Ecology and Management of Blackbirds (Icteridae) in North America

DR. GEORGE LINZ is a recently retired Research Wildlife Biologist at the National Wildlife Research Center. He served as the North Dakota Field Station Leader and the Blackbird-Sunflower research project leader for 25 years. Dr. Linz has led multiple studies in basic and applied wildlife biology, including (1) prevalence of avian-borne diseases in dairies and feedlots, (2) use of aquatic herbicides for altering roost habitat favored by blackbirds in North Dakota, (3) migration patterns of blackbirds in relation to sunflower damage, and (4) use of alternative feeding sites (wildlife conservation sunflower plots) for reducing blackbird damage to crops. DR. MICHAEL AVERY is the Project Leader of the National Wildlife Research Center's Florida Field Station in Gainesville. He is recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in a number of wildlife management areas including avian collisions with manmade structures (towers, powerlines, etc.); avian damage to grain and fruit crops; repellents and chemical deterrents; avian contraception methods. DR. RICHARD DOLBEER is a retired Research Wildlife Biologist at the National Wildlife Research Center and USDA APHIS Science Advisor. He served as project leader of the Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Sandusky, OH, field station from 1971-2002. Dr. Dolbeer led several research programs focused on resolving wildlife-human conflicts, from blackbird depredations in grain crops to aircraft engines ingesting birds.

History of Research and Management, Policy and Regulations of Blackbirds. Red-winged Blackbirds. Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Common Grackles. Brown-headed Cowbirds. Effects of Habitat and Climate Change on Blackbird Populations. Population Dynamics and Management of Blackbird Populations. Repellents. Frightening Devices. Evading Strategies. Case Study: Using Harvest Theory and the Prescribed Take Level Framework to Assess Allowable Take of a Population of Red-winged Blackbirds in the northern Great Plains. The Economic Impacts of Bird Damage to Crops. The Future of Blackbird Management in United States.