Introduction
The yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) is an uncommon but fairly widespread breeder in BCR 14. It prefers low, dense, shrubby deciduous vegetation. This bird is declining throughout its range. It is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in one or more states in BCR 14.
Habitat Needs
This cuckoo is most abundant in second growth deciduous forests with scattered openings, and edges containing shrubs.
Its territory ranges from 11 to 50 acres.
Habitat Management Practices
Provide 10 to 20-acres of sapling to pole-sized stands in areas that will produce northern hardwoods.
When assessing properties for habitat potential for this bird, look for soils that produce northern hardwood on lower slopes such as Berkshire, Peru or Bernadston, Bice, Charlton, Sutton, Becket, Bernardston, Canterbury, Henniker, Marlow, Montauk, Paxton, Plaisted, Dixfield, Gilmanton, Howland, Metacomet, Pittstown, Scituate, Skerry, Woodbridge. There are other similar soils in BCR 14 depending on the location.
Silvicultural Practices
- Even-aged management with 120-year rotation with entries at 10-year intervals.
- The cut units should be at least 10 acres.
- Recently cut areas will provide the necessary scattered openings within the management unit along with the log landings and access roads and skid trails.