Appalachian Mountains

Description: Included in this area are the Blue Ridge, the Ridge and Valley Region, the Cumberland Plateau, the Ohio Hills, and the Allegheny Plateau. The rugged terrain is generally dominated by oak-hickory and other deciduous forest types at lower elevations and by various combinations of pine, hemlock, spruce, and fir in higher areas. While flatter portions are in agricultural use, the majority of most segments of this region are forested. Priority forest birds include Cerulean Warbler at low elevations and Blackthroated Blue Warbler at high elevations. Golden-winged Warblers are in early successional areas, and Henslow’s Sparrows are in grasslands. While not as important for waterfowl as coastal regions, the Appalachian region contains the headwaters of several major eastern river systems that are used by various waterfowl species during migration. In addition, large wetland complexes, such as Canaan Valley in West Virginia, and isolated beaver-created wetlands provide habitat for Wood Duck breeding.

Bird Conservation Plans
Landbirds - Southern Blue Ridge, Northern Ridge and Valley, Allegheny Plateau, Ohio Hills
Shorebirds - N/A
Waterbirds - Southeast U.S.
Waterfowl - Atlantic Coast Joint Venture Waterfowl Implementation Plan
All Birds - Appalachian Mountain Bird Conservation Initiative Concept Plan

Joint Venture area: Atlantic Coast
Brian W. Smith, BCR Coordinator
Appalachian Mountains BCR Coordinator
American Bird Conservancy
3761 Georgetown Road
Frankfort, KY 40601

Andrew Milliken, JV Coordinator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley, MA 01035-9589

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