(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
                                Species CROW, MARIANA
                                Species Id ESIS101032
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



TAXONOMY

NAME - CROW, MARIANA OTHER COMMON NAMES - CROW, MARIANA; CROW, MARIANAS; CROW and GUAM; AGA ELEMENT CODE - CATEGORY - Birds PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA, CLASS AND SUBCLASS - AVES, ORDER AND SUBORDER - PASSERIFORMES, FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CORVIDAE, GENUS AND SUBGENUS - CORVUS, SPECIES AND SSP - KUBARYI, SCIENTIFIC NAME - CORVUS KUBARYI AUTHORITY - TAXONOMY REFERENCES - COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY - Mariana Crow Corvus kubaryi Reichenow, 1885 KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Bird PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Aves ORDER: Passeriformes FAMILY: Corvidae A small black crow with a slight greenish black gloss on the head; back, wings and tail with bluish-black gloss; underparts with dull greenish-black gloss; bases of feathers light grayish, more nearly white on neck producing a somewhat ragged appearance; nasal bristles short but extending over nostrils and base of culmen; bill and feet black; iris dark brown. Female smaller. Immature resembles adult, but feathers with less gloss; wings and tail browner (01), but this characteristic may be of limited use in the field (02). Fledglings plumage is "ragged" looking, with white showing through from the bases of the feathers at numerous locations on the neck, back, and breast. Lower mandible near base has pink-tan showing (03). Taxonomic names and synonyms that have been ascribed to Corvus kubaryi are listed below (01). Corvus solitarius Kittlitz 1836 Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy Species CROW, MARIANA Species Id ESIS101032 Date 14 MAR 96 Corvus spp. Hartlaub 1854 Corvus kubaryi Reichenow 1885 Corone phillipina Wiglesworth 1891 Corone kubaryi Wiglesworth 1891 Corvus kubaryi Hartert 1898 Other common names used in the literature for Corvus kubaryi are Guam Crow and Marianas Crow. The indigenous people of Guam, the Chammarros, call Corvus kubaryi "Aga". There are 19 specimens in the American Museum of National History, New York (04), 26 at the U.S. National Museum of National History, Washington, D.C. (01), and 1 at the Bishop Museum (22). There may be additional specimens in other museums. Photographs of the Mariana Crow are held by the Guam Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources. Taxonomy - 2
                                  (DRAFT) - Status
                                Species CROW, MARIANA
                                Species Id ESIS101032
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



STATUS

Coded Status E: Federal Endangered Non-consumptive recreational COMMENTS ON STATUS - U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS: The Mariana crow (Corvus kubaryi) has been designated an Endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended. The species has this status wherever found including the Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Rota). This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring): (1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of any State law or regulation, or foreign law; or (2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law, treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law. It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S. territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in 18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian tribal law. RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES: USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and law enforcement/protection of this species. DOD -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this species with applicable State and Federal laws on public land under their control. Also responsible for management/recovery on Department of Defense lands. All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402), and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of the species. STATE STATUSES AND LAWS: Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status Species CROW, MARIANA Species Id ESIS101032 Date 14 MAR 96 TERRITORY: Guam DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources STATE STATUTE: Endangered Species Act of Guam, 1981; Guam Public Law 15-36, June 18, 1979. COMMONWEALTH: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands DESIGNATED STATUS: None. INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS: The species is not listed by CITES, but is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red Data Book. ECONOMIC STATUSES: On Guam this species was a common, endemic insectivore sought by bird watchers. The species was also important as a dispersal vector for seeds of native forest trees. In the past hunting may have added an additional stress on the population, but presently there is no evidence to suggest illegal hunting is responsible for the recent declines. 79/05/18:44 FR 29128/29130 - Notice of review of status 79/06/13:44 FR 33915 - Extension of comment period. 81/05/12:46 FR 26464/26409 - Petition acceptance and status review 83/11/29:48 FR 53729/53733 - Proposed listing 84/01/20:49 FR 02485/02488 - Notice: proposed listing warranted 84/08/27:49 FR 33881/33885 - Final rule, listed as Endangered Status - 2
     

HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS

HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL TERRESTRIAL LAND USE - Orchards, Groves, Vineyards, Nurseries, Evergreen Forest Land Mixed Forest Land COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS - The Mariana crow is still found in the wild on Guam, but is primarily confined to limestone forest and mixed forest areas in extreme northern Guam. It also utilizes old coconut plantations in Northern coastal Guam. The Mariana crow's preference for mature native forest on Guam has been noted by several authors (11,12,13). Baker (01) found the crow confined to coconut plantations and forest areas and only infrequently found it in areas of human habitation. In 1983 during a survey of northern Guam by the Guam Dept. of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (14) and Jenkins (02), this latter observation was confirmed by noting the presence of the crow in mature forest (native, mixed woodland and second growth) on Anderson Air Force Base and it's absence in areas of human habitation such as base housing, active airfield areas, and other locations around buildings with high human usage. Tomback (15), during a two week study on Guam and Rota in July of 1980, listed 13 plant species used by the crow for foraging and other activities. Eleven of these species were native and typical of limestone forest and coastal strand. The two exceptions were Leucaena leucocephala and Mangifera indica. During a study of the crow in the fall of 1985, Michael and Beck (16) found the crow restricted to mature forest in the Northwest Field and Conventional Weapons Storage Area on Anderson Air Force Base (AAFB), primarly using emergent trees such as Ficus prolixa and Elaeocarpus joga from which to view and defend their territory and in which to build nests. Both Baker (01) and Jenkins (02) reported crow nests in Ficus prolixa tree in an area of mature mixed woodland-native forest on Northwest Field, AAFB. The second pair unsuccesfully incubated eggs in at least 10 successive nests in at least 6 different emergent Elaeocarpus joga trees in native forest at the Conventional Weapons Storage area on AAFB over a 6 month period. Habitat usage of the Mariana crow on Rota has been little studied, but Baker (01), Pratt et al. (17), and Engbring and Ramsey (18) found the crow on Rota to be similar to that he observed on Guam. Tomback (15) found the crow on Rota only in limestone (native) forest and coastal strand vegetation. Habitat Associations - 1
                                (DRAFT) - Food Habits
                                Species CROW, MARIANA
                                Species Id ESIS101032
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



FOOD HABITS

TROPHIC LEVEL - OMNIVORE LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART General General Forb Flowers/Fruit/Seed General Evergreen Shrubs-Flowers/Fruit/Seed General Arthropods General Crustaceans General Molluscs General Worms General Amphibia General Reptilia General Aves Food Habits - 1
                         (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
                                Species CROW, MARIANA
                                Species Id ESIS101032
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS

G = General A = Adult LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae L = Larvae E = Egg RL = Resting Larvae FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS G Coastal Features: Vegetated offshore islands Environment Associations - 1
                               (DRAFT) - Life History
                                Species CROW, MARIANA
                                Species Id ESIS101032
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



