Oregon Vesper Sparrow – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Overview

Species Common Name Oregon Vesper Sparrow
Species Scientific Name Pooecetes gramineus affinis
Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Klamath Mountains

The Klamath Mountains ecoregion covers much of southwestern Oregon, including the Umpqua Mountains, Siskiyou Mountains, and interior valleys and foothills between these and the Cascade Range. The Rogue watershed has the largest population of any coastal watershed in Oregon (Jackson County, Josephine County, and a portion of Curry County). Several popular and scenic rivers run …

Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley ecoregion is bounded on the west by the Coast Range and on the east by the Cascade Range. This long mostly level alluvial plain has some scattered areas of low basalt, and contrasts with productive farmland and large urban areas. It has the fastest-growing human population in the state resulting in challenges due to land-use changes.

Special needs

Oregon Vesper Sparrows use grasslands with high structural diversity for foraging and nesting. These typically include grassy areas interspersed with trees and shrubs and some bare ground.

Limiting factors

Declines of Oregon Vesper Sparrows have been linked to loss of grassland habitat. Infestation by invasive plants and lack of fire have degraded many remaining grasslands. Agricultural practices (timing of mowing) also threaten this species. Oregon Vesper Sparrows are susceptible to predation by cats, ground squirrels, skunks, and raccoons.

Data gaps

Measure Oregon Vesper Sparrow response to restoration activities.

Conservation actions

Maintain or restore grassland habitat. Increase plant diversity for greater insect diversity. Control key invasive plants. In the Willamette Valley, reduce or avoid mechanical operations during nesting (mid-May to mid-July).

Key reference or plan

The Willamette Valley Landowner's Guide to Creating Habitat for Grassland Birds