2019 LEBANON COUNTY ENVIROTHON ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL WILDLIFE VOCABULARY

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1 2019 LEBANON COUNTY ENVIROTHON ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL WILDLIFE VOCABULARY 1. Adaptation: the process of making adjustments to the environment. Two examples include the opposable thumb of the opossum or the ability of the gray fox to climb trees. 2. Arboreal: living in or often found in trees, of or relating to trees. 3. Big Game: term for larger hunted species in Pennsylvania. This includes deer, elk, bear, and wild turkey. The enforcement of big game laws is an important part of the PA Game Commission s responsibilities. 4. Biodiversity: a term used to represent the variety of life forms in a given area. 5. Browse: to eat twigs and leaves from woody plants (method used by deer and elk to feed). 6. Buff: pale orange-brown color of the undyed leather of several animals. 7. Cache: (noun) a place for hiding, storing, or preserving treasure or supplies. (Verb) to hide or store in a cache. 8. Carnivore: a meat eater. 9. Carrion: the flesh of dead animals. 10. Conservation: the use of natural resources in a way that assures their continuing availability for future generations. 11. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): state agency responsible for environmental laws regarding pollution, water, air quality, and drilling. 12. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR): state agency responsible for the management of Pennsylvania s state parks and forests. 13. Diurnal: active by daylight; opposite of nocturnal. 14. Endangered: an endangered species is one which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a large part of its range. 15. Extinction: the condition of having been removed from existence. An animal or plant facing extinction is one in danger of vanishing from our world. 16. Feral: referring to domesticated animals gone wild; e.g., feral cats. 1

2 17. Food Chain: the transfer of food energy from the source in plants through a series of animals, with repeated eating and being eaten. 18. Furbearers: legal designation for mammals which may be managed, trapped, and hunted only under regulations of the PA Game Commission. Furbearers include raccoons, foxes, coyotes, opossums, skunks, weasels, fishers, mink, muskrat, and bobcats. 19. Game Animal: legal designation for animals which may be managed and hunted only under the regulations of the PA Game Commission. Small game in PA include pheasants, ruffed grouse, quail, cottontail rabbits, squirrels, and groundhogs. 20. Habitat: the arrangement of food, water, shelter, and space suitable to the needs of wildlife. 21. Habitat fragmentation: The partitioning of larger habitats into smaller more isolated parcels, usually as a result of development. Fragmentation of habitat can negatively affect the abundance and diversity of plants and animals in an area. 22. Herbivore: a plant eater. 23. Hibernation (hibernate): to spend the winter sleeping or resting. 24. Insectivore: an insect eater. 25. Invasive (species): a plant or animal species that has the ability to significantly displace desirable or native species. 26. Litter: a group of young animals that are born at a single time. 27. Marsupial: a type of animal (such as a kangaroo or an opossum) that carries its babies in a pocket of skin on the mother's stomach. 28. Migratory: in wildlife, birds or other animals which make annual migrations; i.e., travel great distances in seasonal movements. 29. Mustelid: a mammal of the weasel family (Mustelidae), distinguished by having a long body, short legs, and musky scent glands under the tail. 30. Native: a plant or animal species that was produced, grown, or originated in a certain region. 31. Nocturnal: active by night; the opposite of diurnal. 32. Nongame: all wildlife species which are not commonly hunted, killed, or consumed by humans, such as songbirds and birds of prey. 33. Non-native: in conservation terms, an organism that has been introduced into a new area. 34. Omnivore: an animal that eats both plant and animal materials. 2