LIFE HISTORY

FOOD HABITS: The Mariana crow is an omnivorous, opportunistic feeder that is known to feed on insects, lizards, hermit crabs, fruits, seeds, flowers, and according to Jenkins (02), occasionally foliage and bark. Tomback (15) also observed the crow feeding on leaves and possibly bark. It may also consume worms, mollusks, and amphibians. Michael and Beck (16) during a study in the fall of 1985, found the crow feeding primarily on animal matter and did not observed it feeding on bark or foliage although much time was spent there by the crow apparently searching for insects. Fledglings on Rota were observed tearing up dead bark and leaves apparently in search of insects (03). It forages on the ground as well as in the forest canopy (02,19). The Mariana crow also apparently feeds on other birds eggs (20). HOME RANGE/TERRITORY: On Guam, Michael and Beck (16) during a study in the Fall and Winter of 1985 observed the following territorial behavior. The Mariana crow defends its nesting-foraging territory with both male and female participating. Their two to three acre territory often contains several emergent trees, typically Elaeocarpus joga or Ficu spp. from which the crows view the territory and call to warn intruders, both individuals and groups, before actively chasing and sometimes physically attacking them. There are often several old nests in a territory in addition to an active one. It is not known if there is seasonal variation in the size or shape of territories. PERIODICITY: The Mariana crow is a diurnally active species. While breeding appears to be year round (see subtitle of this field "REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS"), Marshall (13) has suggested that the crow does not breed during June, July, and August. MIGRATION PATTERNS: The Mariana crow apparently does not seasonally migrate although nothing is known concerning possible movement, if any, between Guam and Rota (08). As many as 68 individuals have been observed at roosts sites (14). The movements of these individuals (apparently not breeding individuals) is not currently understood. COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS: No information exists in the cover requirements for this species but see the field "N-HABITAT" (Habitat Associations) for a description of habitat preferences. REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS: Typically, the crow builds a stick nest on a forking horizontal branch on the outer part of the tree strong enough to support the large structure (16). The nests are located high in emergent Ficus or Elaeocarpus trees (02,16) in mature forest. The nest are 2 to 2.5 foot in diameter and is made of dead sticks approximately 1/4 inch in diameter, with a four to five inch cup lined with grasses (16). Nest Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History Species CROW, MARIANA Species Id ESIS101032 Date 14 MAR 96 site locations ranged from 15 feet to 55 feet high (16). Currently, the Guam (only) population is not reproducing, most likely due to egg/hatchling predation by snakes. REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS: Little is known of the reproductive biology of the Mariana crow. It apparently nests year-round (02) although Marshall (13) suggested that this species does not breed in May, June or July. Nesting has been observed in March (01,03), May, June, Sept., Oct., and Nov. (21), and October through February (16). Clutch and brood sizes are not well known (02). One nest was observed on Guam containing one egg in October 1985 (16). On Rota one adult pair was observed with two fledglings and another pair with one fledgling in March, 1986 (03). Jenkins (02) observed a pair of crows with two fledglings and a single adult with one fledgling. Both adults participate in all aspects of the construction of the nest (16). The female does all of the incubating at night and most of the incubation during the day with the male relieving the female for only short periods of five or ten minutes at a time (16). While the female does leave the nest during the day to forage, the male will feed the female on the nest several times a day (16). Incubation time is unknown but during a study of the crow on Guam in the Fall-Winter of 1985-86, a crow pair incubated for as long as 18 days on two ocassions before abandoning the nest due presumably to predation from the brown tree snake (16). PARENTAL CARE: The breeding biology of the Mariana crow is little studied. The time required for development of the altricial young is unknown. Both parents participate in the care of the young (02). Apparently an extensive learning period is necessary for the young (02), with fledglings closely following their parents, begging for food, and learning the foraging patterns (02,03). Both parents defend the nest site, although the male plays a greater role then the female (16). The duration of the pair bond is unknown. POPULATION BIOLOGY: Current limiting factors affecting the Mariana crow on Guam and Rota are unknown with the exception of the predation by the brown tree snake reducing the population on Guam (05) as described in field "N-REASON" (reasons for status). On Guam, the reproductive rate appears to be very low or non-existant based on the lack of fledglings found on Guam and the lack of nest success found during a study of the crow on Guam in the Fall-Winter of 1985-86 (16). SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS: Interspecific interactions of the Mariana crow with other forest birds are common (02). Jenkins reported the crow chasing Mariana fruit-doves (Ptilinopus roseicapillus). Crows apparently steal other birds eggs (20). Beck (03) observed the crow on Guam attempting to rob eggs from a nest of Rufous-fronted fantails (Rhipidura rufifrons uraniae and then being mobbed by both the fantail pair in question and an adjacent Guam broadbill (Myiagra freycineti). Micronesian starlings (Aplonis opaca guami), and the Collared kingfisher Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History Species CROW, MARIANA Species Id ESIS101032 Date 14 MAR 96 (Halcyon chloris orii), on Rota will chase crows in their territory (03). Marshall and Beck (03) observed a Micronesian fingfisher (Halcyon c. cinamomina), pair being successfully displaced from a territory in which they had previously fledged a chick by Mariana crows. The crows are subject to repeated attacks in flight by the recently intriduced Black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) (02), but Maban (10) concluded that the drongo is not restricting the range of the crow and other forest birds on Guam. OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS: Other information is available. Life History - 3
