The Kentucky Breeding Bird Atlas

Description

Ten years in the making, The Kentucky Breeding Bird Atlas presents the results of a seven-year survey of the birds that nest in the Bluegrass State, providing photographs of each species. This work reports on the distribution and abundance of all bird species and describes such recent phenomena as the invasions of the Blue Grosbeak and House Finch and the notable decline of other familiar species. Introductory material outlines the methodology used to complete the survey as well as summarizes its results. Of particular interest, this work helps to document the effect human alteration of the landscape has had on our bird populations. For example, some of the most common and widespread species in Kentucky today may have been among the most rare two hundred years ago. For each species, information on current and historical status in the state, habitat preferences, specific details of the construction and placement of nests, and other pertinent aspects of information on nesting biology is included. Results of the survey are summarized by physiographic region and degree of forestation. For rare or locally distributed species, more specific details concerning individual breeding records are included. An additional section briefly summarizes the former status of twelve extinct and extirpated breeding species. Accompanying maps plot each species' distribution and abundance within the state.