3 35. Ornithology/Ornithologist: a branch of science that deals with the study of birds/someone who studies birds. 36. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC): the state agency responsible for the management and protection of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Also enforces boating and fishing regulations. 37. Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC): the state agency responsible for the protection and management of the wild birds and mammals. Enforces all hunting and trapping regulations. 38. Plumage: the feathers that cover the body of a bird. 39. Pollution: harmful substances deposited in the air, water, or land, leading to a state of dirtiness, impurity, and unhealthiness. 40. Predator: an animal that kills and eats other animals (prey). 41. Prey: animals that are killed and eaten by other animals (predators). 42. Rabies: a very serious and often fatal disease that affects mammals (such as dogs) and that can be passed on to people if an infected animal bites them. 43. Raptor: bird of prey 44. Reintroduction: a wildlife management technique where a species is reintroduced or brought back into historic range; replanting of animals in areas where they had become extinct. In Pennsylvania, the Game Commission has reintroduced bald eagles, osprey, elk, fishers, and river otters. 45. Renewable Resource: Living resources, such as plants and animals, which have the capacity to replace themselves when conditions for survival are favorable. 46. Rodent: a small animal (such as a mouse, rat, or squirrel) that has sharp front teeth. 47. Scavenger: an animal that feeds on carrion, dead plant material, or garbage. 48. Species of Concern: a species or vertebrate population for which there is concern or great uncertainty about its status. Species of Concern are not listed or protected under the Endangered Species Act. Instead, one of the goals of identifying a Species of Concern is to take proactive measures to address conservation needs and hopefully prevent the species from needing protection under the Endangered Species Act. 49. Threatened: in wildlife terms, a species present in its range but in danger because of a decline in numbers. 50. Venomous: capable of putting poison or venom into another animal's body usually by biting or stinging it. 3

4 2019 LEBANON COUNTY ENVIROTHON ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL WILDLIFE OBJECTIVES FIELD & MEADOW WILDLIFE ESSENTIAL TOPICS I. Knowledge of Field & Meadow Birds & Mammals a. Field & meadow wildlife species identification b. Natural history of field & meadow wildlife species c. Habitat/ecosystem types and associated wildlife II. Understanding Wildlife Ecology a. Survival requirements of field & meadow species and how they are met b. Ecosystem dynamics: Predator-prey relationships Energy flow-food chain, food web, food pyramid Succession (how a biological community evolves over time) c. Adaptations III. Conservation and Management of Wildlife a. Wildlife Management b. Improving/managing habitat for wildlife IV. Issues Involving Wildlife and Society a. Endangered and threatened species b. Habitat loss and fragmentation c. Impact of declining habitat d. Managing/planning for people and wildlife e. Non-native species; invasive species; introduced species 4

5 FOCUS: LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Knowledge of Field & Meadow Species a. Describe various roles of wildlife species in their ecosystems and be able to cite examples. b. Identify species from mounted specimens, pelts, skulls, pictures, or silhouettes. c. Describe ways habitat can be managed/improved for specific species. 2. Understanding Field & Meadow Wildlife Ecology a. Identify basic needs required by field & meadow species. b. Identify, describe, and explain specific anatomical, physiological and/or behavioral adaptations of species to the environment and how they help the animals survive. (i.e. hibernation, defense posturing, venomous, etc.). c. Describe predator-prey relationships, discuss physical adaptations of predator vs. prey species, and be able to cite examples. d. Describe and be able to model food chains, food webs, and be able to cite examples. e. Describe factors that limit or enhance population growth. f. Define and explain terms associated with wildlife biology and wildlife populations. 3. Conservation and Management of Wildlife a. Describe the role of the PA Game Commission as the state agency responsible for the protection and management of wild birds and mammals, and their habitat of Pennsylvania. b. Describe ways each person can help in the protection, conservation management, and enhancement of wildlife populations. 4. Issues Involving Field & Meadow Wildlife Species & Society a. Describe what makes one species more prone to becoming endangered than other species. b. Define and be familiar with the terms in the vocabulary list. c. Distinguish between native, non-native, and invasive species. Explain the impact of non-natives on natives. d. Describe the main causes that have led to depleted populations and describe measures being taken to help their recovery. e. Describe major causes of habitat loss in Pennsylvania and how habitat loss affects wildlife. FIELD & MEADOW WILDLIFE SPECIES - IDENTIFICATION STUDY LIST MAMMALS: BIRDS: Big Brown Bat Groundhog *American Kestrel Grasshopper Sparrow Cottontail Rabbit Least Shrew *Barn Owl Northern Bobwhite Quail Coyote Meadow Vole *Bobolink *Northern Harrier Eastern Mole Red Fox *Eastern Bluebird *Ring-necked Pheasant Fox Squirrel Thirteen Lined Squirrel *Eastern Meadowlark Short-eared Owl *Must know calls - please refer to the PA Ethon- PA Bird Songs CD or download the PA Ethon app. 5