                           (DRAFT) - Management Practices
                                Species CROW, MARIANA
                                Species Id ESIS101032
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE Beneficial Suppressing wildfire Beneficial Land Acquisition Beneficial Reforestation Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates Beneficial Controlling/Removing Feral Animals Adverse Predation Existing Predation Adverse Applying pesticides Existing Applying pesticides Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - Predation of eggs, young and adults by the introduced nocturnal brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis), is thought to be responsible for the present decline of the Mariana crow and other forest birds on Guam (05). The Mariana crow is apparently not declining on Rota (06). Recently, introduced diseases were considered as possible causes for both the range reductions and extinctions noted for most native forest birds on Guam, but no infectious organisms have been isolated on Guam that could account for the decline (05). Feral dogs, cats and rats which are found on both Guam and Rota are not thought to be a major factor in the decline of the crow (05). There have been major changes in Guam's vegetation before, during, and after World War II (07). However, substantial native habitat still remains on Guam and habitat degradation is not thought to be a major factor at present. If present development patterns continue to reduce and segment the dwindling available mature forest, recovery of the Mariana crow may be hindered because of it's apparent requirement of mature forest with little human usage (08). While pesticides may have been a factor in the past, an intensive pesticide survey conducted in 1981 on Guam, concluded that pesticides were not a significant factor at present (09). While agonistic interactions between the Mariana crow and the Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocerus), have been noted (02), Maben (10) found competition to be an unlikely factor in the decline on Guam. Hunting may have stressed the crow on both Guam and Rota but there is no evidence to suggest it was responsible for the recent decline of the crow on Guam (08). APPROVED PLAN: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1987. Endangered Native Forest Birds of Guam and Rota, Mariana Islands Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR. 110 pp. Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species CROW, MARIANA Species Id ESIS101032 Date 14 MAR 96 Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species CROW, MARIANA Species Id ESIS101032 Date 14 MAR 96 The recent, drastic decline of forest bird populations on Guam has been one of the most alarming and challenging endangered species problem of modern times. Current evidence points to an efficient predator of small birds, the brown tree snake, as the culprit. Once thought to be relatively resistent to snake predation, the Mariana crow population on Guam has dwindled to just a few birds. In contrast, the population on Rota remains healthy. The species is included in the Endangered Native Forest Birds (for Guam and Rota of the Mariana Islands) Recovery Plan. The plan recommends among its primary objectives maintaining the population on Rota at present levels and to restore the Guam population to a sustainable level, the minimum number to be determined by further study. In addition, it is imperative to develop methods of reducing predation by brown tree snakes; this action would then allow expansion of the wild population and reintroduction of captive birds back into their historic range. Down-listing to threatened status would occur once predation from snakes is under control and crows again occupy all essential habitat. The recovery plan recommends the following actions for the Endangered forest birds of the Marianas: (1) develop cooperative agreements among the USFWS, the Government of Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, for protection and recovery of forest birds; (2) conduct annual status surveys of endangered forest birds; (3) develop a captive breeding program for all species; (4) reduce avian mortality in the field by monitoring for disease, preventing diseases and their vectors from becoming established, monitoring for pesticides, and particularly a program for controlling predation by snakes, specifically by: (a) research on the biology and ecology of the tree snake, (particularly in its native geographical range), (b) develop control methods, (c) implement control measures, and (d) prevent transport of snakes to Rota; (5) protect and manage essential habitat; (6) conduct additional research necessary for refinement recovery tasks and goals, including rehabilitating habitat and encouraging vegetation regrowth in denuded areas, controlling alien organisms, identifying habitat requirements of endangered birds, and developing criteria for delisting these endangered species; (7) develop methods for reintroducing endangered birds to essential habitat and implement where appropriate; and (8) develop a public awareness program. Recovery actions ongoing or accomplished for Guam's forest birds include: (1) legal protection and law enforcement, (2) protection of essential habitat, including establishment of 6 small natural area reserves held by the Territory or by the military, (3) ongoing captive breeding program (but not yet for the crow), (4) a completed public education program (which should be reinstated), (5) and extensive research on avian diseases and biology of the brown tree snake. Virtually all of these activities have been initiated and carried out by the Government of Guam, in cooperation with the USFWS. Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species CROW, MARIANA Species Id ESIS101032 Date 14 MAR 96 Management Practices - 4
                                   (DRAFT) - References
                                  Species CROW, MARIANA
                                  Species Id ESIS101032
                                      Date 14 MAR 96



