The saltmarsh sparrow is in decline in Wicomico county because of climate change. The state of Maryland lists the saltmarsh sparrow as a “species of greatest conservation need.” It is also known as an indicator species. An indicator species’ presence reflects the health of the surrounding environment [1]. If the bird is present, the ecosystem is known to be fairly healthy. If the bird is not common, it means that things might not be so great. This is the problem that is occurring in Wicomico County and many other counties on Maryland’s eastern shore. This bird is very rare in Wicomico county wetlands and is listed as an endangered species by the state. The saltmarsh sparrow is also on the American Bird Conservancy/Audubon WatchList [2].
The saltmarsh sparrow is one of the smallest coastal bird species, weighing in at less than one ounce. These small birds' population has been declining. Climate change and more specifically, sea level rise, has been the culprit of this decrease. The saltmarsh sparrow nests in the tidal wetlands that normally only get flooded once a month during high tides, but now this flooding is becoming much more frequent. If high tides are more frequent, the eggs tend to float away or the small chicks drown in the rising water levels. Some populations of birds are even adopting adaptations to sea level rise and flooding by behaviors such as nest replacement, fast post-flood renesting, nest repair, and egg retrieval. Because the saltmarsh sparrow is an obligate tidal-marsh specialist, it is only found in specific areas and that is what makes this a species of greatest concern. The populations have not many places to go when their nest sides are flooded out. The breeding success in many populations of saltmarsh sparrows, especially in the tidal wetlands of Wicomico county, is most often limited by high tides and severe storms that bring in large amounts of water such as
Nor'easters [3].
Nor'easters [3].
There were once more than 250,000 in the wild just fifteen years ago. Now their numbers total less than 50,000!
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References
1. What is an Indicator Species? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://eol.org/info/465
2. Salt Marsh Bird Survey. (2015, December 22). Retrieved from http://md.audubon.org/salt-marsh-bird-survey
3. Can the Saltmarsh Sparrow Keep Its Head Above Water? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/can-saltmarsh-sparrow-keep-head-water/
Header Photo: Stan Lupo, flickr.com
1. What is an Indicator Species? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://eol.org/info/465
2. Salt Marsh Bird Survey. (2015, December 22). Retrieved from http://md.audubon.org/salt-marsh-bird-survey
3. Can the Saltmarsh Sparrow Keep Its Head Above Water? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/can-saltmarsh-sparrow-keep-head-water/
Header Photo: Stan Lupo, flickr.com