Code |
Code description
(see handbook for full description & use suggestions) |
OB Category - Observed: not breeding evidence
|
E |
Individual of any species which may breed in Delaware, but observed outside of safe dates and not exhibiting breeding behavior. |
O |
Individual of a species (male or female) observed in a block during its safe dates, but no evidence of breeding, not in suitable nesting habitat. Inculdes a wide range of species such as vultures or immature raptors and colonial nesting species not at the nesting colony. |
PO Category - possible breeding evidence
|
X |
Single singing male present in suitable nesting habitat during its safe dates. |
PR Category - probable breeding evidence
|
P |
Pair (male and female) observed in suitable habitat during the species' safe dates. |
S |
Permanent territory presumed through song at same location on at least two occasion, 7 days or more apart and both observations within safe dates. |
T |
Permanent territory presumed through defense of territory withing safe dates, such as chasing of individuals of the same species or 2 or more males of the same species counter-singing. |
C |
Courtship behavior or copulation observed, except with certain species not known to breed. |
N |
Species observed visiting probable nest site, such as repeated flights into and out of a particular area where the bird may potentially nest. |
A |
Agitated behavior or anxiety calls from adult birds. Does not include behavior instigated through pishing or tape recorded calls. |
B |
Nest building by wrens or excavation of holes by woodpeckers. |
U |
Used nests or eggshells found. |
CO Category - confirmed evidence of breeding
|
CN |
Carrying nesting material, such as sticks or grass. |
NB |
Nest building at the actual nest site. |
PE |
Physiological evidence of breeding (obtained by an experienced bander in regards to live birds, or by specialists in the case of a recently deceased bird). |
DD |
Distraction display or injury feigning (i.e., Killdeer). |
FL |
Precocial young or recently fledged young (precocial or altricial) incapable of sustained flight, restricted to an area though dependence on adults or limited mobility. |
ON |
Occupied nest, including adults entering and leaving cavity nest too high to observe and sitting birds which may be brooding young rather than incubating eggs. |
AY |
Attending young. Adults carrying food for young, feeding young (including recently fledged young), adults removing fecal sacs from nesting site. |
NE |
Nest with egg(s). |
NY |
Nest with young seen or heard. |