynchos
    Northern Pintail. Anas acuta
    Green-winged Teal. Anas crecca
    Canvasback. Aythya valisineria
    Redhead. Aythya americana
    Ring-necked Duck. Aythya collaris
    Lesser Scaup. Aythya affinis
    Bufflehead. Bucephala albeola
    Common Goldeneye. Bucephala clangula
    Common Merganser. Mergus merganser
    Ruddy Duck. Oxyura jamaicensis
    Family Odontophoridae (New World Quails)
    Northern Bobwhite. Colinus virginianus
    Family Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys)
    Ring-necked Pheasant. Phasianus colchicus
    Sharp-tailed Grouse. Tympanuchus phasianellus
    Greater Prairie-Chicken. Tympanuchus cupido
    Wild Turkey. Meleagris gallopavo
    Family Podicipedidae (Grebes)
    Eared Grebe. Podiceps nigricollis
    Clark’s Grebe. Aechmophorus clarkii
    Western Grebe. Aechmophorus occidentalis
    Family Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
    Eurasian Collared-Dove. Streptopelia decaocto
    Mourning Dove. Zenaida macroura
    Family Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
    Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Coccyzus americanus
    Family Caprimulgidae (Nightjars)
    Common Nighthawk. Chordeiles minor
    Common Poorwill. Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
    Family Apodidae (Swifts)
    White-throated Swift. Aeronautes saxatalis
    Family Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Archilochus colubris
    Family Rallidae (Rails and Coots)
    Common Gallinule. Gallinula galeata
    American Coot. Fulica americana
    Family Gruidae (Cranes)
    Sandhill Crane. Antigone canadensis
    Whooping Crane. Grus americana
    Family Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
    Black-necked Stilt. Himantopus mexicanus
    American Avocet. Recurvirostra americana
    Family Charadriidae (Plovers)
    Killdeer. Charadrius vociferus
    Piping Plover. Charadrius melodus
    Mountain Plover. Charadrius montanus
    Snowy Plover. Charadrius nivosus
    Family Scolopacidae (Sandpipers, Snipes, and Phalaropes)
    Upland Sandpiper. Bartramia longicauda
    Long-billed Curlew. Numenius americanus
    Baird’s Sandpiper. Calidris bairdii
    Least Sandpiper. Calidris minutilla
    Long-billed Dowitcher. Limnodromus scolopaceus
    Spotted Sandpiper. Actitis macularia
    Lesser Yellowlegs. Tringa flavipes
    Greater Yellowlegs. Tringa melanoleuca
    Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Tryngites subruficollis
    Wilson’s Phalarope. Phalaropus tricolor
    Red-necked Phalarope. Phalaropus lobatus
    Family Laridae (Gulls and Terns)
    Least Tern. Sterna albifrons
    Black Tern. Chlidonias niger
    Forster’s Tern. Sterna forsteri
    Family Gaviidae (Loons)
    Common Loon. Gavia immer
    Family Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants)
    Double-crested Cormorant. Phalacrocorax auritus
    Family Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
    American White Pelican. Pelecanus erythroryhnchos
    Family Ardeidae (Herons and Egrets)
    American Bittern. Botaurus lentiginosus
    Great Blue Heron. Ardea herodias
    Snowy Egret. Egretta thula
    Family Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
    White-faced Ibis. Plegadis chihi
    Family Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
    Turkey Vulture. Cathartes aura
    Family Pandionidae (Ospreys)
    Osprey. Pandion haliaetus
    Family Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles)
    Golden Eagle. Aquila chrysaetos
    Bald Eagle. Haliaeetus leucocephalus
    Northern Harrier. Circus hudsonicus
    Sharp-shinned Hawk. Accipiter striatus
    Cooper’s Hawk. Accipiter cooperii
    Northern Goshawk. Accipiter gentilis
    Swainson’s Hawk. Buteo swainsoni
    Red-tailed Hawk. Buteo jamaicensis
    Ferruginous Hawk. Buteo regalis
    Rough-legged Hawk. Buteo lagopus
    Family Strigidae (Typical Owls)
    Eastern Screech-Owl. Megascops asio
    Great Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus
    Burrowing Owl. Athene cunicularia
    Long-eared Owl. Asio otus
    Short-eared Owl. Asio flammeus