6 BIRDS: OBJECTIVES-ROTATION 3/4 AMERICAN KESTREL: Kestrels, also known as sparrow hawks, have rusty red caps, backs and tails, and a black and white face pattern. Males have bluegray wings and females brown wings. The kestrel is the smallest falcon that nests in Pennsylvania. Its flight is uneven and will often perch on telephone lines or hover in one spot with rapidly beating wings. Its voice is a shrill killy, killy, killy. In summer, kestrels consume insects and occasionally birds; in winter, they prey mainly on mice. The American kestrel prefers open woods, orchards, and fields, and breed throughout the eastern United States. They nest in old tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, old buildings, and in nest boxes. BARN OWL: The barn owl is a long-legged, light colored bird with a white, heart-shaped face. It is sometimes called the monkey-faced owl. A barn owl has neither of two characteristics often associated with owls: horns or hootingtype calls. Its calls include a long, drawn-out whistle, loud hisses, and snores. Barn owls nest in barns, hollow trees, old buildings, silos, and church towers. Barn owls hunt open fields, flying low over the ground in search of prey. Biologists studied 200 disgorged pellets from a pair of barn owls that nested in a tower of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. The pellets contained 444 skulls, including 225 meadow mice, 179 house mice, 20 rats, and 20 shrews. The PA Game Commission began the Barn Owl Conservation Initiative in 2005, to improve habitat conditions for this nocturnal predator. If you discover barn owls nesting, please contact the Regional Office of the PA Game Commission. BOBOLINK: During the mating season, male and female bobolinks rarely interact with one another. For the most part, males perform aerial displays and sing their bubbly, tinkling songs from exposed grassy perches while the females carry out the nesting duties. Once the young have hatched, males become scarce. In early May, bobolinks are readily seen in the fields found at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. Bobolinks once benefited from increased agriculture in Pennsylvania, but modern practices, such as harvesting hay early in the season, continue to impact this songbird s population. At first glance, the female resembles a sparrow, but the male, with his dark belly and his gold and black upperparts, is colored like no other songbird. They feed on a variety of insects and also eat many seeds. 6

7 EASTERN BLUEBIRD: This songbird species nests across much of the East and winters south to Nicaragua. The male features a vivid blue back and wings and a ruddy breast. They favor semi-open habitats: orchards, pastures, hayfields, fence rows, open woodlots, and suburban gardens and parks. Bluebirds eat crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and many other insects, including spiders, centipedes, earthworms, and snails. In fall and winter they turn to fruits like the berries of sumac. The population of bluebirds in Pennsylvania probably peaked around 1900, when farmland covered two-thirds of the state; the number of bluebirds declined for many years as unproductive farmland was abandoned and grew back to forest. Non-native species like the European starling and English house sparrows have also had a negative impact on bluebird populations. Fortunately, bluebird numbers have risen over the last several decades, thanks to thousands of bluebird boxes put in place by people. ADULT MALE ADULT FEMALE EASTERN MEADOWLARK: Both males and females have a brown-streaked back and a bright yellow breast with a prominent black V with white outer tail-feathers. Meadowlarks are actually a member of the blackbird family. They live in pastures, hayfields, and strip mines that have been replanted in grass. Each spring, the eastern meadowlark can be observed in the fields at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. In summer they eat grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, ants, caterpillars, and many other insects. They also feed on seeds and waste grains. Males arrive 2 to 4 weeks before the females and stake out territories, which average 7 acres. The males perch on telephone poles, trees, and fence-posts, singing their sweet, slurred, whistling song. 60 to 80% of the males have two or three mates. The population has declined in the Northeast over the past 40 years as development has wiped out agricultural land and formerly farmed areas have grown into brush and woods. 7

