Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
move into areas of appropriate habitat from the north (Janssen, 1987). The black‐backed woodpecker
has been documented within the CNF and LLR.
Risk Factors
Risk factors include fire suppression, and post fire salvage of effected timber (Corace et al. 2001).
4.2.1.17 Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor)
The Wilson’s phalarope is listed as DNR Threatened, as a CNF RFSS and as DRM Sensitive.
Species Description
The DNR Rare Species Guide: Wilson’s phalarope (DNR, 2009) includes the following species description:
Wilson's phalaropes are a relatively small, long‐legged shorebird. They are unique
among Minnesota birds in that they are one of only a few species in which the female is
much more brightly colored than the male. Wilson's phalaropes can be distinguished
from most other shorebirds by the bright coloration on their neck and head.
Additionally, unlike other shorebirds, Wilson's phalaropes often feed while floating on
the water, sometimes spinning like tops to stir up aquatic invertebrates. The relatively
long, thin bill, and bold blackish stripe on the neck and face distinguish the Wilson's
phalarope from the red‐necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus), which is a migrant in
Minnesota.
Species Habitat
Wilson’s phalaropes prefer shallow freshwater marshes in prairie and other open country. It has been
known to nest on the ground in wet meadows, sedge meadows, river floodplains, near pasture and
croplands, grassy marshes, and along edges of shallow inland waters. Nest site selection varies
seasonally, as it nests in upland vegetation early in the breeding season and wet‐meadows later in the
season (Colwell and Oring 1990). The Wilson’s phalarope is a very local summer resident mainly in the
northwestern and central regions during the breeding season (Janssen, 1987).
Species Distribution and Occurrences within the Study Area
The Wilson’s phalarope breeding distribution includes the northwest United States and southwestern
Canada. It also extends into the western Great Lakes region as well as Alaska (DNR, 2009) with limited
observations occurring in New England. Wintering grounds are located along the west coast and
southern South America (NatureServe, 2009).
In Minnesota, breeding populations are found in the western and central counties (Janssen, 1987). The
CNF is on the eastern edge of Wilson’s phalarope distribution.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for the Wilson’s phalarope include habitat loss and poor habitat (lack of fire and/or grazing),
wetland drainage, cowbird parasitism sand high selenium levels in lakes. Fatalities due to collision with a
transmission line have been documented. The line was constructed over a wetland that was
intermittently flooded. (Dechant et. al. 2003)
4.2.1.18 King Rail (Rallus elegans)
The king rail is listed as DNR Endangered and as DRM Endangered.
July 2010 Species and Associated Habitat Page 4‐25