    Northern Saw-whet Owl. Aegolius acadicus
    Family Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
    Belted Kingfisher. Megaceryle alcyon
    Family Picidae (Woodpeckers)
    Lewis’s Woodpecker. Melanerpes lewis
    Red-headed Woodpecker. Melanerpes erythrocephalus
    Downy Woodpecker. Dryobates pubescens
    Hairy Woodpecker. Dryobates villosus
    Northern Flicker. Colaptes auratus
    Family Falconidae (Falcons)
    American Kestrel. Falco sparverius
    Merlin. Falco columbarius
    Peregrine Falcon. Falco peregrinus
    Prairie Falcon. Falco mexicanus
    Order Passeriformes (Passerine Birds)
    Family Tyrannidae (New World Flycatchers)
    Western Wood-Pewee. Contopus sordidulus
    Eastern Wood-Pewee. Contopus virens
    Willow Flycatcher. Empidonax traillii
    Least Flycatcher. Empidonax minimus
    Cordilleran Flycatcher. Empidonax occidentalis
    Say’s Phoebe. Sayornis saya
    Western Kingbird. Tyrannus verticalis
    Eastern Kingbird. Tyrannus tyrannus
    Family Laniidae (Shrikes)
    Loggerhead Shrike. Lanius ludovicianus
    Family Vireonidae (Vireos)
    Warbling Vireo. Vireo gilvus
    Family Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
    Pinyon Jay. Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus
    Black-billed Magpie. Pica hudsonia
    American Crow. Corvus brachyrhynchos
    Family Alaudidae (Larks)
    Horned Lark. Eremophila alpestris
    Family Hirundinidae (Swallows)
    Bank Swallow. Riparia riparia
    Tree Swallow. Tachycineta bicolor
    Violet-green Swallow. Tachycineta thalassina
    Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Stelgidopteryx serripennis
    Barn Swallow. Hirundo rustica
    Cliff Swallow. Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
    Family Paridae (Chickadees and Titmice)
    Black-capped Chickadee. Poecile atricapillus
    Family Sittidae (Nuthatches)
    Red-breasted Nuthatch. Sitta canadensis
    White-breasted Nuthatch. Sitta carolinensis
    Pygmy Nuthatch. Sitta pygmaea
    Family Certhiidae (Treecreepers)
    Brown Creeper. Certhia americana
    Family Troglodytidae (Wrens)
    Rock Wren. Salpinctes obsoletus
    House Wren. Troglodytes aedon
    Family Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
    Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Polioptila caerulea
    Family Regulidae (Kinglets)
    Golden-crowned Kinglet. Regulus satrapa
    Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Regulus calendula
    Family Turdidae (Thrushes)
    Eastern Bluebird. Sialia sialis
    Mountain Bluebird. Sialia currucoides
    Townsend’s Solitaire. Myadestes townsendi
    Veery. Catharus fuscescens
    Swainson’s Thrush. Catharus ustulatus
    Hermit Thrush. Catharus guttatus
    American Robin. Turdus migratorius
    Family Mimidae (Thrashers, Catbirds, and Mockingbirds)
    Gray Catbird. Dumetella carolinensis
    Brown Thrasher. Toxostoma rufum
    Sage Thrasher. Oreoscoptes montanus
    Family Bombycillidae (Waxwings)
    Bohemian Waxwing. Bombycilla garrulus
    Cedar Waxwing. Bombycilla cedrorum
    Family Motacillidae (Pipits)
    American Pipit. Anthus rubescens
    Sprague’s Pipit. Anthus spragueii
    Family Fringillidae (Finches)
    Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch. Leucosticte tephrocotis
    House Finch. Haemorhous mexicanus
    Red Crossbill. Loxia curvirostra
    Pine Siskin. Spinis pinus
    American Goldfinch. Spinis tristis
    Evening Grosbeak. Coccothraustes vespertinus
    Family Calcariidae (Longspurs and Snow Buntings)
    Chestnut-collared Longspur. Calcarius ornatus
    McCown’s Longspur. Rhynchophanes mccownii
    Family Passerellidae (New World Sparrows and Towhees)
    Grasshopper Sparrow. Ammodramus savannarum
    Lark Sparrow. Chondestes grammacus
    Lark Bunting. Calamospiza melanocorys
    Chipping Sparrow. Spizella passerina
    Brewer’s Sparrow. Spizella breweri
    American Tree Sparrow. Spizelloides arborea
    Dark-eyed Junco. Junco hyemalis
    White-crowned Sparrow. Zonotrichia leucophrys
    White-throated Sparrow. Zonotrichia albicollis
    Vesper Sparrow. Pooecetes gramineus