8 GRASSHOPPER SPARROW: The grasshopper sparrow is named not for its diet, but rather for its buzzy, insect-like song. This sparrow is an open country bird that prefers grassy areas free of trees and shrubs. Grasshopper sparrows breed in widely scattered populations along the southern border of Canada and south across most of the United States. They breed widely in Pennsylvania but are more common in the southern half. These sparrows have benefitted from the reclamation of strip mines to grasslands. Due to habitat loss, nesting has not been documented recently where it had occurred in the Philadelphia area, such as Tinicum Marsh at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. NORTHERN BOBWHITE QUAIL: The northern bobwhite quail is one of the most popular game birds in North America. Since the mid-1960 s, the bobwhite s range and population have declined dramatically. Northern bobwhites were relatively common across southern Pennsylvania farmland and brush lands until Populations declined rapidly between 1945 and 1955, but made a recovery in the early 1960 s. Since 1966, the range and populations of bobwhites have declined to the point that most counties in the state no longer have bobwhites as a breeding species. In response to this continued decline, in 2011 the Pennsylvania Game Commission closed the hunting of quail in six Wildlife Management Units, all located in southeastern and south-central Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is on the northern fringe of the bobwhite s range. Two factors affect the state s quail population: habitat and climate. Without adequate habitat, the population will not succeed; and when winters are hard and long, bobwhite numbers plummet. 8

9 NORTHERN HARRIER: Harriers, also known as marsh hawks, have a white rump patch and a ruff of feathers around the face, much like the facial discs of owls. Males are bluish grey with dark bans. Females are brown above, light brown with dark streaks below; with barred, black and grey tails. Northern harriers inhabit fresh or saltwater marshes, wet meadows, bogs, and flat, open farmland. They prey on mice, insects, small birds, and rabbits. The marsh hawk hunts by flying low and slow over grasslands, striking when prey is located. This raptor is listed as a Species of Concern, because of its low population and vulnerability to mowing and loss of wetlands. RING-NECKED PHEASANT: An introduced (non-native) species, ring-necked pheasants are the hunter s bird - imported, stocked, and transferred to suitable habitats throughout the nation by wildlife agencies. Today, the ring-neck benefits everyone, providing opportunity for hunters, birdwatchers and nature lovers of all types. An adult male weighs 2.5 to 3.5 pounds; an adult female weighs 2 pounds. Males are called roosters, cocks, or cockbirds; females are hens. The rooster is brightly colored featuring scarlet cheek patches, a white neck ring usually interrupted in the front, a bright greenish-gray or bluish rump and lower back. Wildlife managers have long believed that habitat loss and land-use changes have caused a significant decline in pheasant populations. In recent years, thousands of farmland has been lost to development. Changing farming practices also include an increased use of pesticides and herbicides, which kill the insects and weedy cover vital to pheasants. 9

10 SHORT-EARED OWL: Also called the marsh owl, the shorteared owl visits Pennsylvania mainly in winter. It is a crowsized owl with long wings (up to a 42 wingspan). This owl is the most diurnal of the owls observed in Pennsylvania. During the snow goose migration in early-march, short-eared owls can be observed hunting fields at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. By winter s end, most of the species leave the state and head north. Mice form over 75% of this owl s diet, but it also preys on shrews, rats, and small birds. Listed as an endangered species by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, this owl is also considered a Species of Concern nationally. Short-eared owls have suffered, as have many other species associated with grasslands, from a decline in farmed land and changes in farming practices. 10

