Population trends and habitat occurrence of forest birds on southern national forests, 1992-2004

We determined population trends and habitat occurrences for bird species in 14 national forests located in the Southern Region from 1992-2004. We estimated population trends for 144 species within: 14 national forests, 10 physiographic areas, and in the Southern Region as a whole. Habitat occurrences were estimated for 114 species based on 13 forest types and four successional stages. We discussed results for 48 species of management concern along with information compiled on conservation status and the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Breeding Bird Survey population trend estimates. There was evidence that populations increased for 42 species and decreased for 38 species on national forests in the Southern Region as a whole. Trends for many species varied widely across physiographic areas and national forests. Most species were found across a variety of habitats, though associations with particular forest types and structural conditions were often apparent.