Bird Conservation Region 24
Central
Hardwoods
Description: The Ozark Mountains on the west and
Interior Low Plateaus on the east are geologically similar to each other
but are bisected by the floodplain of the Mississippi River and its
larger tributaries. The entire area is dominated by an oak-hickory deciduous
forest inhabited by interior forest species, such as Cerulean Warbler,
Worm-eating Warbler, and Louisiana Waterthrush. The region includes
some of the most extensive forests in the middle of the continent and
is probably a source for populations of these birds for many surrounding
areas. Among early succession birds, this is the last major stronghold
of the Eastern Bewick’s Wren. Restoration of prairie, glade, and
barren habitat is a conservation priority. Although Wood Ducks are the
primary breeding waterfowl, the region holds more significance for waterfowl
as a migratory staging area. The floodplains of the river systems exhibit
a diversity of habitats (e.g., floodplain forests, emergent wetlands,
and submerged aquatic beds), all of which are utilized by migrating
waterfowl. Large concentrations of waterfowl, including Mallard, Lesser
Scaup, and Canvasback, are common during both spring and fall migration.
Threats to the habitats of the region include agricultural conversion
of floodplain habitats and urbanization.
Bird
Conservation Plans
Landbirds
- Interior
Low Plateaus, Ozarks/Ouachitas
Shorebirds - Upper
Mississippi Valley/Great Lakes
Waterbirds - Upper
Mississippi Valley/Great Lakes
Waterfowl - Upper
Mississippi River/Great Lakes Region
All Birds - Central Hardwoods
Joint Venture Strategic Plan
Note: Hawaii (not shown) is BCR 67