     

References

***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE ***** 01 Baker, R.H. 1951. The avifauna of Micronesia, its origin, evolution, and distribution. Univ. Kansas Publ., Mus. Nat. Hist. 3:1-359. 02 Jenkins, J.M. 1983. The native forest birds of Guam. Ornith. Monogr. No. 31. 61 pp. 03 Beck, R.E. Jr. Unpub. data. Div. of Aquatic and Wildl. Res., Dept. of Agric., Agana, Guam 96910. 04 Lanyon, W.E. Pers. comm. Am. Mus. of Nat. Hist., Central Park West at 79th St., New York, N.Y. 10024. 05 Savidge, J.A. 1986. The role of disease and predation in the decline of Guam's avifauna. Ph.D. Thesis. Univ. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. 06 Engbring, J. and F.C. Ramsey. In Press. Pacific islands forest bird survey. Saipan, Tinian, Aguiguan, and Rota. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Ser., Honolulu, HI. 224 pp. 07 Fosberg, F.R. 1960. The vegetation of Micronesia. Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. 119(1):1-75. 08 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Recovery Plan for the Native Forest Birds of Guam and Rota, Mariana Islands. Tech. Draft. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Honolulu, Hawaii. 107 pp. 09 Grue, C.E., C.M. Fecko, and A.J. Krynitsky. 1985. In Press. Pesticides are not responsible for recent declines in native bird populations on Guam. Micronesica. 10 Maban, A.F. 1982. The feeding ecology of the black drongo, Dicrurus macrocercus, on Guam. M.S. Thesis. Univ. Calif., Long Beach. 11 Seale, A. 1901. Report of a mission to Guam. Occas. Paper. Bernice P. Bishop Mus. 1:17-128. 12 Strophet, J.J. 1946. Birds of Guam. Auk 53:539-540. 13 Marshall, J.T., Jr. 1949. The endemic avifauna of Saipan, Tinian, Guam and Palau. The Condor 51:200-221. 14 Wiles, G.J. Unpubl. data. Div. of Aquatic and Wildl. Res., P.O. Box 2950, Agana, Guam 96910. 15 Tomback, D. 1986. Observations on the behavior and ecology of the Mariana crow. The Condor 88:398-401. 16 Michael, G. and R.E. Beck, Jr. Unpubl. data. Philad. Zool. Soc., 34th and Girard Ave. Philad, PA. 19104. Div. of Aquatic and Wildl. Res., Dept. of Agric., Govt. of Guam, P.O. Box 2950, Agana, Guam 96910. 17 Pratt, H.D., P.L. Bruner, and D.G. Berrett. 1979. America's unknown avifauna: the birds of the Mariana Islands. Amer. Birds 33:227-235. 18 Engbring, J. and F.L. Ramsey. 1984. Distribution and abundance of the forest birds of Guam: results of a 1981 survey. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS-84/20. 54 pp. 19 Savidge, J.A. Unpubl. data. Div. of Aquatic and Wildl. Res., Dept. of Agric., Govt. of Guam, P.O. Box 2950 Agana, Guam 96910. 20 Beaty, J.J. 1967. Guam's remarkable birds. South Pacific Bull. 21:37-40. References - 1 (DRAFT) - References Species CROW, MARIANA Species Id ESIS101032 Date 14 MAR 96 21 Guam Div. of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources. Field Notes. Guam Div. of Aquatic and Wildl. Res., Dept. of Agric., Govt. of Guam, P.O. Box 2950, Aguana, Guam 96910. 22 Pyle, Robert. 1987. Pers. comm. Bishop Museum, Honolulu, HI. ***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY ***** 01 Baker, R.H. 1951. The avifauna of Micronesia, its origin, evolution, and distribution. Univ. Kansas Publ., Mus. Nat. Hist. 3:1-359. 02 Jenkins, J.M. 1983. The native forest birds of Guam. Ornith. Monogr. No. 31. Am. Ornitholgists Union. Wash., D.C. 61 pp. 03 Engbring, J. and F.L. Ramsey. 1984. Distribution and abundance of the forest birds of Guam: results of a 1981 survey. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. FWS/OBS-84/20. 54 pp. 04 Michael, G. and R.E. Beck, Jr. Unpub. data. Phila. Zool. Soc., 34th and Girard Ave., Phila., Pa. 19104. Dept. of Agric., Div. of Aquatic and Wildl. Res. 05 Engbring, J. and F.C. Ramsey. In Press. Pacific islands forest bird survey. Saipan, Tinian, Aguiguan, and Rota. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Honolulu, HI. 224 pp. References - 2