n= Rare birds (fewer than 20 verified sightings in the state) are identified by the 



letter "n" followed by the number of sightings. The year and location (latilong 

 or quarter latilong) of the most recent sighting is listed for all rare species. 



TES Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive Species. Species assigned to this category 



are one of the following: federally recognized endangered or threatened species 

 under the Endangered Species Act; U.S. Forest Service sensitive species; or 

 species of special concern recognized by the Montana Natural Heritage 

 Program (see Appendix A). 



SI Birds for which "Supplemental Information" is needed. This group of species 



is poorly known in the state or has unique breeding habits that warrant further 

 study (see Appendix A). 



Symbols on Distribution Maps 



The main distribution maps include observations recorded during both the spring and fall 

 migration, and the summer breeding season (observations recorded between February 16 and 

 December 14). Separate maps exist for winter sightings, with observations recorded between 

 December 15 and February 15 (see below). 



Each symbol within latilong and quarter latilong rectangles represents the highest docu- 

 mented status for that species in each latilong or quarter latilong ("B" greater than "b" greater 

 than "t"). The symbols used are defined as follows: 



B Direct evidence of breeding. Use of the "B" to designate breeding requires "hard 

 evidence." A "B" can be hard to get. Breeding is not assumed simply by presence or 

 behavior. "B" is used 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 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 eggshell found (Caution: identification must be convincing for such 



records to be accepted). 



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



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