Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
Species Habitat
Yellow rails are very selective when choosing a breeding habitat. These areas are specifically
characterized by expansive sedge or grass‐dominated wet meadows (usually >100 acres) (Southwell,
2002), with vegetation consisting of wiregrass sedge (Carex lasiocarpa), or Canada bluejoint
(Calamagrostis canadensis) and lake sedge (Carex lacustris) (DNR, 2009). Over time, the persisting dead
stems of these species bend over to form a horizontal mat that hangs over the substrate to form
sheltered pathways (Hyde, 2001). Cattail, forb, woody, and shrubby habitats are not preferred. Standing
water is also an important characteristic of yellow rail breeding habitat with typical levels ranging
between 2 and 12 inches. Yellow rails have been known to abandon or adopt breeding areas based upon
the lack or presence of standing water (DNR, 2009).
Species Distribution and Occurrences within the Study Area
Yellow rails are known to be widely distributed west of the Rockies, ranging from southeastern Alberta
and northeastern Montana to southern Quebec and New England. A separate population is also known
to exist in southern Oregon. This species winters in the southeastern United States. Due to their specific
habitat affinity, their distribution across this region is patchy (Southwell, 2002a).
Within Minnesota, the yellow rail has been documented in many north‐central counties (DNR, 2009).
Specifically, it is known to occur within the CNF and LLR in areas of suitable habitat.
Risk Factors
Risk factors to yellow rails include drainage, impoundment, and conversion of wetland habitat (DNR,
2009). This species is especially sensitive to these activities because of its specific habitat requirements.
4.2.1.9 Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccimator)
The trumpeter swan is listed as DNR Threatened, as a CNF RFSS, and as DRM Endangered.
Species Description
The Conservation Assessment for Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccimator) (Southwell, 2002b) contains the
following species description:
With a wingspan of 8 feet, a height of 4 feet, and weighing 25‐35 pounds, the trumpeter
swan is the largest waterfowl in North American and the largest swan in the world
(USFWS 1995). Native to North America, this swan is known for its large size, long neck,
short duck‐like bill, and resonant trumpet‐like call. The males, called cobs, and females,
called pens, of this species have the same color and appearance. The adult plumage is
purely white with a dense layer of down (up to 5 cm thick) which enables toleration of
temperatures as low as ‐30ºC (Red Rock 2001). Often, the head and neck are stained
orange‐brown due to foraging in iron‐rich water (Mitchell 1994). The bill is broad and
flat with serrations on the edges that allow it to strain water from aquatic vegetation
(Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 2001). The coloration of the bill appears to
be entirely black from a distance, though closer inspection reveals a thin red line along
the rear upper edge of the lower mandible (Mitchell 1994). The black coloration of the
bill extends to the edge of the eye and forms a V‐shape with the white plumage on the
forehead. In addition to the bill, the short legs and feet of the adult trumpeter swan are
also black in color. There are two categories of cygnets: those that hatch with “normal”
plumage, and those that hatch with “leucistic” plumage. The normal plumage is dull
gray, darker dorsally and nearly white ventrally. The bill is mottled pink and gray‐black
while the legs and feet are gray‐pink. The leucistic cygnets have completely white
July 2010 Species and Associated Habitat Page 4‐13