Black-capped vireo preparing for life after delisting

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently accepting public comments on the monitoring plan for black-capped vireos (Vireo atricapilla) if the species is removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.

The plan describes ways to monitor the birds and their habitat for 12 years after delisting. The plan would monitor the species and habitat in cooperation with Texas and Oklahoma state governments and partners.

The birds were listed in 1987 primarily because of nest-parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) and habitat loss. The USFWS assumes the vireos are reliant on efforts to protect shrubland habitat and control cowbird populations in areas where they breed. It was originally considered for delisting in December 2016.

Public comments on the monitoring plan are being accepted until April 13. You can read more about the proposed action and submit comments in the Federal Register.