11 MAMMALS: BIG BROWN BAT: A large bat 4.5 long with a 12 wingspan, the common big brown bat is often seen around houses. Young are born in late spring. They grow rapidly, reaching adult size in about two months. An insectivore, the big brown bat normally feeds at dusk and dawn. They locate their food by echolocation. In Pennsylvania, the big brown bat hibernates with bats arriving in caves as early as October & into late December. It elects to hibernate close to the mouth of the cave. Long-lived, a big brown bat may reach the age of nine. They are born weighing only 2.5 grams, hairless & wrinkled. However, in six weeks time they will look the same as the adult. Big brown bat populations are suffering due to White-nose Syndrome (WNS). Named for the white fungus that appears on the muzzle and other body parts of hibernating bats, WNS is associated with the death of large numbers of bats. First found in New York state in , WNS has spread rapidly across Pennsylvania and the eastern United States and Canada, and the fungus has been detected as far west as Oklahoma. COTTONTAIL RABBIT: True rabbits are found nearly anywhere within Pennsylvania including neighborhood yards & fields. Measuring 11 to 17 & weighing two to four pounds, this rabbit features a white tail (hence its name). Litters average four or five naked, blind, babies that are big enough to leave the nest in two weeks & leave their mother in less than two months. Several litters a year are common. Due to predation, very few survive for more than a year, but a lifespan of up to 3 years is possible. Young normally make up 80% of the rabbit population. Rabbits are also prolific breeders due to the high amount of predation that occurs. Hawks, owls, fox, coyotes, weasels, and humans prey upon cottontail rabbits. In early spring many people find rabbit nests & not seeing the mother around bring the nest of bunnies inside. This should never be done since the mother is usually hiding within the area. 11

12 COYOTE: The largest canine in Pennsylvania, with males weighing 45 to 55 pound & measuring 48 to 60 inches, the eastern coyote is found throughout northeastern United States & southeastern Canada. Recent research shows that the coyotes may have interbred with gray wolves as they spread eastward. Analysis of DNA seems to confirm this fact. In the late 1960 s, it appears that coyotes entered northern Pennsylvania from the Catskill Mountains in New York, spreading south and west across the Commonwealth. Since 1990, the coyote can be found in every county within Pennsylvania. Considered a carnivore and a generalist (a mammal that can be found in a variety of habitats) the coyote uses field habitats to hunt for food such as meadow voles and other rodents. The Game Commission currently estimates the state coyote population at 40,000. EASTERN MOLE: This mole makes the mounds one finds in their yard. Moles dig two types of tunnels: deep tunnels (up to 2 ) where they nest and spend the winter and shallow tunnels along which they find insects and earthworms. They are classified as insectivores. Small, plump, underground creatures, moles feature velvety fur, no visible ears, and small eyes. They have powerful shoulders, a short neck, muscular front legs with shovel-like feet, and heavy claws-all features useful in digging. Measuring around 7 in length and weighing 1.5 ounces, the eastern mole is found throughout the United States except in mountainous areas. Weasels and snakes are potential predators, but within their tunnels moles have little to fear except floods and drought. Born pink and helpless they reach adult size and begin rooting for their own worms in only one month s time. 12

13 FOX SQUIRREL: This rodent is found mainly in western & northern counties. Their preferred habitat includes pastured woodlots, with a few big trees or the forest edge with open fields beyond. Much larger than its gray cousin, fox squirrels are 21 long (with a 10 tail) & weigh nearly two pounds. Fox squirrels have gray to reddish-gray upper parts and buff to pale-orange brown undersides. As an herbivore, fox squirrels feed on the nuts & seeds of black cherry, hickory, oak, walnut, beech, elm, maple, ash, and conifers. Occasionally, fox squirrels will feed on meat including songbirds and their eggs. Like other tree squirrels, fox squirrels do not hibernate in winter but will hole up & sleep through days of heavy snow or extreme cold. GROUNDHOG: A member of the rodent and squirrel family, the groundhog, is also known as the woodchuck, or whistle pig. Strictly an herbivore, the groundhog has adapted to small winter food supplies by hibernating. It is rare for a groundhog to emerge from its den in early February contrary to popular belief. The woodchuck measures approximately two feet long and weighs between 6 to 14 lbs. The groundhog is an exception within the rodent family since their teeth are white as opposed to orange or red. Like all rodents their teeth never finish growing and are worn down by gnawing. When the teeth aren t worn they can suffer from a malocclusion (when their teeth don t meet properly and the front incisors cannot be worn down). Breeding occurs in February with the young (normally a litter has three to four chucks) being born in April or May. At birth the young weigh about an ounce, are blind, naked, & utterly defenseless. It is estimated a groundhog will live eight to nine years. There are various predators of groundhogs including fox, coyotes, dogs, and man. Owls & hawks aren t strong enough to prey upon groundhogs except for the young. 13

