Methods

General Methods
Breeding Evidence Codes
Habitat Codes
Source

General Methods

Sampling & coverage of blocks
Each block consisted of 1/6 of a USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad. The center-east (CE) block was designated as the priority block for each quad. Data from special areas and casual observations were also mapped in non-priority blocks. View blocks in the Mapping Tool >>
Coordination of coverage
Management of this project was accomplished with the help of coordinators in 27 regions. See the List of Coordinators on the project site.

Breeding Evidence Codes

Code	Code description (see handbook for full description & use suggestions)
OB Category - Observed: not breeding evidence
O	Species (male or female) observed in a block during its breeding season with no evidence of breeding. Not in suitable nesting habitat. Includes species such as vultures or raptors flying over, or a colonial nesting species not at a nesting colony.
PO Category - possible breeding evidence
X	Species (male or female) observed in suitable nesting habitat during its breeding season or a male singing in a likely nesting area on only one occasion.
PR Category - probable breeding evidence
M	7 or more singing or territorial birds of a species detected within a block on one day.
S	Permanent territory presumed through song at same location on at least 2 occasions 7 days or more apart.
P	Pair observed in suitable nesting habitat during its breeding season.
T	Permanent territory presumed through defense of territory (e.g. chasing individuals of the same species).
C	Courtship behavior or copulation.
N	Visiting probable nest site.
A	Agitated behavior or anxiety calls from adult.
B	Nest building by wrens or excavation of holes by woodpeckers.
CO Category - confirmed evidence of breeding
PE	Physiological evidence of breeding, e.g. highly vascularized, edematous brood patch or egg in oviduct based on bird in hand. (For banders.)
CN	Bird carrying nesting material, such as sticks or other material.
NB	Nest building at the actual nest site by any species except wrens and woodpeckers.
DD	Distraction displays, defense of unknown nest or young, or injury feigning.
UN	Used nests or egg shells found. Must be carefully identified, if they are to be accepted.
ON	Adults entering or leaving a nest site in circumstances indicating occupied nest. To be used for nests which are too high (e.g. the tops of trees) or enclosed (e.g. chimneys) for the contents to be seen.
FL	Recently fledged young or downy young. This includes dependent young only.
FY	Adult carrying food for young or feeding recently fledged young.
FS	Adult carrying fecal sac.
NE	Nest with egg(s), or eggshells on the ground.
NY	Nest with young seen or heard.

Habitat Codes

- - this atlas does not record habitat on the field card - -

Where this information came from
Most of the information on this page is from the project's publication or Handbook (guide for field work).

U.S. Department of the Interior || U.S. Geological Survey || Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel, MD, USA 20708-4038
This site is: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bba
Information contained in this application does not necessarily have the endorsement of USGS.
Contact: mwimer@usgs.gov

Last updated: Site - December 2008; Content - various, depending on atlas.
Page generated on: 26-May-2013