Code |
Code description
(see handbook for full description & use suggestions) |
OB Category - Observed: not breeding evidence
|
O |
Species (male or female) known to breed in the state but seen "passing through" (e.g., vultures, nesting gulls), a colonial species observed with no colony found in the block, or a bird seen in unsuitable nesting habitat; all within safe dates. |
PO Category - possible breeding evidence
|
X |
Species (male or female) seen or heard in suitable nesting habitat within safe dates but no further evidence of breeding is uncovered. This includes a single drumming woodpecker, although the species must be seen to identify the woodpecker. |
PR Category - probable breeding evidence
|
P |
A pair (male and female together) seen in suitable nesting habitat within safe dates. |
S |
Permanent territory presumed through song, heard at same location on at least 2 occasions (both within safe dates), 7 days or more apart. This can be used for drumming woodpeckers, although the species must be seen to be identify the woodpecker. |
T |
Permanent territory presumed through defense of territory (often a male chasing individuals of the same species) within safe dates. |
A |
Agitated behavior or anxiety calls from adult observed within safe dates. These calls are frequently directed at cats or snakes. |
C |
Courtship behavior or copulation; OK to use outside of safe dates. |
N |
Visiting probable nest site within safe dates. |
B |
Building nests by wrens or excavation of holes by woodpeckers within safe dates. |
CO Category - confirmed evidence of breeding
|
ON |
Occupied nest. Adult seen sitting on nest and likely incubating eggs or brooding hatchlings. No eggs or young seen. |
CN |
Carrying nesting material such as sticks, grass, bark, etc. Not to be used for wrens, crows, or colonial species for which its colony is not found (e.g., Great Blue Heron). |
NB |
Nest building at the actual nest site by any species except wrens and woodpeckers. |
PE |
Physiological evidence of breeding, e.g. highly vascularized, edematous brood patch or egg in oviduct based on bird in hand. (For banders.) |
DD |
Distraction display or injury feigning. |
UN |
Used nest found. Must be carefully identified if it is to be accepted. |
PY |
Flightless young of precocial species restricted to the natal area by dependance on adults or limited mobility. |
FL |
Recently fledged young (either precocial or altricial) incapable of sustained flight, restricted to natal area by dependence on adults or limited mobility. |
CF |
Adult carrying food for young. Not to be used for crows unless they are seen going into a nest site. |
FY |
Adult feeding recently fledged young. |
FS |
Adult carrying fecal sac. |
NE |
Nest with egg(s). |
NY |
Nest with young seen or heard. |