What conflicting population assessment data is noted for the Common Yellowthroat in Massachusetts?

Answer

Its footprint is stable or increasing, but abundance shows a significant decline

Analyzing regional data, particularly in Massachusetts, reveals a complex conservation challenge for the Common Yellowthroat, illustrating that widespread distribution does not always equate to healthy population numbers. Concurrent data from two different surveys show a dichotomy: the species maintains a stable or slightly increasing geographical *footprint*, occupying nearly 97% of surveyed blocks according to the second Breeding Bird Atlas. However, the Breeding Bird Survey data for the same area indicates a definite and significant decline in *abundance*. This suggests that while the birds still inhabit many areas, fewer individuals are present in those locations, leading to eroding local density, which necessitates continued monitoring and conservation focus.

What conflicting population assessment data is noted for the Common Yellowthroat in Massachusetts?
birdornithologywildlifewarblersongbird