Appendix D. Breeding Status Code Definitions 



B Use of the "B" to designate breeding requires "hard evidence." A "B" can be 



hard to get. Do not assume breeding simply by presence or behavior. Use 

 the "B" only if one of the following criteria are met. 



1. Occupied nest. Adults entering or leaving nest site in circumstances 

 indicating an occupied nest (includes high nests or nest-holes, the contents 

 of which cannot be seen) or adult incubating or brooding. 



2. Recently fledged young (of altricial species) incapable of sustained flight, 

 or downy young (of precocial species) restricted to the natal area by 

 dependence on adults or limited mobility. 



3. Attending young; adult carrying food or fecal sac for young, or feeding 

 recently fledged young. 



4. Used nest or eggshells found (Caution: identification must be convincing 

 if such records are to be accepted). 



5. Nest with egg(s) which can be clearly identified. The presence of 

 cowbird eggs or young is confirmation of breeding for both cowbird and 

 host species. 



6. Nest with young, seen or heard, which can be clearly identified. 

 b Breeding is supported by circumstantial evidence. 



1. Singing males, pairs or territorial birds observed in suitable nesting 

 habitat during the species' breeding season. 



2. Courtship behavior or copulation. 



3. Adults visiting a probable nest site. 



4. Agitation behavior, distraction display, injury feigning, or anxiety calls 

 from an adult. 



5. Nest building. 



6. Physiological evidence of breeding (brood patch or eggs in oviduct) 

 based on bird in hand. 



t No evidence of breeding. Transients; migrants; or mobile, wide ranging 



species that exhibit no breeding behavior at the time of observation. 



No records 



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