    Henslow’s Sparrow. Centronyx henslowii
    Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia
    Swamp Sparrow. Melospiza georgiana
    Spotted Towhee. Pipilo maculatus
    Eastern Towhee. Pipilo erythropthalmus
    Family Icteriidae (Yellow-breasted Chat)
    Yellow-breasted Chat. Icteria virens
    Family Icteridae (Blackbirds, Orioles, and Meadowlarks)
    Yellow-headed Blackbird. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
    Bobolink. Dolichonyx oryzivorus
    Eastern Meadowlark. Sturnella magna
    Western Meadowlark. Sturnella neglecta
    Baltimore Oriole. Icterus galbula
    Bullock’s Oriole. Icterus bullockii
    Red-winged Blackbird. Agelaius phoeniceus
    Brown-headed Cowbird. Molothrus ater
    Brewer’s Blackbird. Euphagus cyanocephalus
    Common Grackle. Quiscalus quiscula
    Family Parulidae (New World Warblers)
    Orange-crowned Warbler. Oreothlypis celata
    Common Yellowthroat. Geothlypis trichas
    American Redstart. Setophaga ruticilla
    Yellow Warbler. Setophaga petechia
    Yellow-rumped Warbler. Setophaga coronata
    Wilson’s Warbler. Cardillina pusilla
    Family Cardinalidae (Cardinals, Tanagers, and Grosbeaks)
    Scarlet Tanager. Piranga olivacea
    Western Tanager. Piranga ludoviciana
    Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Pheucticus ludovicianus
    Black-headed Grosbeak. Pheucticus melanocephalus
    Lazuli Bunting. Passerina amoena
    Indigo Bunting. Passerina cyanea
    Dickcissel. Spiza americana
    Chapter 4. Reptiles and Amphibians
    An Introduction to Nebraska’s Reptiles and Amphibians
    Selected Species Profiles
    Amphibians (Salamanders, Toads, and Frogs)
    Order Caudata (Salamanders)
    Family Ambystomatidae (Mole Salamanders)
    Barred Tiger Salamander. Ambystoma malvortium
    Order Anura (Frogs and Toads)
    Family Pelabatidae (Spadefoots)
    Plains Spadefoot. Spea bombifrons
    Family Bufonidae (Toads)
    Woodhouse’s Toad. Anaxyrus (Bufo) woodhousei
    Family Ranidae (Typical Frogs)
    American Bullfrog. Lithobates (Rana) catesbiana
    Plains Leopard Frog. Lithobates (Rana) blairi
    Northern Leopard Frog. Lithobates (Rana) pipiens
    Family Hylidae (Chorus Frogs)
    Cope’s Gray Treefrog. Hyla chrysocelis
    Boreal Chorus Frog. Pseudacris maculata
    Reptiles (Turtles, Lizards, and Snakes)
    Order Chelonia (Turtles)
    Family Chelydridae (Snapping Turtles)
    Eastern Snapping Turtle. Chelydra serpentina
    Family Embydidae (Pond and Box Turtles)
    Western Painted Turtle. Chrysemys picta
    Ornate Box Turtle. Terrapene ornata
    Family Trionychidae (Softshell Turtles)
    Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle. Apalone mutica
    Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle. Apalone spinifera
    Order Lacertilia (Lizards)
    Family Scincidae (Skinks)
    Many-lined Skink. Eumeces (Plestiodon) multivirgatus
    Northern Prairie Skink. Plestiodon septentrionalis
    Family Phrynosomatidae (Spiny, Earless, Tree, and Horned Lizards)
    Greater (Mountain) Short-horned Lizard. Phrynosoma hernandesi
    Prairie Lizard. Sceloporus (undulatus) consobrinus
    Common Sagebrush Lizard. Sceloporus graciosus
    Order Serpentes (Snakes)
    Family Colubridae (Harmless Egg-laying Snakes)
    Gophersnake (Bullsnake). Pituophis catenifer
    Family Natricidae (Live-bearing Snakes)
    Wandering (Western Terrestrial) Gartersnake. Thamnophis elegans
    Plains Gartersnake. Thamnophis radix
    Common Gartersnake. Thamnophis sirtalis
    Family Dipsadidae (Rear-fanged Snakes)
    Plains (Western) Hog-nosed Snake. Heterodon nasicus
    Eastern Hog-nosed Snake. Heterodon platyrhinos
    Family Viperidae (Pitvipers)
    Prairie (Western) Rattlesnake. Crotalus viridis
    Massasauga Rattlesnake. Sistrurus catenatus
    Chapter 5. Species Checklist and Status/Habitat Codes
    Data Sources and Abundance, Habitat, and Conservation Categories
    Mammals
    Birds
    Reptiles and Amphibians
    Amphibians
    Lizards
    Snakes
    Chapter 6. Some Natural Treasures of Nebraska
    References

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