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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