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The Guam rail (Gallirallus owstoni) was once a common bird on the Pacific island of Guam. In the early 1980's, however, this species, along with seven other native forest birds, [...]

The Guam rail (Gallirallus owstoni) was once a common bird on the Pacific island of Guam. In the early 1980's, however, this species, along with seven other native forest birds, [...]

Most published maps depict the western boundary of the breeding range of the eastern Purple Martin (Progne subis subis) to be east of the actual distribution. On the western extent of its breeding range the eastern Purple Martin occurs in low densities and primarily in towns, where it nests almost exclusively in provisioned and managed bird housing. Our photo documentation of eastern Purple Martins nesting in provisioned housing in Clovis, New Mexico, was the second record of nesting in Eastern New Mexico, and we believe justified an adjustment to the described breeding range of this subspecies. In addition to our own records, our review of the literature revealed several records of nesting that are worthy of elaboration in context to uniqueness in location on the western periphery of the eastern Purple Martin's breeding range, the timeframe of the record, or type of nest structure used. Records of this type may be useful in terms of growing conservation interest in this declining aerial insectivore, particularly as it relates to the eastern Purple Martin's historical occurrence in the Great Plains and its past and future adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report four instances of breeding by the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) in three areas of New Mexico in 2014, the first confirmed breeding for the state and southernmost known for interior North America. A nest and two prefledged juveniles plus a family group were at two sites in Otero County, a pair with one pre-fledged juvenile was found in Luna County, and a family group was observed in Roosevelt County. Each area had received substantial precipitation in September 2013, resulting in increased vegetative cover and growth of annual plants, presumably increasing small mammal prey for owls. Regurgitated pellets collected from the Otero County sites revealed that the Short-eared Owls preyed mainly on heteromyid rodents. Breeding should be considered possible for birds detected in March and later in areas south of the normal range when conditions are favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]