14 LEAST SHREW: Shrews have long, pointed noses, beady eyes, and slender skulls. Their small ears are almost completely covered by short, velvety fur. Shrews are different than mice in that they have five toes on each foot (mice usually have only four toes on their front feet). Shrews are primarily insectivores and mice are herbivores. Possessing sharp, pointed teeth they are often darkly stained. Shrews also have beadier eyes and their nose is more pointed than mice. Active year-round, shrews eat almost continually. They are quick, aggressive, and may attack animals much larger than themselves. Favoring old meadows and areas along the edge of forests, least shrews are found throughout Pennsylvania. Measuring about 3 long and weighing under an ounce least shrews may nest in groups of a dozen or more, especially in winter. Mainly active at night, least shrews eat insects, earthworms, centipedes, millipedes, snails, frogs, and carrion. Shrews may raise several litters of young each year and they live less than two years. 14 MEADOW VOLE: Most common and prolific of the rodents. One female in captivity had 17 litters in one year. Litters range from 3 to 10 young. Young voles can care for themselves in 12 days and can reproduce within a month. They are one of the most important steps in the food chain of field habitats. The meadow vole resembles a shaggy, brown mouse, about 6 long with tiny black eyes & short ears almost hidden by fur. The tail is about 1 ¾ long or twice the length of the rear foot. Most mice species have long tails but the bog lemming & pine vole, feature tails about the same length as their rear foot. An herbivore, meadow voles feed on grasses, roots, grains & the inner bark of shrubs or trees. They don t hibernate, but will spend winters under the snow or in softball size nests they construct. Numerous predators depend on the meadow vole including weasels, crows, hawks, owls, skunks, opossums, bears, and snakes. A meadow vole may live for three years in captivity. However, in the wild most are lucky to live three months.

15 RED FOX: A common carnivore in Pennsylvania, the red fox measures 36 to 40 in length, weighs between 8 to 10 lbs., and is easily identified by its red fur, with a bushy tail tipped in white. Red fox are opportunists and feed primarily on rodents, other small mammals, carrion, poultry, and occasionally fruit & berries. Most biologists believe the red fox is a native species though they were introduced into the south for fox hunting. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the deep woods habitat wasn t suitable for red fox. However, with the clearing of the land for farming, the habitat became suitable for this member of the canine family. In winter, the red fox is a solitary predator but by January and February they begin to seek a mate. A red fox can live as long as 10 years. There are few predators of fox beside man. Bald eagles, coyotes, bobcats, and dogs take their share but man is the primary predator. The only areas of the United States that do not have red fox are southern California, parts of Nevada, and most of Arizona. THIRTEEN LINED GROUND SQUIRREL: Generally, a species of the plains and prairie, measuring 8 to 12 long. An omnivore, they feed upon insects, mice, and small birds. This ground squirrel hibernates within a grass-lined chamber at the end of a long tunnel. In Pennsylvania, the thirteen-lined ground squirrel is found within Venango and Mercer Counties in the northwestern part of the state. This species was introduced, but has not spread to other parts of Pennsylvania. Introduced (non-native) in 1919 from specimens found in the area of the Rocky Mountains. It is around 11 in length and sports a 4 tail. They will cache food. However, indications are that this food is for periods of poor weather and do not feed on this food during hibernation. They also do not cache food that can spoil. They will store food such as seeds and plant materials, but will eat meat on the spot. As far as known, this species does not drink water, but meets its water requirements through the foods they eat. 15